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{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image= Modern_Zatara,_Justice_League_Dark,_2018.jpg
|image= Modern_Zatara,_Justice_League_Dark,_2018.jpg
|caption=Zatara the Master Magician<br>art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno & Raúl Fernández.
|caption=Zatara as depicted in ''Justice League Dark'' vol. 2 #7 (March 2019). Art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno and Raúl Fernández.
|character_name=Zatara
|character_name=Zatara
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut=[[Action Comics 1|''Action Comics'' #1]] (June 1938)
|debut=''[[Action Comics]]'' [[Action Comics 1|#1]] (June 1938)
|creators=[[Fred Guardineer]]
|creators=[[Fred Guardineer]]
|real_name= Giovanni Zatara
|real_name= Giovanni John Zatara
|species = Homo magi <small>(Post-Flashpoint)</small><br>Human <small>(originally)</small>
|species = Homo magi <small>(current)</small><br />Human <small>(originally)</small>
|alliances = [[All-Star Squadron]]<br/>[[Justice League]]<br>[[Justice Society of America|Justice Society Dark]]
|alliances = [[All-Star Squadron]]<br />[[Justice League]]<br />[[Justice Society of America|Justice Society Dark]]
|aliases =Master Magician<br>John Zatara
|aliases =Master Magician<br />John Zatara
|supports=[[Zatanna]]
|supports=[[Zatanna]]
|powers = *Mastery of magic; primarily able to invoke supernatural effects by speaking the desired effects backwards
|powers = *Mastery of magic; primarily able to invoke supernatural effects by speaking the desired effects backwards
*Extensive knowledge of the supernatural
* Extensive knowledge of the supernatural
*Master [[stage magician]] and [[escape artist]]
* Master [[stage magician]] and [[escape artist]]
*Access to various mystical artifacts
* Access to various mystical artifacts
|IOM_partners=[[Kent Nelson]] (mentor)|IOM_aliases=[[Doctor Fate]]|partners=[[Nick Necro]] <small>(apprentice)</small>}}
}}


'''Giovanni''' "'''John'''" '''Zatara''' is a fictional [[superhero]] appearing in [[American comic book|American comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. He debuted as a superhero, starring in his own stories in ''[[Action Comics]]'' during the [[Golden Age of Comics]]. He first appeared in [[Action Comics 1|the first issue]].
'''Giovanni "John"''' '''Zatara,''' simply called '''Zatara,''' is a fictional magician and superhero appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. The character first appeared in [[Action Comics 1|''Action Comics'' #1]] in 1938 during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]], making him one of DC Comics' oldest characters.


He is commonly portrayed as a [[Magic (illusion)|stage magician]] who also practices actual [[Magic (paranormal)|magic]] and is the father of mystic superhero, [[Zatanna]]. The character makes sporadic appearances within the fictional [[DC Universe]], serving as a supporting character to Zatanna, was one of [[Batman]]'s mentors in [[Escape artist|escape artistry]], and is historically considered a proficient sorcerer of his generation. Originally, the character was also the human parent of Zatanna while her mother served as the homo magi parent. After the New 52 reboot, the character's origin changed, revealing that his family also descended from homo magi.
The character is often depicted as a [[Magic (illusion)|stage magician]] who possesses genuine magical abilities and is recognized as the father of the mystic character [[Zatanna]], and is the uncle of [[Zachary Zatara]], who uses the "Zatara" name. Within the fictional [[DC Universe]], he has made intermittent appearances, primarily serving as a supporting character to Zatanna and is typically deceased in modern settings. The character's proficiency as a sorcerer earned him a notable reputation among his contemporaries as a powerful sorcerer of his generation rivalling other such as the original incarnation of [[Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)|Doctor Fate]]<ref name=":1" /> and has made him a mentor figure to others such as [[Batman]] (in [[escapology]]) and [[John Constantine]]. In the character's original conception, he was portrayed as Zatanna's human parent, while her mother Sindella served as the homo magi parent. However, following the New 52 reboot, the character's origin underwent a change, revealing that his family lineage also included a descent from homo magi.


Zatara has made various appearance in media, such as ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', in which he is voiced by [[Vincent Schiavelli]], and ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by Nolan North.
Zatara has made various appearances in media, such as ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'', in which he is voiced by [[Vincent Schiavelli]], and ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Nolan North]].


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
[[File:Zatara Action Comics no 1.jpg|200x200px|left|thumb|First appearance in [[Action Comics 1|''Action Comics'' #1]], in which Zatara often—but not exclusively—used backwards speech to accomplish his magic.]]
[[File:Zatara Action Comics no 1.jpg|200x200px|left|thumb|First appearance in ''[[Action Comics]]'' [[Action Comics 1|#1]], in which Zatara often—but not exclusively—used backwards speech to accomplish his magic.]]
He first appeared starring in his own story "[[Zatara Master Magician]]" by writer and artist [[Fred Guardineer]] in the [[anthology]] [[American comic book]] series ''[[Action Comics]]'', starting with the [[Action Comics 1|first issue]] (June 1938).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=339}}</ref>
He first appeared starring in his own story "[[Zatara Master Magician]]" by writer and artist [[Fred Guardineer]] in the [[anthology]] [[American comic book]] series ''[[Action Comics]]'', starting with the [[Action Comics 1|first issue]] (June 1938).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=339}}</ref> According to writer Al Sulman, "the time came when [Fred Guardineer] didn't want to draw [the Zatara series] anymore, so the editor turned it over to my brother [Joe Sulman], and he began to draw the strip; but he had to imitate Fred Guardineer's drawing style, because the character had to look [the same], and it worked out fine".<ref>{{cite journal|last1= Amash|first1= Jim|last2= Morris|first2= Brian K.|date= August 2011|title= I Had a Liking for the Comic Magazine Business|journal= [[Alter Ego (magazine)|Alter Ego]]|issue= #104| page= 47|publisher= [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]}}</ref>


