Warning: Contains potential spoilers for Superman #18!Zatanna Debuting a new character design at DC’s Summer Crisis event, Absolute power. However, this badass yet creepy look is more than just a superficial change – it reflects the true cost of Zatanna’s powers. The transformation also highlights the heavy toll of DC’s heroes in Amanda Waller’s war against metahumans, adding an emotional weight to the narrative.
It is clear that Absolute power is not just about regaining power – it is a fight to regain their sense of identity.
Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell’s Superman #18 continues the team-up of Zatanna and Superman as they strike a deal with the demon Nerun to get the map of Mordu. This magical artifact enables them to navigate the Dark Roads—mystical pathways hidden in shadows that allow travel across Earth and the multiverse.
in Absolute power #1, Waller blocked the heroes’ usual means of connecting with other Earths, but the Dark Roads restored that access.Give the Justice League and their allies a critical advantage that could turn the tide of the war. However, this newfound power comes with a steep price for Zatanna.
Zatanna’s magic comes at the cost of her soul and life
Mordu’s map is draining Zantanna’s life force (and Superman isn’t happy about it)
As Zatanna and Superman navigate the Dark Roads, they have a brief disagreement. Clark voices his frustration with magic, criticizing its ever-changing rules and the fact that it always seems to come with a price. His point is proven when Zatanna stumbles, only to rise with black ink map markings tattooed across her face. worry, Clarke helps her steady herself as she explains that the map of Mordu does demand a price. Normally, it draws from the user’s magic, but with Zatanna currently powerless due to Waller’s power-stealing Amazos, it is instead pulling from her life force.
While this physical charge has undeniably resulted in one of Zatanna’s most striking looks to date, it underscores the deeper cost of her powers. This is further emphasized during the duo’s previous dealings with the demon Neron. Clark assumed that the demon would claim their souls in exchange for the map, however Neron pointed out that with the amount of dark magic that Zatanna had done, her soul was almost already his. This issue serves as a stark reminder of the immense price Zatanna pays for her abilities, setting her apart from other metas who can freely use their powers.
Related
Zatanna reveals that her sense of identity is intrinsically tied to her magic
“The thing you say you hate is my everything.” – Zatna in Superman #18
The exchange between Clarke and Zatana over the price of the map quickly turns heartbreaking. Superman expresses doubts about continuing, concerned for Zatanna because the price is so steep. However, Zatanna counters strongly, saying that she would pay any price if it means getting her powers back. This leads to an emotional moment where she admits that she feels like nobody without her magic. In a raw confession, she even reprimands Clark for his disdain of magic, saying: “The thing you say you hate is my everything.”
This scene in Superman #18 offers fans heartbreaking insight into Zatanna’s character, as she reveals her deep belief that she “need” Her magic to have an identity. While Zatanna’s powers have undeniably defined her in the eyes of fans, it’s painful to see her believe that magic is the only thing that makes her who she is. Shocked and saddened by her confession, Superman replies, “We will get our powers back…we will. But you need to know that you are so much more than magic, Zatanna. Despite his reassurance, it’s clear that Zatanna doesn’t share his faith in her worth beyond her abilities.
Related
Amanda Waller has caused an identity crisis among DC’s heroes
Miss Martian reflects on the toll of the loss of her powers in Absolute Power: Task Force VII #4 by Pornsak Pichetshote
Superman #18 brilliantly highlights the true cost of Waller’s actions in stealing heroes’ powers – not just stripping their abilities but, for some, their identities. Zatanna’s words capture this perfectly: – You should have a life outside of your costume, Superman… But Waller didn’t just take my powers – she took my life. This echoes Miss Martian’s struggle Absolute Power: Task Force VII #4, where she reveals that without her powers she feels detached from others and out of sync with herself. by Zatanna And Miss Martian Experiences, it is clear that Absolute power is not just about regaining power – it is a fight to regain their sense of identity.
Superman #18 is now available from DC Comics!