Zatanna

This article is about the superhero. For the comic book, see Zatanna (comic book).
Zatanna
Zatanna in a stage magician's uniform, pulling a variety of creatures out of a top hat and smiling.
Variant textless cover of Superman vol. 6 #17 (October 2024).
Art by Stjepan Šejić.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceHawkman #4 (October 10th 1964)
Created byGardner Fox (writer)
Murphy Anderson (artist)
In-story information
Alter egoZatanna Zatara
SpeciesHomo magi
Place of originSan Francisco, California
Team affiliationsJustice League Dark
Justice League
Sentinels of Magic
Seven Soldiers
PartnershipsDoctor Fate (various)
John Constantine
Batman
Wonder Woman
Black Canary
Swamp Thing
The Flash
Raven
Notable aliasesMistress of Magic
Princess of Prestidigitation
Sorceress Supreme
Abilities
  • Mastery of various forms of magic; primarily commands magical energies and spell-casting through speaking commands backwards, although not required
  • Occult and demonology expert
  • Master stage magician and escape artist
  • Skilled hand-to-hand combatant
Altered in-story information for adaptations to other media
Notable aliasesDoctor Fate

Zatanna Zatara (/zəˈtænə zəˈtɑːrə/), commonly known mononymously as Zatanna, is a fictional magician appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Gardner Fox and Murphy Anderson, and first appeared in Hawkman #4 (November 1964).[1]

Zatanna holds the distinction of being the daughter of the renowned magician Zatara and belonging to the homo magi race, a unique subset of humanity endowed with innate magical abilities. Widely recognized for her exceptional skills as a professional illusionist, she captivates audiences with her mesmerizing performances with both stage and actual magic. In addition to her stage persona, Zatanna assumes the mantle of a mystic superhero, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to the quest of thwarting malevolent forces. Zatanna's extensive understanding of magic and her proficiency in wielding its powers have established her as a highly sought-after consultant in matters pertaining to the arcane arts. Her expertise, coupled with her natural leadership qualities, has led to her assuming prominent roles within the DC Universe. Notably, she has taken up leadership positions in both the contemporary Justice League, a renowned superhero team, and its offshoot branch, the Justice League Dark, which specializes in confronting supernatural threats. This recognition as one of the foremost practitioners of magic solidifies Zatanna's standing as a prominent figure in the DC Universe.[2][3]

Zatanna has appeared in several different media adaptations, including appearing in several television series in the DC Animated Universe, notably voiced by Julie Brown and Jennifer Hale. She has also appeared as a recurring character in the final three seasons of Smallville, portrayed by actress Serinda Swan. A younger version of the character also appears in Young Justice and Justice League Action, voiced by Lacey Chabert, and in DC Super Hero Girls, voiced by Kari Wahlgren.

  1. ^ 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. 338. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  2. ^ Alan Cowsill; Alexander Irvine; Steven Korté; Matthew K. Manning; Stephen Wiacek; Sven Wilson (2016). The DC comics encyclopedia: the definitive guide to the characters of the DC universe (First American ed.). New York, New York: DC Comics. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0. OCLC 936192301.
  3. ^ "Zatanna". DC. Retrieved 2023-09-21.