⚫
John Zatara is introduced as a [[Magic (paranormal)|magician]] in various publications of [[DC Comics]], beginning with 1938's ''Action Comics'' #1, which also contains the first appearance of [[Superman]]. Like the very similar [[Mandrake the Magician]], Zatara had a large East Indian as a friend/bodyguard, called Tong, to share his early adventures.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Markstein |first1=Don |title=Zatara the Magician |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/zatara.htm |access-date=23 April 2020 |website=Don Markstein's Toonopedia}}</ref>
According to writer Al Sulman, "the time came when [Fred Guardineer] didn't want to draw [the Zatara series] anymore, so the editor turned it over to my brother [Joe Sulman], and he began to draw the strip; but he had to imitate Fred Guardineer's drawing style, because the character had to look [the same], and it worked out fine".<ref>{{cite journal|last1= Amash|first1= Jim|last2= Morris|first2= Brian K.|date= August 2011|title= I Had a Liking for the Comic Magazine Business|journal= [[Alter Ego (magazine)|Alter Ego]]|issue= #104| page= 47|publisher= [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]}}</ref>

⚫
As well as being an [[magic (illusion)|illusionist]], Zatara also had genuine magical powers (decades later ascribed to being a descendant of the ''Homo magi''), which he focused through speaking backwards: he could do anything so long as he could describe it in {{not a typo|''sdrawkcab hceeps''}} ("backwards speech").<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mitchell |first1=Kurt |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944 |last2=Thomas |first2=Roy |date=2019 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1-60549-089-2 |page=25}}</ref> This helped distinguish Zatara from the numerous [[Mandrake the Magician]] knockoffs that cluttered the [[comic]]s and [[pulp magazine]]s of the day, although [[Merlin the Magician (comics)|Merlin the Magician]] ([[Quality Comics]]) also had this attribute, and it was also given to him by Zatara's creator, [[Fred Guardineer]]. According to ''Jess Nevins' Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes'', "he fights Egyptian wizards, an evil Druid, Zulus, a Mad Lama, Mongol warriors, the Gorilla King, a Saturnian terror, and Moon Men".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Nevins |first1=Jess |title=Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes |date=2013 |publisher=High Rock Press |isbn=978-1-61318-023-5 |page=303}}</ref>


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
⚫
John Zatara is introduced as a [[Magic (paranormal)|magician]] in various publications of [[DC Comics]], beginning with 1938's ''Action Comics'' #1, which also contains the first appearance of [[Superman]]. Like the very similar [[Mandrake the Magician]], Zatara had a large East Indian as a friend/bodyguard, called Tong, to share his early adventures.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Markstein |first1=Don |title=Zatara the Magician |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/zatara.htm |website=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref>


=== Origin ===
⚫
As well as being an [[magic (illusion)|illusionist]], Zatara also had genuine magical powers (decades later ascribed to being a descendant of the ''Homo magi''), which he focused through speaking backwards: he could do anything so long as he could describe it in {{not a typo|''sdrawkcab hceeps''}} ("backwards speech").<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mitchell |first1=Kurt |last2=Thomas |first2=Roy |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944 |date=2019 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490892 |page=25}}</ref> This helped distinguish Zatara from the numerous [[Mandrake the Magician]] knockoffs that cluttered the [[comic]]s and [[pulp magazine]]s of the day, although [[Merlin the Magician (comics)|Merlin the Magician]] ([[Quality Comics]]) also had this attribute, and it was also given to him by Zatara's creator, [[Fred Guardineer]].
In the character's original origin, Giovanni, the son of Italian immigrants and a descendant of Leonardo da Vinci, came from a family with a strong magical lineage. His grandfather, Luigi Zatara, was a renowned stage magician who served as a significant inspiration. At a young age, Giovanni received a magic kit that ignited his passion for illusion and prompted him to pursue a career as a professional magician. However, his early attempts at performing were met with disappointment until he recognized the importance of honing his showmanship skills. Giovanni's life took a transformative turn when he delved into the journals of Leonardo da Vinci, written in a backward Italian script. Through his translation efforts, he made a remarkable discovery: he possessed inherent magical powers. Combining his natural gifts with his stage magic expertise, Giovanni became a highly successful and acclaimed stage magician. Motivated by a desire to make a positive impact, Giovanni decided to utilize his newfound abilities to fight against crime, thereby embarking on a career as a crime-fighter.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Conway |first1=Gerry |last2=Tanghal |first2=Romeo |date=December 1980 |title=The Secret Spell! |journal=DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest |issue=#5}}</ref>


The character's origin was later updated, making him a descendant of the Homo Magi, an off-shoot race of human beings with natural inclination to magic. While similar to his previous origin being the son of Italian immigrants, the character would instead exhibit magical powers at an early age. Fearing to consult his parents or a priest, he would hide his abilities until he was visited by the mysterious Phantom Stranger, who mentored the young Giovanni by granting him access to his ancestor's books, which help teach him to control his magical gifts.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wagner |first=Matt |title=Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-4012-2291-8}}</ref> His origin as a descendant of the Homo Magi would be kept even after the New 52 reboot.<ref name=":0" />
According to ''Jess Nevins' Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes'', "he fights Egyptian wizards, an evil Druid, Zulus, a Mad Lama, Mongol warriors, the Gorilla King, a Saturnian terror, and Moon Men".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Nevins |first1=Jess |title=Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes |date=2013 |publisher=High Rock Press |isbn=978-1-61318-023-5 |page=303}}</ref>


