Zatanna (Batman: The Animated Series)

"Zatanna" is the 50th episode from Batman: The Animated Series. It first aired on February 2, 1993, and was written by Paul Dini and directed by Dan Riba and Dick Sebast.[1] The episode features the first appearance of regular DC Comics character Zatanna in the DC Animated Universe.

"Zatanna"
Batman: The Animated Series episode
"Zatanna" title card
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 54
Directed byDan Riba
Dick Sebast
Written byPaul Dini
Original air dateFebruary 2, 1993
Guest appearance(s)

Plot

The episode opens with a flashback to Bruce Wayne's past, when he was training under the pseudonym John Smith with the magician Zatara, learning the skills of an escape artist in preparation for his future as Batman. He has a flirtatious relationship with Zatara's daughter, Zatanna, though he appears to leave without acting upon their mutual attraction.

In the present day, Bruce Wayne is attending a performance by Zatanna, who has become a successful stage magician herself. Her performance involves having the money in the Gotham Mint vanish and reappear and is watched over by a debunker of magic named Montague Kane. After causing the money to vanish successfully, Zatanna finds herself unable to make it reappear, and she is arrested for its theft. Refusing to believe that she could be guilty of such a crime, Bruce begins to investigate as Batman.

Batman breaks Zatanna out of her police transport and the two travel to the scene of the crime. Along the way Zatanna questions why he would go to such lengths to prove her innocence. She asks if they have met before; Batman brushes off the question, answering her questions about having met by stating that he simply 'has one of those faces'. Upon exploring the stage on which she performed, Batman and Zatanna discover that the money was never there in the first place, and that somebody has enacted their own illusion on top of Zatanna's in order to frame her. Suspecting Montague Kane, the two proceed to his estate. Kane is not present, though they do find evidence to implicate him, as well as signs that indicate that he is attempting to flee Gotham on his personal jet.

Racing to the airstrip, Batman and Zatanna board the plane and, after a pitched battle with Kane and his henchmen, are able to bring them to justice. Talking afterwards, Zatanna again questions why Batman would go to such great lengths to prove her innocence. Batman reveals that he was Zatara's apprentice so many years ago. The two part as friends, with the implication that they could someday be something more.

Production

According to writer/story editor Paul Dini, the fishnet stockings Zatanna wears in the comic books were left off of her costume in the episode because they were virtually impossible to animate.[2]

Reception

"Zatanna" is generally well regarded. Oliver Sava of The A.V. Club gave the episode a positive review and a 'B' grade.[3]

References
  1. "Zatanna". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  2. Mangels, Andy (January 1993). "Hollywood Heroes". Wizard. Wizard Entertainment (17): 34.
  3. Sava, Oliver (9 May 2011). "Batman: The Animated Series: 'Paging The Crime Doctor'/'Zatanna'". AVClub.com. Onion Inc. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
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