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Paul Dini, renowned for his work on Batman: The Animated Series, takes his writing and producing credits a step further by bringing two classic characters together in Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell. This graphic novel weaves a spell canary of a tale, featuring two of DC Comics’ most beloved heroines. Dini has created novels and television shows that brought heroes to their prime, including Superman and Wonder Woman. But he has also written some of the most questionable plot elements ever. Is this graphic novel one of them?
The graphic novel, drawn by Joe Quinones, features two of DC Comic’s most lovely ladies in their very own story. With two young women who happen to wear fishnets and are part of the Justice League (alongside powerhouses like Superman and Wonder Woman), the match is an obvious no-brainer. These fishnet fatales have long been fan favorites, and Dini is known for crafting charming stories when it comes to the ladies. For example, who doesn’t love Harley’s Holiday? But on the other hand, he took away Zatanna’s occult powers in the animated series, leaving fans divided.
Taking place in the classic DC Universe (not the New 52 reboot), Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell begins with young Zatanna Zatara, still learning magic under the tutelage of her father, the great magician Zatara. She happens to meet Black Canary (Dinah) near a mountain top, setting the stage for their future partnership. This origin stint is charming and reminiscent of the style that Terry Moore might write in, blending comic book lore with a touch of the supernatural.
The hard-cover book goes on to have a padded intro with a thwarted Las Vegas casino robbery, where Black Canary showcases her hand-to-hand combat skills against gang members. The story then quickly leads to Dinah in bed with Oliver (Green Arrow), using her sonic scream to break a vase during an intimate moment. While this scene aims for witty dialogue, it comes off as an obvious and somewhat juvenile sex joke. The novel’s cartoon-like imagery combined with the sexual nature of the two heroes’ encounter is just creepy and weird to me, feeling out of place in this magical yarn.
Black Canary and Zatanna, our heroines, don’t even team up until about one-third of the way through the novel, when Zatanna’s occult expertise is needed to help solve a murder mystery. As death stalks their every move, the heart and soul of the novel are the parts that reveal when the two of them first met and began working together. My favorite line is when a villain called The Key says to Zatanna, “What are you supposed to be? A cocktail waitress?” This witty dialogue showcases the banter between characters and villains.
Lines like this also point out the downside of this book: Zatanna’s powers are downplayed significantly. We’re talking about one of the most powerful superheroes in the DC Universe, capable of manipulating reality with her backwards spells, and she’s commonly treated as if she’s beneath Black Canary. Also, Dinah’s sonic scream is repeatedly downplayed. The Key literally hits her in the face after she screamed, making it clear that she’s pretty useless against this supernatural foe.
I’ve discussed Paul Dini a little but haven’t said much about Joe Quinones’ work in Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell. Quinones has an appealing, marketable style that is a mixture of realistic proportions and cartoon-like facial expressions. This combination makes his work recognizable but not always appropriate for the more serious moments in the mystery plot. However, the clear expressionistic feeling can be read from each character, making it ideal for comic books and bringing these classic characters to life.
Despite these faults, Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell is definitely charming and worth seeking out. The story weaves elements of revenge, black magic, and a cast of female criminals into a compelling narrative that pays homage to comic book lore while crafting its own unique tale. Fans of the Gotham City Sirens and other DC heroines will find plenty to enjoy in this magical adventure.
Be sure to read it if you’re looking for a fun romp with two of DC’s most iconic fishnet-clad heroines.