=== Earlier adventures and life ===
His love of magic began early when he was given a [[magic kit]] by his grandfather, himself a professional illusionist. Although John began learning the craft in childhood, his early attempts at performing professionally were unsuccessful until he realized that he needed to work on his [[Showmanship (performing)|showmanship]].
During his earlier years as both a stage magician and sorcerer, Giovanni had a close and casual relationship with Madame Xanadu. He had previously proposed to her for marriage, but she rejected his proposal upon discovering knowledge of his future. However, their relationship became strained when Giovanni recounted his past life and revealed his profound connection with the Phantom Stranger. The Phantom Stranger had served as Giovanni's mentor, guiding him through the realm of magical teachings during his earlier years. Xanadu, perceiving the Phantom Stranger as a person of questionable character and moral integrity, became angered by Giovanni's revelation. She believed that the Stranger's actions would give rise to a greater threat than the Stranger himself. Xanadu, considering the Stranger to be morally inferior, insulted Giovanni's fondness for him, nearly escalating the situation into a confrontation between the two. However, the Phantom Stranger intervened and attempted to reconcile with Xanadu, acknowledging the unintended suffering he had caused her. Despite not intending to do so, the Stranger sought to make amends. Ultimately, the Phantom Stranger managed to escape Xanadu's capture. Unaware of the conversation that had taken place due to being within a time freezing spell, Xanadu departed from Giovanni. As Xanadu had premonitions, her foresight came to pass with the birth of the bond between the Spectre and James Corrigan, confirming the validity of her earlier visions.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wagner |first=Matt |title=Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |year=2009 |isbn=1-4012-2291-9}}</ref>


⚫
Zatara became good friends with [[Thomas Wayne]]. His excursions with Wayne led to Wayne meeting his wife, [[Martha Wayne|Martha]]. After the two were killed, Zatara left Gotham City, blaming himself for being unable to stop the orphaning of young Bruce. Eventually, in Europe, Zatara would meet and wed Sindella, who gave birth to their daughter, [[Zatanna]]. Sindella seemingly died after giving birth to Zatanna, prompting Zatara to become a depressed drunk. Things changed for the better in Zatara's life when a young Bruce Wayne arrived, requesting Zatara to teach him to become an escape artist and illusionist. Bruce's appearance prompted Zatara to address his alcoholism.
His lessons in magic were bolstered by visits from the [[Phantom Stranger]], and he had a sexual relationship with [[Madame Xanadu]], but she refused to marry him because she saw his future.<ref>''Madame Xanadu Disenchanted'' #9 (2009)</ref>

To that end, he acquired the old diaries of [[Leonardo da Vinci]], who was a direct ancestor. While reading the diaries, which Da Vinci wrote in backwards spelling as a security precaution, Zatara learned that his family had the command of magic. He discovered this inadvertently when he accidentally gave a command to a [[mannequin]] to begin waving an arm wildly. Zatara realized that he could command it to stop by giving the order in backwards spelling.

With this new knowledge, Zatara developed a successful show. During the premiere performance, a fire broke out on stage, forcing Zatara to use his command of real magic to put it out. While the audience mistook the incident as part of the act, Zatara realized that this power could be invaluable in helping people and he resolved to use it as such between shows.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Conway|first1=Gerry|last2=Tanghal|first2=Romeo|title=The Secret Spell!|journal=DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest|date=December 1980|volume=|issue=#5}}</ref>

⚫
Zatara became good friends with [[Thomas Wayne]]. His excursions with Wayne led to Wayne meeting his wife, [[Martha Wayne|Martha]]. After the two were killed, Zatara left Gotham City, blaming himself for being unable to stop the orphaning of young Bruce. Eventually, in Europe, Zatara would meet and wed Sindella, who gave birth to their daughter, [[Zatanna]]. Sindella seemingly died after giving birth to Zatanna, prompting Zatara to become a depressed drunk.

Things changed for the better in Zatara's life when a young Bruce Wayne arrived, requesting Zatara to teach him to become an escape artist and illusionist. Bruce's appearance prompted Zatara to address his alcoholism.


===Zatanna's search===
===Zatanna's search===
Zatanna, Zatara's daughter by Sindella, a fellow ''Homo magi'',<ref>''The Spectre'' (vol. 2) #7</ref> was introduced in a multipart [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] in which she attempted to find her father, and he attempted to stop her at every turn, because he knew that a spell had been placed upon them both that would cause them to both die if they saw one another. This adventure includes Zatara confronting an evil warlock on a world where nothing changes or grows older. Zatara steals his adversary's teleportation crystal in a somewhat-successful attempt to stop the man from invading Earth.<ref>''Green Lantern'' (vol. 2) #42 (January 1966)</ref> Zatara ends up trapped in the land of Kharma by a sorceress called Allura, whom he had trapped in the Sword of [[Paracelsus]]. Allura turned out to have a [[Evil twin|good twin]], also called Allura, who forced her to remove the spell.<ref>''[[Justice League of America]]'' #51</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=McAvennie |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |title=DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-8578-6 |page=174}}</ref>
Zatanna, Zatara's daughter by Sindella, a fellow ''Homo magi'',<ref>''The Spectre'' (vol. 2) #7</ref> was introduced in a multipart [[Fictional crossover|crossover]] in which she attempted to find her father, and he attempted to stop her at every turn, because he knew that a spell had been placed upon them both that would cause them to both die if they saw one another. This adventure includes Zatara confronting an evil warlock on a world where nothing changes or grows older. Zatara steals his adversary's teleportation crystal in a somewhat-successful attempt to stop the man from invading Earth.<ref>''Green Lantern'' (vol. 2) #42 (January 1966)</ref> Zatara ends up trapped in the land of Kharma by a sorceress called Allura, whom he had trapped in the Sword of [[Paracelsus]]. Allura turned out to have a [[Evil twin|good twin]], also called Allura, who forced her to remove the spell.<ref>''[[Justice League of America]]'' #51</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Manning |first3=Matthew K. |last4=McAvennie |first4=Michael |last5=Wallace |first5=Daniel |title=DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle |date=2019 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-8578-6 |page=174}}</ref>


