Book Review: Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell

Book: Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell by Paul Dini with illustrations by Joe Quinones and color by Dave McCaig

Edition: Hardcover

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I dusted off my Twitter account and posted a quick tweet to the author, Paul Dini to say how much I enjoyed this book. 

Now for my review, I absolutely loved this book for so many different reasons, but here are my top four:

First, it's a totally cool, kick-butt buddy comic featuring two of my favorite characters Black Canary (Dinah Laurel Lance) and Zatanna Zatara.

Second, this comic featured Green Arrow. Now a days, as a Green Arrow and Black Canary fan, it's so rare to see anything that features their relationship. Which is why I was so surprised when it was shown in this book. Ollie wasn't in the entire story but it was still nice to see the two of them together.

Third, the story. It was very well-written and a fun read. I thought the author balanced the humor and drama perfectly.

Fourth but certainly not least, the artwork. It was bright and clear as it highlighted both the serious and humorous parts of this story.


In Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell, the story opens in the past with the first meeting between Zatanna and Dinah back when they were teenagers. The story then followed Black Canary who was undercover trying to stop Tina Spetto, the leader of gang from robbing a casino but Tina wasn't planning on surrendering and killed herself to avoid being arrested. But that wasn't the end of Tina's story, because although Dinah was unaware of the consequences she and the rest of Tina's gang had unknowingly taken a blood oath.

Now a year later in the present, Tina's spirit was seeking revenge against her former gang because they were the reason Black Canary was there to ruin her plan in the first place. Her plans also included destroying Black Canary as well.

After seeing a brief news segment, Dinah found out about the death of one of the women from Tina's former gang. Then she received a phone call from another former member who sounded a little off. Leaving her bedroom fun time with Ollie, Dinah went to see if she could help but by the time she got there, there was no way to save her. From there Black Canary and Green Arrow went to check on another former member but again they were too late. But this time Dinah did find a clue which had her seeking a little magical help from Zatanna.

Even with all of Zatanna powers, the duo had a difficult time trying to stop Tina due not only to the blood oath but a few other tricks. They had to come up with something truly on the spot to stop her.

I really liked this because you get a great fast-paced story that showed this two amazing characters doing what they do best being superheroes but you also get some fun flashback scenes. This is definitely one of my new favorite books.

Currently Reading: Killer Heels, Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell and Captain Marvel vol #2 (Marvel Now)

This morning I was looking for something fun and different to read and pulled out these three books:

Killer Heels seems like it will be a fun read. As for Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell, I can't believe I just unsealed this book. I bought it last June and it has been sitting on the shelf since then.

I had read the first volume of the Marvel Now Captain Marvel series some time last year and haven't found a chance to read it since. Since then Marvel has published an entirely new Captain Marvel series and to no surprise to anyone who visits my blog, I also have those issues but I haven't read them yet.

Well, hopefully these three books will be a fun read.

Book: Killer Heels (Molly Forrester Mystery book #1) by Sheryl J. Anderson

Description:

Molly Forrester had always hoped opportunity would knock, not throw itself at her feet. She enjoys playing a "Dear Abby" type for Zeitgeist magazine, a Manhattan glossy "wedged on the newsstand somewhere between Marie Claire and Cosmo." But when she literally stumbles onto a crime-tripping over a colleague's body and ruining her new pair of Jimmy Choos-she sees the potential to sink her teeth-or heels-into some real news for a change.

After all, writing a column dealing with people's secrets should be good preparation for solving a murder. Especially since the victim was a notorious lady's man. Still, even an expert could use some help. So Molly enlists Cassady and Tricia, the best friends she always turns to for support, shoes, and the proper cocktail.

She might even take a cue from that cute homicide detective... Or is he cozying up because he thinks Molly's a killer?

Sheryl J. Anderson delivers a wickedly funny, sexy, and suspenseful novel about one girl tackling a killer in the Big Apple. Compared to negotiating Manhattan's singles scene, solving one eensy teensy stabbing shouldn't be that big a deal.... Right?

Book: Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell by Paul Dini with illustrations by Joe Quinones and color by Dave McCaig

Edition: Hardcover

Description:

Black Canary. Zatanna Zatara. Two of the DC Universe's brightest stars join forces to combat a deadly new threat-a chilling supernatural foe that preys on their weaknesses and unleashes their awesome powers against each other.

