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Zatara
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Creation & Design

Zatara was created by writer and artist Fred Guardineer and first appeared in Action Comics #1. He was inspired by the stage magicians of the time and was one of the first superheroes to use magic as a primary power.

Early Years

Zatara quickly became known for his unique ability to cast spells by speaking backwards. He fought against various villains and supernatural threats, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the DC Universe.

Character Development

Over the years, Zatara has evolved from a simple magician into a complex character who grapples with the responsibilities of wielding great power. His relationships with other magic users, particularly his daughter Zatanna, have added depth to his character.

Cultural Reception

Zatara has been well-received by fans and critics alike, often praised for his unique abilities and the depth of his character. He has appeared in various adaptations, including animated series and video games.

Character Details

Real Name:
Giovanni Zatara
First Appearance:
Action Comics #1
Aliases:
Zatara the Magician, Zatara the Great
Species:
Human
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
Justice Society of America, Justice League Dark
Abilities:
Magic, Illusion Casting, Telepathy, Telekinesis
Equipment:
Magic Wand, Spellbook
Weight:
180lbs
Height:
6' 0"
Eye Color:
blue
Hair Color:
black

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Action Comics #1
DC ⋅ 1938
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Action Comics #1
 
Low
$285k
Mid
$1.1M
High
$4.6M

Key Facts

1st appearance of Superman

1st appearance of Lois Lane

1st appearance of Zatara, Zatanna's father

1st appearance of Tex Thompson, later becomes Mr. America

Action Comics #2
DC ⋅ 1938
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Action Comics #2
 
Low
$18.8k
Mid
$46k
High
$180k

Key Facts

2nd appearance of Superman

2nd appearance of Lois Lane and Zatara

Action Comics #12
DC ⋅ 1939
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Action Comics #12
 
Low
$5.2k
Mid
$18k
High
$52.8k

Key Facts

Advertisement for Detective Comics #27, Batman's first appearance

1st cover appearance of Zatara

Action Comics #14
DC ⋅ 1939
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Action Comics #14
 
Low
$1k
Mid
$3k
High
$12k

Key Facts

1st appearance of Clip Carson

2nd appearance of Zatara, the father of Zatanna

Justice League of America #51
DC ⋅ 1967
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Justice League of America #51
 
Low
$8
Mid
$20
High
$65

Key Facts

1st appearance of Zatara in the Silver Age

1st appearance of Allura, Mistress of Dark Elements and enemy of Zatanna

Saga of the Swamp Thing #49
DC ⋅ 1986
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Saga of the Swamp Thing #49
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$25

Key Facts

Unofficial cameo team appearance of the Justice League Dark: Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Deadman, Phantom Stranger, Dr. Occult, Etrigan The Demon, Zatanna, The Spectre, Sargon and Dr. Fate

1st cameo appearance of the Great Evil Beast aka the Great Darkness

Saga of the Swamp Thing #50
DC ⋅ 1986
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Saga of the Swamp Thing #50
 
Low
$4
Mid
$12
High
$40

Key Facts

1st unofficial team appearance of the Justice League Dark

Death of Giovanni Zatara and Sargon the Sorcerer

1st full appearance of the Great Evil Beast, in the form of darkness

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