===Death===
===Death and afterlife===
At the conclusion of [[Alan Moore]]'s "American Gothic" storyline<ref>Chronicled in ''[[Swamp Thing]]'' (vol. 2) #35-50 (April 1985-July 1986).</ref> (which was tied to the events of ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]''), [[John Constantine]] comes to get [[Zatanna]], [[Mento (comics)|Mento]] and [[Sargon the Sorcerer]] to come together to help demonic and divine forces in other hellish dimensions battle the entity known as the 'Great Evil Beast'. The séance is held at Wintersgate Manor, the home of [[Baron Winters]] in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which is also a temporal threshold to other planes of reality. Because Constantine had previously taken Zatanna to a "[[Neotantra|tantric]] studies meeting", Zatara will ''not'' let Zatanna out of his sight with Constantine present and, by his very presence, is forced to take part in the [[seance]] to which he was ''not'' invited. The Beast, which is so tall that its thumb alone looms over Hell, takes notice of their group twice. The first glimpse dooms Sargon, whom Zatara convinces to 'die like a sorcerer' and not break the holding of hands. Sargon burns to death nobly. The second glimpse starts to literally heat up Zatanna. Zatara willingly takes the effect onto himself, dying (his smoldering hat lands on the table), but sparing his daughter's life.<ref>''Swamp Thing'' (vol. 2) #49-50 (June-July 1986)</ref>
At the conclusion of [[Alan Moore]]'s "American Gothic" storyline<ref>Chronicled in ''[[Swamp Thing]]'' (vol. 2) #35-50 (April 1985-July 1986).</ref> (which was tied to the events of ''[[Crisis on Infinite Earths]]''), [[John Constantine]] comes to get [[Zatanna]], [[Mento (comics)|Mento]] and [[Sargon the Sorcerer]] to come together to help demonic and divine forces in other hellish dimensions battle the entity known as the 'Great Evil Beast'. The séance is held at Wintersgate Manor, the home of [[Baron Winters]] in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which is also a temporal threshold to other planes of reality. Because Constantine had previously taken Zatanna to a "[[Neotantra|tantric]] studies meeting", Zatara will ''not'' let Zatanna out of his sight with Constantine present and, by his very presence, is forced to take part in the [[seance]] to which he was ''not'' invited. The Beast, which is so tall that its thumb alone looms over Hell, takes notice of their group twice. The first glimpse dooms Sargon, whom Zatara convinces to 'die like a sorcerer' and not break the holding of hands. Sargon burns to death nobly. The second glimpse starts to literally heat up Zatanna. Zatara willingly takes the effect onto himself, dying (his smoldering hat lands on the table), but sparing his daughter's life.<ref>''Swamp Thing'' (vol. 2) #49-50 (June–July 1986)</ref>


===Afterlife problems===
Since then he has made sporadic appearances in the afterlife, including resurrecting Mason O'Dare in ''[[Starman (comics)|Starman]]'' (vol. 2) #80, and the ''Seven Soldiers: Zatanna'' miniseries.<ref>''Seven Soldiers: Zatanna'' #1–4 (2005)</ref> In the ''[[Reign in Hell]]'' miniseries, Zatara is part of a general resistance movement operating in Hell. He is caught up in the various conflicts and is slain a second time in Hell by a rampaging [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]]. As with most of the 'dead', he risks becoming fodder for Hell, a torment where the physicality of the damned is used for general resources, such as building material. By manipulating his blood to form words, he asks Zatanna to consign his soul to the 'Abyss', a realm that Hell cannot touch. Zatanna does so, tormented that she must now destroy her father's essence.<ref>''Reign in Hell'' #5</ref>
Since then he has made sporadic appearances in the afterlife, including resurrecting Mason O'Dare in ''[[Starman (comics)|Starman]]'' (vol. 2) #80, and the ''Seven Soldiers: Zatanna'' miniseries.<ref>''Seven Soldiers: Zatanna'' #1–4 (2005)</ref> In the ''[[Reign in Hell]]'' miniseries, Zatara is part of a general resistance movement operating in Hell. He is caught up in the various conflicts and is slain a second time in Hell by a rampaging [[Lobo (DC Comics)|Lobo]]. As with most of the 'dead', he risks becoming fodder for Hell, a torment where the physicality of the damned is used for general resources, such as building material. By manipulating his blood to form words, he asks Zatanna to consign his soul to the 'Abyss', a realm that Hell cannot touch. Zatanna does so, tormented that she must now destroy her father's essence.<ref>''Reign in Hell'' #5</ref>


His nephew [[Zachary Zatara|Zachary]] now uses the Zatara name as a stage magician, going so far, in the alternate future of the ''[[Titans Tomorrow]]'' timeline, to model his physical appearance and heroic getup on the vintage clothing and grooming of his late uncle.
His nephew [[Zachary Zatara|Zachary]] now uses the Zatara name as a stage magician, going so far, in the alternate future of the ''[[Titans Tomorrow]]'' timeline, to model his physical appearance and heroic getup on the vintage clothing and grooming of his late uncle. In ''Justice League of America'' (vol. 2) #39–40, a tie-in to the ''[[Blackest Night]]'' crossover event, Zatara was reanimated as a member of the [[Black Lantern Corps]], ready to attack his daughter, Zatanna, in the [[Hall of Justice (comics)|Hall of Justice]]. Zatanna is successful in banishing the Black Lantern, but was left psychologically crushed from having to again kill her father (after watching him die once before).<ref>''Justice League of America'' (vol. 2) #39–40</ref>


