Page 10 from JLA #39 (2010), a stunning full-page splash penciled by Mark Bagley and inked by Rob Hunter.
This dramatic splash features Giovanni “John” Zatara, legendary stage magician and father of Zatanna, resurrected as a Black Lantern. Rising from his grave while uttering the magical word “…Abracadabra!,” Zatara’s horrifying return is one of the most unforgettable images in the issue and sets the tone for the supernatural conflict to follow.
Why This Page Matters
This page is part of the “Reunion – Part One” storyline written by James Robinson, tying directly into the aftermath of DC’s landmark Blackest Night event. Rather than focusing on Green Lantern mythology alone, the issue explores the emotional consequences of the Black Lantern resurrection through the Justice League and DC’s magical legacy.
Few characters occupy a more important place in DC magic than John Zatara. Debuting in Action Comics #1 (1938) alongside Superman’s first appearance, Zatara is one of DC’s oldest heroes and the father and mentor of Zatanna, one of the company’s premier magical characters. Seeing him return as a Black Lantern creates a powerful emotional moment for longtime DC readers.
Artist Mark Bagley delivers a cinematic, horror-inspired composition that fills nearly the entire page with the undead Zatara, while Rob Hunter’s rich inks heighten the eerie atmosphere through dramatic shadows and textured brushwork.
Highlights
- Published JLA #39 original artwork
- Page 10 – Full-page splash
- Pencils by Mark Bagley
- Inks by Rob Hunter
- Written by James Robinson
- Features Black Lantern John Zatara
- Father of Zatanna
- Tie-in to the aftermath of Blackest Night
- Full-page horror splash
- Original published DC Comics artwork