A year ago, Black Canary infiltrated a gang of female criminals set to pull a dangerous heist at a Las Vegas casino. Its leader was skilled in hand-to-hand combat and with more than a passing interest in the occult, specifically black magic, one nasty customer. Rather than be taken by Canary or the law, she went to her death, vowing she would get revenge on Canary and her own former gang members. Now, a year to the day later, death stalks those gang members, and Canary must turn to her friend Zatanna to help investigate.

Book: Captain Marvel volume #2: Down (issues #7-12) by Kelly Sue DeConnick (issues #7-12) and Christopher Sebla (issues #7-8, 11-12)

Illustrations by Dexter Soy (issues #7-8) and Filipe Andrade (issues #9-12) and color by Veronica Gandini (issue #8) and Jordie Bellaire (issues #9-12)


Edition: Single Print Issues

Description:

Captain Marvel goes head to head with...Captain Marvel?

Former Captain Monica Rambeau returns, but what's her problem with Earth's new Mightiest Hero? What threat is lurking below the ocean's surface? And can both Captain Marvels stop it before they get ship wrecked?

Then: Carol finally returns home, but is changed. What is weakening Captain Marvel's powers? How will the lifelong high-flyer react when she discovers that she can no longer fly?

Book Review for A-Z Title Challenge: Zatanna issue #15

Book: Zatanna issue #15: Witch Hunt by Derek Fridolfs with illustration by Jamal Igle, ink by John Dell and color by John Kalisz with cover art by Adam Hughes

Edition: Single print issue

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

I have officially completed the A-Z Title Challenge! Now, on to the review. This is my second time reading this, although it's been quite a while ago, but it's still a good read.

This was fun but not so much fun for Zatanna who had to deal with modern day monster hunters. The story begins with Zatanna enjoying a few minutes of rest in her dressing room following the end of her magic show but her peaceful moment didn't last long. Someone shot an arrow at her which left a wound across her neck. The wound may not be lethal but it's going to make it very difficult for Zatanna to speak which she needs to do to conjure her spells. And that's not the only problem, the arrow was laced with some kind of tranquilizer making it easier for the hunters to catch her.

Zatanna only had mere seconds to escape her dressing room before her captures arrive. She also needed try to treat her wound and stop the bleeding. It's a non-stop chase as she tries to evade the hunters who are never far behind. However, the joke in on the them when Zatanna who is ever so resourceful got the last laugh as she turns the tables on them.

This was a fast-paced, well written story that had great art. The story even gives the reader a nice little scene with Zee's father trying to teach her not to only rely on her magic but to use her mind and sometimes strength to solve a problem.

I miss this series, it was great.

Currently Reading for A-Z Title Challenge: Zatanna issue #15

I wanted to end this challenge with one of my favorite characters, The Mistress of Magic, Zatanna. Even though I've read this several years ago this challenge gives me the perfect excuse to read it again.


Book: Zatanna issue #15: Witch Hunt by Derek Fridolfs with illustration by Jamal Igle, ink by John Dell and color by John Kalisz with cover art by Adam Hughes

Edition: Single print issue

Description:

Can Zatanna escape modern day witch hunters who ambush her backstage following the end of one her magic shows?

Book Reviews: Batman: The Brave and The Bold #12

Book: Batman: The Brave and The Bold issue #12 by Sholly Fisch

Description:

Batman and Zatanna have to take a walk on the weird side if they're going to solve a break in at The House of Mystery! Before you can say "boo", some of the spookiest bad guys around come knocking - and they're not looking for treats!

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Review:

This was a fun little comic based on the Batman: TBATB animated series (which no longer airs) and it focused on a break-in at The House of Mystery on Halloween. To find the culprit, Batman along with Zatanna try to find the one responsible by tracking down the usual suspects for magical crimes including that annoying little imp Mister Mxyzptlk. There were a lot of funny moments in this which had me laughing.

I stated above, I thought the story was fun to read and the story wasn't overly complicated (which is good you don't want to confuse little kids). Since this is supposed to be geared towards children there wasn't any graphic violence, so it's great for all ages.

Book Review: Zatanna volume 2: Shades of the Past

Book: Zatanna volume 2: Shades of the Past by Paul Dini

Cover Art by Adam Hughes

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Zatanna's series was one of my favorite. I wish it had not been cancelled for the re-boot.

Volume 2 features the finale issues #7 - 16 and range from humorous to dark. I thought the last few issues were great from the Wingman with her cousin Zachary or the last issue with that evil little witch boy. I would have loved to see how Zatanna was going finally deal with Brother Blood and also how she was going deal when she found out the secret of Detective Dale Colton.
Overall I thought Zatanna was a great read and had great art.