== Characteristics ==
In ''Justice League of America'' (vol. 2) #39–40, a tie-in to the ''[[Blackest Night]]'' crossover event, Zatara was reanimated as a member of the [[Black Lantern Corps]], ready to attack his daughter, Zatanna, in the [[Hall of Justice (comics)|Hall of Justice]]. Zatanna is successful in banishing the Black Lantern, but was left psychologically crushed from having to again kill her father (after watching him die once before).<ref>''Justice League of America'' (vol. 2) #39–40</ref>
The character's ancestral heritage is primarily traced back to French and Italian descent, with notable connections to historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Nostradamus, Alessandro Cagliostro, Nicholas Flamel, and Evan Fulcanelli. Initially, the character was presented as an ordinary human possessing the ability to manipulate magic. However, his origin underwent an update, revealing him to be a member of the Homo Magi race. This modification provided an explanation for his inherent and genuine magical powers.<ref name=":22">{{Cite book |last=Fox |first=Gardner F. |title=Justice League of America: Zatanna's search |date=2004 |publisher=DC Comics |others=Gerry Conway, Murphy Anderson, Carmine Infantino, Bob Kane, Gil Kane, Mike Sekowsky |isbn=1-4012-0188-1 |location=New York |oclc=54495465}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In addition to having a daughter (Zatanna) and a nephew (Zachary), the character was once mentioned to having a son.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Robinson |first=James |title=Starman (1994) #37 |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |year=1997}}</ref>


== Powers and abilities ==
== Powers and abilities ==
Giovanni is considered a master magician, being considered among the best of his generation. Due to his abilities in magic, he possess profound knowledge of the supernatural and is notable a magical practioners who invokes magical effects and casts spells by speaking a spell and/or phrase backwards for a desired effect (known as "Logomancy").<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1253363543 |title=The DC comics encyclopedia : the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe |date=2021 |others=Matthew K. Manning, Stephen Wiacek, Melanie Scott, Nick Jones, Landry Q. Walker, Alan Cowsill, Alexander Irvine, Steve Korté, Scott Beatty, Robert Greenberger, Phil Jimenez, Sven Wilson, Daniel Wallace, Jim Lee |isbn=978-0-7440-2056-4 |edition=New |location=New York, New York |oclc=1253363543}}</ref> He is often depicted as being peers to other notable sorcerers and magicians of his generation such as: [[Sargon the Sorcerer]], [[Mister E]], and [[Baron Winters]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lemire |first=Jeff |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/830668855 |title=Justice League Dark. Volume 2, The Books of Magic |date=2013 |others=Peter Milligan, Mikel Janín, Lee Garbett, Daniel Sampere, Cam Smith, Admira Wijaya |isbn=978-1-4012-4024-0 |location=New York |oclc=830668855}}</ref> His distinction as being the most powerful sorcerer of his time is also shared alongisde the original incarnation of [[Doctor Fate]], [[Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)|Kent Nelson]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Tynion |first=James, IV |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1110150328 |title=Justice League Dark. Vol. 2, Lords of order |date=2019 |others=Ram V, Alvaro Martinez, Guillem March, Daniel Sampere, Mark Buckingham, Miguel Mendonça, Raul Fernandez, Mick Gray, Juan Albarran, Brad Anderson, Adriano Lucas, Arif Prianto, Rob Leigh |isbn=978-1-4012-9460-1 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=1110150328}}</ref>
Giovanni is considered a master magician, being considered among the best of his generation. Due to his abilities in magic, he possess profound knowledge of the supernatural and is notable a magical practitioner who invokes magical effects and casts spells by speaking a spell and/or phrase backwards for a desired effect (known as "Logomancy").<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=The DC comics encyclopedia: the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe |date=2021 |author=Matthew K. Manning |author2=Stephen Wiacek |author3=Melanie Scott |author4=Nick Jones |author5=Landry Q. Walker |isbn=978-0-7440-2056-4 |edition=New |location=New York, New York |oclc=1253363543 |publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> He is often depicted as being peers to other notable sorcerers and magicians of his generation such as: [[Sargon the Sorcerer]], [[Mister E]], and [[Baron Winters]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lemire |first=Jeff |title=Justice League Dark. Volume 2, The Books of Magic |date=2013 |author2=Mikel Janín |publisher=DC Comics|isbn=978-1-4012-4024-0 |location=New York |oclc=830668855}}</ref> His distinction as being the most powerful sorcerer of his time is also shared alongside the original incarnation of [[Doctor Fate]], [[Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson)|Kent Nelson]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Tynion |first=James IV |title=Justice League Dark |volume=2, Lords of order |date=2019 |author2=Álvaro Martínez Bueno |author3=Raul Fernandez |author4=Brad Anderson |isbn=978-1-4012-9460-1 |location=Burbank, CA |oclc=1110150328 |publisher=DC Comics}}</ref> In addition to his magical abilities, he is considered a very skilled and proficient stage magician and a master of [[Prestidigitation|predestigination]].<ref name=":0" /> Giovonni also possess masterful manipulation skills, enabling him to manipulate even fellow master manipulator magicians such as John Constantine, who found his abilities in doing so considerable and was unable to reveal to Zatanna the full extent of their relationship for reasons unknown.<ref name=":1" />

In addition to his magical abilities, he is considered a very skilled and proficient stage magician and a master of [[Prestidigitation|predestigination]].<ref name=":0" /> Giovonni also possess masterful manipulation skills, enabling him to manipulate even fellow master manipulator magicians such as John Constantine, who found his abilities in doing so considerable and was unable to reveal to Zatanna the full extent of their relationship for reasons unknown.<ref name=":1" />


