Written by Doug Moench
Art by Cam Kennedy; Agustin Mas; & Michele Wolfman
Cover Art by Mike Mignola
SUMMARY:
Published by DC Comics for October 1987, this first half of a two-parter is entitled “Pieces of Zatanna.” During Zatanna Zatara’s stage performance in Greenwich Village, the sultry sorceress struggles to protect her audience from demons attacking from an unknown vortex. Worse yet, she has inexplicably lost her right arm. Zatanna discovers that her lover, Adam, has been decapitated before later dissolving into dust. With the help of demons Rath and Ghast, it’s revealed that the diabolical Wotan is pilfering Zatanna’s Homi Magi-enhanced limbs — one by one.
Zatanna consults Madame Xanadu, as her stolen limbs strangely return hours or even days later. The Maiden of Magic suspects her returned limbs are alien-like counterfeits to transform her into something unknown. Further, she believes that her late father is telepathically communicating with her. They recruit Jim Corrigan, Kim Liang, and the Spectre. With help from the Phantom Stranger, the Spectre confirms that the late Zatara’s soul has been displaced.
As Zatanna’s condition worsens, Corrigan deduces why she has been targeted as Wotan’s expendable pawn.
Note: Zatanna’s guest spot is her return to DC storylines after her departure from the soon-to-be-canceled Detroit phase of Justice League of America.
REVIEW:
Though this ghoulish fantasy-horror storyline isn’t for kids, it conjures up a welcome aura of unpredictability. Supported by solid artwork (frankly, the cover image is superior to the interior visuals), writer Doug Moench excels in revitalizing guest star Zatanna’s solo presence.
Though Corrigan minimally contributes, the dialogue between the Spectre and Phantom Stranger, as well as that of Zatanna & Madame Xanadu, makes for an intriguing read. At a minimum, Moench leaves off this issue with a neat cliffhanger. If given a sufficient chance, The Spectre # 7 is a terrific Vertigo Comics-style read.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
There is a two-page “Speculations” letters-and-answers column. Dick Giordano’s “Meanwhile …” column appears on the front inside cover, as he discusses the comic awards season.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
