Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Z: "Z" end...oh, and yeah...Zatanna!



is for Zatanna.

It's also "Z" end of the A to Z Blogging Challenge and, while I've had a great time, I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling a bit of relief. It's been great meeting a ton of new bloggers, as well as finding a lot of new blogs to stalk follow. I've learned a lot this month, not just about writing, but about a lot of other myriad topics such as ballroom dancing, astronomy, movies (lots of movies), places/landmarks, author's books, as well as a metric ton of 'slices of life'....which I always love reading about.

I also want to thank each and every one of you who stopped by, left comments, asked questions, etc. I realize my theme wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but I really appreciate you all indulging me in my 'heroic walk down memory lane' and, at least, pretending to be interested.  :D

Now, onto our last heroine.

Zatanna Zatara was created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Murphy Anderson. She debuted in  D.C. Comics Hawkman #4 (November, 1964)

Born of the same race as Madame Xanadu, Homo Magi, Zatanna was a natural sorceress, following in the stage magician footsteps of her father, Giovanni (John) Zatara (also a Homo Magi). Having aided the Justice League on a few cases, she finally joined in 1978 and was touted as one of the League's most powerful members, due to Superman's vulnerability to magic. 

One of her 'Justice League' looks.



While a very powerful sorceress, Zatanna has to not only speak her spells aloud, but she also has to say them backwards in order to work her magic. I guess that was her price for magic.

There's always a price for magic.

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I'd also be remiss if I didn't thank the entire A to Z Crew. Their effort and dedication to making this a fun and well run event really showed and I appreciate their work. If you haven't already, stop by and show 'em some love :) 

I hope you all had a good a time as I did, this past month, and thanks again :)

Stop back Wednesday when things get back to what passes as "normal" around here and I share some writing insecurities with another Insecure Writers Support Group post...

43 comments:

Andrew Leon said...

I have at least one cool Zatanna comic.

Brandon Ax said...

Always loved her and her backwards talking ways. I have some awesome covers from the Identity Crisis with her on them.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

I only saw her in cartoons including Batman: The Animated Series. Cool character to end with, I truly thought I wouldn't know the Z one but you chose Zatanna. Everything has a price.

Glad you enjoyed the comments and I thank you as well for coming over to my blog and leaving your thoughts. By promoting my book I sort of spent my month talking about what's been spewing out my brain. So that might not have always someone else's cup of tea either. Yet we made it to the end and I feel a sense of accomplishment that I'm sure you feel too. So enjoy your day and congrats.

Manzanita said...

Mark
Thank you for the great introduction into comics. Your posts were so concise and easy to read ..... you made the whole experience a joy.
What an illustrious name to end on...Zatanna. The fighting women are always such "Babes." Zatanna included with her curves and her wild sexy hair. A big friendship hug for a job well done.

Dani said...

Never heard of her. I like learning new comic characters! You have taught me a great deal about comics and characters this April! Thanks!

Dee @ A Deecoded Life said...

Congrats on finishing the A-Z challenge! High five!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

And she wasn't a bad dresser, either!
Challenge has been awesome. Good job with finding a superhero for every letter.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations in completing the A to Z Challenge.

Yvonne
A to Z AMBASSADOR.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Even though I don't read comics, your theme was very fun.

John Wiswell said...

Backwards-talking magic is one of my favorite wacky magic systems. I wouldn't have thought of it myself and have enjoyed countless minutes of failing at it in practice.

And congratulations on making it to Z!

John at The Bathroom Monologues

Suze said...

Hmm. Not sure if Oracle or Zatanna is my favorite of the characters you profiled. I love the Justice League look.

Thanks for a cool ride, Mr. Means!

Cathrina Constantine said...

Hah, I watched an episode on Supernatural where there was a Zantana, and on Smallville. All your posts were great, Mark. Thanks for the memories...

Jenny said...

I remember seeing her action figure in Target back when my boys were into such things. I didn't know about the backwards business, though. That would keep a gal on her toes.

Happy Z Day!

Jenny at Choice City Native

Mark Means said...