==Other versions==
==Other versions==
Line 78: Line 71:
===Television===
===Television===
[[Image:ZataraDC.jpg|200px|thumb|Zatara as he appears in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
[[Image:ZataraDC.jpg|200px|thumb|Zatara as he appears in ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]''.]]
* Zatara appears in a flashback in the ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "Zatanna", voiced by [[Vincent Schiavelli]]. This version trained [[Batman]] in escapology and [[ventriloquism]].
* Zatara appears in a flashback in the ''[[Batman: The Animated Series]]'' episode "[[Zatanna (Batman: The Animated Series)|Zatanna]]", voiced by [[Vincent Schiavelli]]. This version trained [[Batman]] in escapology and [[ventriloquism]].
* Zatara appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Nolan North]]. This version is a member of the [[Justice League]] and protege of [[Kent Nelson]] who is forced to don the Helmet of Fate and become '''[[Doctor Fate]]''' to protect Zatanna. As of the episode "Private Security", Nabu agreed to release Zatara for one hour on a yearly basis so he can spend time with Zatanna before returning to being Doctor Fate. Due to the strain and his age, Zatara ages rapidly over the course of several years, surviving by reciting the [[Lord's Prayer]]. Eventually, Zatanna forms the [[Sentinels of Magic]] to free Zatara by arranging for Nabu to rotate between all of them.
* Zatara appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Nolan North]]. This version is a member of the [[Justice League]] and protege of [[Kent Nelson]] who is forced to don the Helmet of Fate and become '''[[Doctor Fate]]''' to protect Zatanna. As of the episode "Private Security", Nabu agreed to release Zatara for one hour on a yearly basis so he can spend time with Zatanna before returning to being Doctor Fate. Due to the strain and his age, Zatara ages rapidly over the course of several years, surviving by reciting the [[Lord's Prayer]]. Eventually, Zatanna forms the [[Sentinels of Magic]] to free Zatara by arranging for Nabu to rotate between all of them.
* Zatara appears in ''[[DC Super Hero Girls (TV series)|DC Super Hero Girls]]'', voiced by [[Phil LaMarr]].
* Zatara appears in ''[[DC Super Hero Girls (TV series)|DC Super Hero Girls]]'', voiced by [[Phil LaMarr]].
Line 85: Line 78:
* Zatara appears in the "Zatanna" entry of the ''Cartoon Monsoon'' contest, voiced by [[Steve Blum]]. This version is the frustrated father of a teenage Zatanna.
* Zatara appears in the "Zatanna" entry of the ''Cartoon Monsoon'' contest, voiced by [[Steve Blum]]. This version is the frustrated father of a teenage Zatanna.
* Zatara appears in a crossover between ''[[The Batman Adventures]]'' and ''[[Superman Adventures]]''. This version previously taught a young Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent.
* Zatara appears in a crossover between ''[[The Batman Adventures]]'' and ''[[Superman Adventures]]''. This version previously taught a young Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent.
* Zatara appears in ''[[Smallville Season 11]]'' as a member of [[Shadowpact]] during World War II.<ref>''Smallville Season 11: Olympus'' #1-4</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:DC Comics characters who use magic]]
[[Category:DC Comics fantasy characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics fantasy characters]]
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[[Category:DC Comics superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics male superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics telekinetics]]
[[Category:DC Comics telekinetics]]
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[[Category:Golden Age superheroes]]
[[Category:Golden Age superheroes]]
[[Category:Italian superheroes]]
[[Category:Italian superheroes]]
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[[Category:Magical superheroes]]

Revision as of 21:51, 22 April 2024

This article is about John Zatara. For the current Zatara, see Zachary Zatara. For the former Roman and Byzantine town in modern-day Algeria, see Zattara. For other uses, see Zatara (disambiguation).
Zatara
Zatara as depicted in Justice League Dark vol. 2 #7 (March 2019). Art by Álvaro Martínez Bueno and Raúl Fernández.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceAction Comics #1 (June 1938)
Created byFred Guardineer
In-story information
Alter egoGiovanni John Zatara
SpeciesHomo magi (current)
Human (originally)
Team affiliationsAll-Star Squadron
Justice League
Justice Society Dark
PartnershipsNick Necro (apprentice)
Supporting character ofZatanna
Notable aliasesMaster Magician
John Zatara
Abilities
  • Mastery of magic; primarily able to invoke supernatural effects by speaking the desired effects backwards
  • Extensive knowledge of the supernatural
  • Master stage magician and escape artist
  • Access to various mystical artifacts
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media
PartnershipsKent Nelson (mentor)
Notable aliasesDoctor Fate

Giovanni "John" Zatara, simply called Zatara, is a fictional magician and superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938 during the Golden Age of Comic Books, making him one of DC Comics' oldest characters.

The character is often depicted as a stage magician who possesses genuine magical abilities and is recognized as the father of the mystic character Zatanna, and is the uncle of Zachary Zatara, who uses the "Zatara" name. Within the fictional DC Universe, he has made intermittent appearances, primarily serving as a supporting character to Zatanna and is typically deceased in modern settings. The character's proficiency as a sorcerer earned him a notable reputation among his contemporaries as a powerful sorcerer of his generation rivalling other such as the original incarnation of Doctor Fate[1] and has made him a mentor figure to others such as Batman (in escapology) and John Constantine. In the character's original conception, he was portrayed as Zatanna's human parent, while her mother Sindella served as the homo magi parent. However, following the New 52 reboot, the character's origin underwent a change, revealing that his family lineage also included a descent from homo magi.

Zatara has made various appearances in media, such as Batman: The Animated Series, in which he is voiced by Vincent Schiavelli, and Young Justice, voiced by Nolan North.

Publication history

First appearance in Action Comics #1, in which Zatara often—but not exclusively—used backwards speech to accomplish his magic.

