Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Alvaro Martinez; Raul Fernandez; Brad Anderson; & Sal Cipriano
Cover Art by Yasmine Putri
SUMMARY:
Entitled “Intelligence, Part 4: Ghost in the Shell,” it was published under DC Comics’ Rebirth banner for September 2017. A flashback at the Zataras’ ancestral home, Shadowcrest, shows teenage Bruce Wayne learn of fellow teen Zatanna and her father/Bruce’s mentor, Giovanni “John” Zatara’s true magical powers.
In the present-day, Zatanna Zatara confesses her regrets to Bruce, particularly as she sensed that they wouldn’t share a romantic future. In a dream-like ‘Heavenscape,’ Jean-Paul (aka Azrael) defies the malevolent Ascalon. Azrael’s physical form battles Batwoman & Cassandra Cain while a costume-less Luke Fox (aka Batwing) seeks armored assistance. With Batman, Zatanna helps subdue Azrael and tends to an injured Batwoman. The team’s Belfry is ominously surrounded. Luke Fox reveals a means to save Jean-Paul from Ascalon.
Note: Though the image isn’t included, artist Rafael Albuquerque created a variant cover.
REVIEW:
As writer James Tynion IV’s terrific storyline sets up its climax, Batman & Zatanna’s intriguing friendship explores some fresh depth to a backstory that Paul Dini had devised several years before. A short dialogue exchange between Zatanna and a semi-delirious Batwoman is also a nice gem. Yet, what’s truly impressive is the high-caliber visuals delivered by the art team for the entire five-part “Intelligence” saga. Detective Comics # 961 is another excellent read, particularly as Zatanna blends into the Bat-Family’s chemistry.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The single-page “DC All Access” column promotes a release date checklist for DC’s Dark Nights: Metal saga.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