@Andrew: Strangely enough, I never bought any of her own book, but really liked her run with the JLA.

@Brandon: Definitely agree...the Identity Crisis covers were pretty well done.

@Sheena: Thanks and I enjoyed learning more about your book....best of luck with it! :)

@Manzanita: Thanks for the kind words and I felt the same about your posts...they, honestly, gave me a new appreciation for ballroom dancing. Yes,they always have to draw the guys really 'hunky' and the gals really curvy...I guess it helps sell the books :) Hugs right back at ya!

@Dani: Thank you and I feel the same about your Shel Silverstein posts. Well done! :)

@Dee: Thanks and same to you! It was nice 'meeting' you and finding your blog this A to Z :)

@Alex: Totally agree and, along with Black Canary, helped keep fishnets in style :) Thanks and, while it was no where near as ambitious as your theme (which rocked, btw), I thought I did o.k :) Thanks again for the shout out!

@Yvonne: Hey thank you and glad to see you're back! :)

@Diane: Thank you very much!

@John: LOL...I've never tried it, but don't think I'd be much good at it :) Thanks and same to you. Nice to meet you this A to Z.

@Suze: You're welcome and thanks for riding along :)

Mark Means said...

@Cathrina: Thank you and great to come across your blog and meet you during April. :)

@Jenny: It sure would and thank you....great meeting you :)

Julie Flanders said...

Your theme was so much fun! I really don't know anything about comics and I loved reading about all these characters. And as I think I've said before, I totally loved the comic covers. :)

Robin said...

Unless my memory is amiss, I do believe she was on Smallville. Am I right or wrong here?

S.P. Bowers said...

Always a price for magic. But I think being magical might be worth that price.

Jeremy [Retro] said...

she is one hot comic book lady... i loved the version from tv's smallville played by Serinda Swan... now there is a treat if you google her.

it's been a pleasure and a honor to work with you as your minion duties soar... and you had a great bunch of posts this month. i learned something...

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I never fake anything. I enjoyed the nerd fest. And by nerd, I mean modern day, nerds are totally cool sort of way!

And how sweet to thank the hosts. Such manners! You must make your mother proud :)

Lisa said...

Awesome job Mark! I'll continue to look for your emails in my inbox, but some I didn't get, like these last few. I had to come to your blog to get the post :-(
I sent the link to my sister (an AVID comic collector since the 70's) and she's been following your every post and even guessed you'd use Zatanna at the end! She'd like to let you know how much she enjoyed your blog, how can she post here if she doesn't have a blog or "ID"?

Al Diaz said...

Cool closing. She does look great and the spells backwards is a nice touch. You did very well, Mark! Yes, I am relieved too challenge is over. :)

Valerie said...

Yes!! Always a price indeed. Magic is funny like that.

Hugs!

Valerie

Mark Means said...

@Julie: Thank you, I appreciate that and I agree....the covers were a lot of fun to back and look at :)

@Robin: Ding, ding, ding! You're absolutely correct, though I don't think I saw the episode she was in :)

@S.P: I think I'd have to agree with you... as long as the price was worth paying.

@Jeremy: Oh yeah, you're absolutely right...she's very easy on the eyes :) Hey, it was my pleasure to lend a hand and feel free to call on me if you ever need any sort of assistance in the future...thank you :)

@Elizabeth: Thank you, I really appreciate that :)

@Lisa: Thank you very much and you're sister is a pretty smart cookie to know I'd use Zatanna for my "Z"....I hope she's enjoying the posts. We're from the same era of buying comics, so many of these were probably known to her. I think she can post if she has a gmail account, I'm not sure as I don't have anonymous posting turned on. If she's on Google Plus, she can catch me there, as well. In either case, tell her 'thank you' from me :)

@Al: Thank you and I look forward to hearing more from you and your Dwarves :)

@Valerie: That it is and great 'meeting' you this month! :)

Christine Rains said...

Excellent Z day! Congrats on finishing the Challenge. I very much enjoyed the A to Z of comic book characters.

Simply Sarah said...