He first appeared starring in his own story "Zatara Master Magician" by writer and artist Fred Guardineer in the anthology American comic book series Action Comics, starting with the first issue (June 1938).[2] According to writer Al Sulman, "the time came when [Fred Guardineer] didn't want to draw [the Zatara series] anymore, so the editor turned it over to my brother [Joe Sulman], and he began to draw the strip; but he had to imitate Fred Guardineer's drawing style, because the character had to look [the same], and it worked out fine".[3]

John Zatara is introduced as a magician in various publications of DC Comics, beginning with 1938's Action Comics #1, which also contains the first appearance of Superman. Like the very similar Mandrake the Magician, Zatara had a large East Indian as a friend/bodyguard, called Tong, to share his early adventures.[4]

As well as being an illusionist, Zatara also had genuine magical powers (decades later ascribed to being a descendant of the Homo magi), which he focused through speaking backwards: he could do anything so long as he could describe it in sdrawkcab hceeps ("backwards speech").[5] This helped distinguish Zatara from the numerous Mandrake the Magician knockoffs that cluttered the comics and pulp magazines of the day, although Merlin the Magician (Quality Comics) also had this attribute, and it was also given to him by Zatara's creator, Fred Guardineer. According to Jess Nevins' Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes, "he fights Egyptian wizards, an evil Druid, Zulus, a Mad Lama, Mongol warriors, the Gorilla King, a Saturnian terror, and Moon Men".[6]

Fictional character biography

Origin

In the character's original origin, Giovanni, the son of Italian immigrants and a descendant of Leonardo da Vinci, came from a family with a strong magical lineage. His grandfather, Luigi Zatara, was a renowned stage magician who served as a significant inspiration. At a young age, Giovanni received a magic kit that ignited his passion for illusion and prompted him to pursue a career as a professional magician. However, his early attempts at performing were met with disappointment until he recognized the importance of honing his showmanship skills. Giovanni's life took a transformative turn when he delved into the journals of Leonardo da Vinci, written in a backward Italian script. Through his translation efforts, he made a remarkable discovery: he possessed inherent magical powers. Combining his natural gifts with his stage magic expertise, Giovanni became a highly successful and acclaimed stage magician. Motivated by a desire to make a positive impact, Giovanni decided to utilize his newfound abilities to fight against crime, thereby embarking on a career as a crime-fighter.[7]

The character's origin was later updated, making him a descendant of the Homo Magi, an off-shoot race of human beings with natural inclination to magic. While similar to his previous origin being the son of Italian immigrants, the character would instead exhibit magical powers at an early age. Fearing to consult his parents or a priest, he would hide his abilities until he was visited by the mysterious Phantom Stranger, who mentored the young Giovanni by granting him access to his ancestor's books, which help teach him to control his magical gifts.[8] His origin as a descendant of the Homo Magi would be kept even after the New 52 reboot.[9]

Earlier adventures and life

During his earlier years as both a stage magician and sorcerer, Giovanni had a close and casual relationship with Madame Xanadu. He had previously proposed to her for marriage, but she rejected his proposal upon discovering knowledge of his future. However, their relationship became strained when Giovanni recounted his past life and revealed his profound connection with the Phantom Stranger. The Phantom Stranger had served as Giovanni's mentor, guiding him through the realm of magical teachings during his earlier years. Xanadu, perceiving the Phantom Stranger as a person of questionable character and moral integrity, became angered by Giovanni's revelation. She believed that the Stranger's actions would give rise to a greater threat than the Stranger himself. Xanadu, considering the Stranger to be morally inferior, insulted Giovanni's fondness for him, nearly escalating the situation into a confrontation between the two. However, the Phantom Stranger intervened and attempted to reconcile with Xanadu, acknowledging the unintended suffering he had caused her. Despite not intending to do so, the Stranger sought to make amends. Ultimately, the Phantom Stranger managed to escape Xanadu's capture. Unaware of the conversation that had taken place due to being within a time freezing spell, Xanadu departed from Giovanni. As Xanadu had premonitions, her foresight came to pass with the birth of the bond between the Spectre and James Corrigan, confirming the validity of her earlier visions.[10]

Zatara became good friends with Thomas Wayne. His excursions with Wayne led to Wayne meeting his wife, Martha. After the two were killed, Zatara left Gotham City, blaming himself for being unable to stop the orphaning of young Bruce. Eventually, in Europe, Zatara would meet and wed Sindella, who gave birth to their daughter, Zatanna. Sindella seemingly died after giving birth to Zatanna, prompting Zatara to become a depressed drunk. Things changed for the better in Zatara's life when a young Bruce Wayne arrived, requesting Zatara to teach him to become an escape artist and illusionist. Bruce's appearance prompted Zatara to address his alcoholism.

Zatanna's search

Zatanna, Zatara's daughter by Sindella, a fellow Homo magi,[11] was introduced in a multipart crossover in which she attempted to find her father, and he attempted to stop her at every turn, because he knew that a spell had been placed upon them both that would cause them to both die if they saw one another. This adventure includes Zatara confronting an evil warlock on a world where nothing changes or grows older. Zatara steals his adversary's teleportation crystal in a somewhat-successful attempt to stop the man from invading Earth.[12] Zatara ends up trapped in the land of Kharma by a sorceress called Allura, whom he had trapped in the Sword of Paracelsus. Allura turned out to have a good twin, also called Allura, who forced her to remove the spell.[13][14]

Death and afterlife

At the conclusion of Alan Moore's "American Gothic" storyline[15] (which was tied to the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths), John Constantine comes to get Zatanna, Mento and Sargon the Sorcerer to come together to help demonic and divine forces in other hellish dimensions battle the entity known as the 'Great Evil Beast'. The séance is held at Wintersgate Manor, the home of Baron Winters in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which is also a temporal threshold to other planes of reality. Because Constantine had previously taken Zatanna to a "tantric studies meeting", Zatara will not let Zatanna out of his sight with Constantine present and, by his very presence, is forced to take part in the seance to which he was not invited. The Beast, which is so tall that its thumb alone looms over Hell, takes notice of their group twice. The first glimpse dooms Sargon, whom Zatara convinces to 'die like a sorcerer' and not break the holding of hands. Sargon burns to death nobly. The second glimpse starts to literally heat up Zatanna. Zatara willingly takes the effect onto himself, dying (his smoldering hat lands on the table), but sparing his daughter's life.[16]

