We know Zatanna has had relationships with all sorts of people, including Nightwing. But what about The Dark Knight himself? Although not necessarily a romantic relationship, it turns out that Batman and Zatanna had a deep emotional connection that could be described as love. This is best displayed in Batman Urban Legends, with a story arc called Bound To Our Will. In this six-part comic story, we learn a lot by what the two of them have to say for each other.
In this story arc we see a flashback of Bruce (Batman) and Zatanna out in nature, sitting on a blanket with what appears to be a picnic basket. Zatanna points out that the area is perfect for casting due to its energy, and it’s beautiful as well. Bruce says under his breath that the area is not as beautiful as she is. The both of them look younger and the scenario implies that they may have been in some sort of relationship while in their youth. Together they do a spell that unifies their thoughts. Bruce tells Zatanna that he thinks that she is gorgeous when she does magic. They also tumble around on the grass laughing. They clearly have feelings for each other.
Suddenly, there is an attack by some supernatural force. Zatanna is lifted into the air and Bruce desperately holds on. After grounding herself, the two of them put there hands in the air and Zatanna says “bound to our will”. After this incident we see Batman and Zatanna throughout history working together using magic. They are wearing various costumes to show the passing of time. In each panel they say “bound to our will”. The implication here is that they were somehow connected and being bound is what made them successful as teammates.
Fast forward to the future and now things are forever awkward for the two of them because of the spell they did together. Zatanna asks Batman what he remembers about that day, and where his mind returns to when they are near each other. The comic panel reveals that he was thinking about when Zatanna was frightened in the air, holding on to Bruce’s hand. Zatanna tells Batman that she found some possible solutions to their problem that look promising. Batman then has an emotionally crushed look on his face.
In issue 12, Batman and Zatanna discuss how they have always been connected on a deep level in the past. As Batman is explaining this, Zatanna says that sharing the emotions were clearly a burden on him, since he avoids her for months. There is a moment while Zatanna is patching injuries on Batman’s back when she almost touches his chest. This may be implying physical attraction.
Near the end of the story arc, love and friendship become more apparent elements that paint a clearer picture of their past. In particular issue 15 of Batman Urban Legends, when Zatanna blatantly says to Bruce that she loves him. To read the entire story from comic issues 11 to 16, I recommend getting volume 3 (Affiliate Link) of the trade paperback version. I think that Batman and Zatanna deserve a real relationship, don’t you?