I'm just now discovering your blog. It looks like you had a great theme going. Congrats for making it to the end! Simply Sarah

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I have enjoyed learning about all these comic book characters that I've never heard about. It gave me a new appreciation of the creativity behind those works.

Mark Means said...

@Christine: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

@Sarah: Better late then never and thanks for stopping by :)

@Susan: Thank you, I appreciate that :)

klahanie said...

Hi Mark,

I have got to stop staring at Zatanna! She can be my mistress of mysteries, anytime. If only she was real...

You've brought to light with your entertaining and highly informative postings, much info on these comic superheroes. I did mean comic as in magazine and not, well you know..

Thank you for interacting with me on my tongue-in-cheek alternatives, Mark. And there's the list of the A to Z crew! Hi crew, I know you love me! Ha ha.

Be well Mark, and here's to the merry, merry month of May!

Gary :)

Jeff Hargett said...

Well this was a whirlwind tour that covered comics I'd never before seen. (Or maybe, at my age, I just don't remember seeing.) Great job with the challenge!

Krista McLaughlin said...

There's always a price for much. Pretty much sums it up! I enjoyed reading your posts! Very fun!

Congrats on finishing!

Mark Means said...

@Gary: Haha, I always enjoy your slightly (sometimes) skewed, but always entertaining take on things...regardless of the topic...and A to Z (or, in your case, Z to A) was no different :) And, I know, Zatanaa really has it going on, right? :D Take care, my friend!

@Jeff: Thank you, I appreciate that! :)

@Krista: Thanks and the same to you. It felt good to, finally, cross the finish line :)

Empty Nest Insider said...

It's been fun learning more about comic books! Now I feel like I've finally graduated from Riverdale High, and have entered the big league. All thanks to you Mark!

Julie

Samantha May said...

Such a cool name!

I've loved learning about these comics! I'm glad I can now stal-uh, I mean follow your blog :D

Jack said...

I love watching magician. I think that makes her a cool superhero on that alone.

Tammy Theriault said...

she is one saucy woman! meow!

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

The mistress of mysteries...sounds intriguing. I have really enjoyed your theme this month. Loved all the posts and wonderful characters I knew nothing about until now! Will "chat" at you soon- have a great night :)

orneryswife said...

Just coming in for the first time--I have never been a big comic book fan--in fact I don't believe in my 53 years I have read more than a handful, and those from Bob's Big Boy restaurants when I was a kid!

However, you have certainly made the characters come to life! I look forward to coming back to see more.

Congrats on finishing the challenge. Whew, that was a month, wasn't it??!
tm

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark .. Zatanna certainly made her mark - she's one pretty feisty creature - not bad looking either ..

Well done on finishing the A-Z .. and I know where to come to find out more about any Comic ..

Cheers Hilary

Tyrean Martinson said...

Cool character! I loved your theme! I have only read comic books off and on, but I've always enjoyed them and their larger-than-life characters.
Thanks for sharing your awesome knowledge!

Ella said...

Very cool! I love your challenge-it reminded me of my friends rushing to the store to get the latest issue!

Ooh, Zatanna looks like she could cast a spell ;D

Well done Mark!

Mark Means said...

@Julie: Haha, I used to love Archie as well as Richie Rich comics, back in the day, so a diploma from Riverdale is cool with me :)

@Samantha: Thanks and it's been fun to meet you and find your blog, as well :)

@Jack: I totally agree! :)

@Tammy: To say the least :)

@Rebecca: Thank you, I really appreciate that. I'm glad you enjoyed and I'm glad I was able to connect with you and your very insightful blog :)

@Ornery's Wife: Hey, that's o.k...I used to love those Big Boy comics when I was younger. It was my favorite thing about going after the tartar sauce on the hamburgers :D Thanks for the follow and, yes, it was quite a month....kind of glad it's over :)

@Hilary: Thank you and I know where to go to find out about one of my favorite topics...cooking and food :)

@Tyrean: Thank you and it was fun to find out all about the great sport of Fencing over at your blog, as well :)

@Ella: Thank you and I remember those days well...fun times. :)

SpacerGuy said...

Your comic super heroes are all winners. The Human Torch is amazing.

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