Since then he has made sporadic appearances in the afterlife, including resurrecting Mason O'Dare in Starman (vol. 2) #80, and the Seven Soldiers: Zatanna miniseries.[17] In the Reign in Hell miniseries, Zatara is part of a general resistance movement operating in Hell. He is caught up in the various conflicts and is slain a second time in Hell by a rampaging Lobo. As with most of the 'dead', he risks becoming fodder for Hell, a torment where the physicality of the damned is used for general resources, such as building material. By manipulating his blood to form words, he asks Zatanna to consign his soul to the 'Abyss', a realm that Hell cannot touch. Zatanna does so, tormented that she must now destroy her father's essence.[18]

His nephew Zachary now uses the Zatara name as a stage magician, going so far, in the alternate future of the Titans Tomorrow timeline, to model his physical appearance and heroic getup on the vintage clothing and grooming of his late uncle. In Justice League of America (vol. 2) #39–40, a tie-in to the Blackest Night crossover event, Zatara was reanimated as a member of the Black Lantern Corps, ready to attack his daughter, Zatanna, in the Hall of Justice. Zatanna is successful in banishing the Black Lantern, but was left psychologically crushed from having to again kill her father (after watching him die once before).[19]

Characteristics

The character's ancestral heritage is primarily traced back to French and Italian descent, with notable connections to historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Nostradamus, Alessandro Cagliostro, Nicholas Flamel, and Evan Fulcanelli. Initially, the character was presented as an ordinary human possessing the ability to manipulate magic. However, his origin underwent an update, revealing him to be a member of the Homo Magi race. This modification provided an explanation for his inherent and genuine magical powers.[20][9] In addition to having a daughter (Zatanna) and a nephew (Zachary), the character was once mentioned to having a son.[21]

Powers and abilities

Giovanni is considered a master magician, being considered among the best of his generation. Due to his abilities in magic, he possess profound knowledge of the supernatural and is notable a magical practitioner who invokes magical effects and casts spells by speaking a spell and/or phrase backwards for a desired effect (known as "Logomancy").[9] He is often depicted as being peers to other notable sorcerers and magicians of his generation such as: Sargon the Sorcerer, Mister E, and Baron Winters.[22] His distinction as being the most powerful sorcerer of his time is also shared alongside the original incarnation of Doctor Fate, Kent Nelson.[1] In addition to his magical abilities, he is considered a very skilled and proficient stage magician and a master of predestigination.[9] Giovonni also possess masterful manipulation skills, enabling him to manipulate even fellow master manipulator magicians such as John Constantine, who found his abilities in doing so considerable and was unable to reveal to Zatanna the full extent of their relationship for reasons unknown.[1]

Other versions

Kingdom Come

Another Zatara was featured in a supporting role in the miniseries Kingdom Come and its follow-up, The Kingdom. This Zatara is the son of Zatanna and magician John Constantine, which makes him the grandson of the original. He is described as "a youthful Harry Houdini-like successor to the magician super-hero lineage". Rather than speak backwards just for his spells, however, he does it all the time, which annoys his colleagues no end.[23]

Flashpoint

In the alternate timeline of the Flashpoint crossover event, Zatara was transformed into a motorcycle; his daughter, Zatanna is his owner.[24]

In other media

Television

Zatara as he appears in Batman: The Animated Series.

Miscellaneous

References

  1. ^ a b c Tynion, James IV; Álvaro Martínez Bueno; Raul Fernandez; Brad Anderson (2019). Justice League Dark. Vol. 2, Lords of order. Burbank, CA: DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-9460-1. OCLC 1110150328.
  2. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 339. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  3. ^ Amash, Jim; Morris, Brian K. (August 2011). "I Had a Liking for the Comic Magazine Business". Alter Ego (#104). TwoMorrows Publishing: 47.
  4. ^ Markstein, Don. "Zatara the Magician". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  5. ^ Mitchell, Kurt; Thomas, Roy (2019). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 978-1-60549-089-2.
  6. ^ Nevins, Jess (2013). Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes. High Rock Press. p. 303. ISBN 978-1-61318-023-5.
  7. ^ Conway, Gerry; Tanghal, Romeo (December 1980). "The Secret Spell!". DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest (#5).
  8. ^ Wagner, Matt (2009). Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted. DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-2291-8.
  9. ^ a b c d Matthew K. Manning; Stephen Wiacek; Melanie Scott; Nick Jones; Landry Q. Walker (2021). The DC comics encyclopedia: the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe (New ed.). New York, New York: DC Comics. ISBN 978-0-7440-2056-4. OCLC 1253363543.
  10. ^ Wagner, Matt (2009). Madame Xanadu: Disenchanted. DC Comics. ISBN 1-4012-2291-9.
  11. ^ The Spectre (vol. 2) #7
  12. ^ Green Lantern (vol. 2) #42 (January 1966)
  13. ^ Justice League of America #51
  14. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Manning, Matthew K.; McAvennie, Michael; Wallace, Daniel (2019). DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle. DK Publishing. p. 174. ISBN 978-1-4654-8578-6.
  15. ^ Chronicled in Swamp Thing (vol. 2) #35-50 (April 1985-July 1986).
  16. ^ Swamp Thing (vol. 2) #49-50 (June–July 1986)
  17. ^ Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #1–4 (2005)
  18. ^ Reign in Hell #5
  19. ^ Justice League of America (vol. 2) #39–40
  20. ^ Fox, Gardner F. (2004). Justice League of America: Zatanna's search. Gerry Conway, Murphy Anderson, Carmine Infantino, Bob Kane, Gil Kane, Mike Sekowsky. New York: DC Comics. ISBN 1-4012-0188-1. OCLC 54495465.
  21. ^ Robinson, James (1997). Starman (1994) #37. DC Comics.
  22. ^ Lemire, Jeff; Mikel Janín (2013). Justice League Dark. Volume 2, The Books of Magic. New York: DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4012-4024-0. OCLC 830668855.
  23. ^ The Kingdom: Offspring #1
  24. ^ Flashpoint: Secret Seven #2 (July 2011)
  25. ^ Smallville Season 11: Olympus #1-4

External links

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