WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for SUPERMAN #18!Zatanna debuts a new character design in DC’s summer crisis event, Absolute Power. However, this badass yet eerie look is more than just a superficial change—it reflects the true cost of Zatanna’s powers. This transformation also highlights the heavy toll DC’s heroes have endured in Amanda Waller’s war against metahumans, adding an emotional weight to the narrative.
It’s clear that
Absolute Power
isn’t just about reclaiming powers—it’s 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 Neron to obtain 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 had blocked the heroes’ usual means of connecting with other Earths, but the Dark Roads have restored that access, giving the Justice League and their allies a crucial advantage that could turn the tide of the war. However, this newfound power comes at a steep cost for Zatanna.
Zatanna’s Magic Comes at the Cost of Her Soul & LIFE
The Map of Mordu Is Draining Zantanna’s Life Force (& Superman Is NOT 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 cost. His point is proven when Zatanna stumbles, only to rise with black ink map markings tattooed across her face. Concerned, Clark helps her steady herself as she explains that the Map of Mordu does indeed 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 toll 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 earlier negotiations with the demon Neron. Clark had assumed the demon would demand their souls in exchange for the map, but Neron pointed out that with the amount of dark magic Zatanna has wielded, her soul was practically 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 use their powers freely.
Zatanna Reveals Her Sense of Identity Is Intrinsically Tied to Her Magic
“This Thing You Say You Hate is My Everything.” – Zatanna in Superman #18
The exchange between Clark and Zatanna over the map’s cost quickly turns heartbreaking. Superman expresses doubts about continuing, concerned for Zatanna as the price is so steep. Yet, Zatanna counters fiercely, saying she’d pay any cost if it meant regaining her powers. This leads to an emotional moment where she admits she feels like no one without her magic. In a raw confession, she even reprimands Clark for his disdain of magic, saying, “This 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 “needs” 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’ll get our powers back… We will. But you need to know you’re so much more than magic, Zatanna.” Despite his reassurance, it’s clear Zatanna doesn’t share his faith in her worth beyond her abilities.
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 very identities. Zatanna’s words capture this perfectly:“You might 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 struggleinAbsolute Power: Task Force VII #4, where she reveals that without her powers, she feels disconnected from others and out of sync with herself. Through ZatannaandMiss Martian’s experiences, it’s clear thatAbsolute Powerisn’t just about reclaiming powers—it’s a fight to regain their sense of identity.
Superman #18 is available now from DC Comics!
Superman (2023)
IT’S THE DAWN OF DC! Superman has returned to Metropolis and his greatest enemy Lex Luthor is finally behind bars. The future of the Superman family has never been brighter! As Clark Kent settles back into his life, iconic and new enemies erupt from the shadows to strike down the Man of Steel! But waiting in the wings to back up Big Blue is…Supercorp?! What secret project has Lex given to Superman?! “A hero is only as good as their villains” will be put to the test