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A review by katharine_opal
Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend by Alys Arden
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend is a graphic novel about Zatanna, who is the daughter of an illusionist duo, Erza and Lola Star. Set in New York City's Coney Island, Zatanna discovers there are many mysteries surrounding her and her family, and sets out to find out the truth behind the curtain. I just want to preface my review with the statement that I never read any of the comics about Zatanna. I know that she's a DC Comics hero and that she's a magician in those, but nothing beyond that. I really wanted to like this graphic novel. The premise was fascinating, the world fun, and the diverse cast. But something about it just fell flat to me. Zatanna, strangely enough, feels bland and like your everyday alternative fashion girl. Honestly, her friends were a bit more interesting than her in this. It felt forgettable, like a cheap novel you read once at the beach and never again. The magic system that Zatanna uses was very interesting, I have never heard of that system before. But again, never read the comics relating to her. The art style itself was okay; excellent use of color, but the pages had no motion. None of the panels had good page flow and it made everything feel very stilted. I have a feeling the artist has a lot of experience with illustrations and not so much with comics. A couple of panels had a wonky feeling to them with the way they were drawn, it honestly took me out of the story for a moment. There is a LOT going on in this graphic novel. I know it kind of has to be set up for the rest of the novels for what I assume to be the series. But it is a little jarring because it feels like plot point after plot point is getting chucked at your head. This was an okay read, but I doubt I'll be seeking out the next novel.
(P.S. Is "The Golden Elephant" where Zatanna lives supposed to be based on "Lucy the Elephant"? Seeing as Lucy the Elephant had been used as a restaurant, business office, cottage, and tavern in the past, and was even able to be rented out in 2020 on AirBNB, the resemblance is striking. Cute detail if it is supposed to be a little homage.)
Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend is a graphic novel about Zatanna, who is the daughter of an illusionist duo, Erza and Lola Star. Set in New York City's Coney Island, Zatanna discovers there are many mysteries surrounding her and her family, and sets out to find out the truth behind the curtain. I just want to preface my review with the statement that I never read any of the comics about Zatanna. I know that she's a DC Comics hero and that she's a magician in those, but nothing beyond that. I really wanted to like this graphic novel. The premise was fascinating, the world fun, and the diverse cast. But something about it just fell flat to me. Zatanna, strangely enough, feels bland and like your everyday alternative fashion girl. Honestly, her friends were a bit more interesting than her in this. It felt forgettable, like a cheap novel you read once at the beach and never again. The magic system that Zatanna uses was very interesting, I have never heard of that system before. But again, never read the comics relating to her. The art style itself was okay; excellent use of color, but the pages had no motion. None of the panels had good page flow and it made everything feel very stilted. I have a feeling the artist has a lot of experience with illustrations and not so much with comics. A couple of panels had a wonky feeling to them with the way they were drawn, it honestly took me out of the story for a moment. There is a LOT going on in this graphic novel. I know it kind of has to be set up for the rest of the novels for what I assume to be the series. But it is a little jarring because it feels like plot point after plot point is getting chucked at your head. This was an okay read, but I doubt I'll be seeking out the next novel.
(P.S. Is "The Golden Elephant" where Zatanna lives supposed to be based on "Lucy the Elephant"? Seeing as Lucy the Elephant had been used as a restaurant, business office, cottage, and tavern in the past, and was even able to be rented out in 2020 on AirBNB, the resemblance is striking. Cute detail if it is supposed to be a little homage.)