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Zatanna & the House of Secrets
Welcome to the magical, mystical, topsy-turvy world of the House of Secrets, where Zatanna embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure ... all with her pet rabbit, Pocus, at her side
Zatanna and her professional magician father live in a special house, the House of Secrets, which is full of magic, puzzles, mysterious doors, and storybook creatures--it's the house everyone in the neighborhood talks about but avoids. Not that Zatanna cares, though, because she is perfectly content.
But at school one day, Zatanna stands up to a bully and everything changes ... including her friends. Suddenly, Zatanna isn't so sure about her place in the world, and when she returns home to tell her father, he's gone missing, lost within their own home.
With thrilling twists from writer Matthew Cody and dazzling artwork by Yoshi Yoshitani, Zantanna and the House of Secrets will delight readers at the turn of every page--and the opening of every door!
*For Middle Grade readers
Zatanna and her professional magician father live in a special house, the House of Secrets, which is full of magic, puzzles, mysterious doors, and storybook creatures--it's the house everyone in the neighborhood talks about but avoids. Not that Zatanna cares, though, because she is perfectly content.
But at school one day, Zatanna stands up to a bully and everything changes ... including her friends. Suddenly, Zatanna isn't so sure about her place in the world, and when she returns home to tell her father, he's gone missing, lost within their own home.
With thrilling twists from writer Matthew Cody and dazzling artwork by Yoshi Yoshitani, Zantanna and the House of Secrets will delight readers at the turn of every page--and the opening of every door!
*For Middle Grade readers
152 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2020
49 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Cody
47 books147 followersOriginally from the Midwest, Matthew Cody now lives in New York City with his wife and son. When not writing books or goofing off with his family, he teaches creative writing to kids of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
August 18, 2020
"There's a certain house on a certain street that everyone talks about. A house full of secrets . . . " -- from the opening pages
Spirited (ha-ha) little graphic novel featuring a thirteen year-old version of DC's 'mistress of magic,' Zatanna and the House of Secrets was an whimsical and heartfelt adventure done just right. (It also serves as something of a quasi-origin story, which is nice as this character - although she has been around over 50 years (!) now - is still not a household name like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman.) Zatanna - in addition to dealing with the usual adolescent issues of a typical suburban teenager - is thrown into a Wizard of Oz-type of situation, separated from her father with only the family pet as a companion in a mystical dimension. However, 'magic' is her family's business, so Zatanna quickly learns to wield her other-worldly powers against a villainous demon-witch who is attempting to obtain control of the domicile in the title. I loved Yoshi Yoshitani's illustration style, and author Cody has crafted a winning story to showcase this underutilized super-heroine.
Spirited (ha-ha) little graphic novel featuring a thirteen year-old version of DC's 'mistress of magic,' Zatanna and the House of Secrets was an whimsical and heartfelt adventure done just right. (It also serves as something of a quasi-origin story, which is nice as this character - although she has been around over 50 years (!) now - is still not a household name like Superman, Batman or Wonder Woman.) Zatanna - in addition to dealing with the usual adolescent issues of a typical suburban teenager - is thrown into a Wizard of Oz-type of situation, separated from her father with only the family pet as a companion in a mystical dimension. However, 'magic' is her family's business, so Zatanna quickly learns to wield her other-worldly powers against a villainous demon-witch who is attempting to obtain control of the domicile in the title. I loved Yoshi Yoshitani's illustration style, and author Cody has crafted a winning story to showcase this underutilized super-heroine.
May 2, 2020
This is part of DC Zoom and clearly intended for middle school aged readers. Zatanna is a 13-year old living with her stage magician father. The first 3rd of the book has Zatanna dealing with typical middle school issues of peer pressure and trying to fit in. I was a bit bored by it honestly. It wasn't until Zatanna discovered her magical heritage that it started to pick up. Zatanna and Klarion the Witch Boy go on a magical journey through the House of Secrets in search for her father. I liked the little Cain and Abel Easter eggs scattered throughout the house. (For those of you not in the know, Cain and Abel were the original occupants of the House of Secrets.) All in all, it's a fine book for children, but there's no much there for adults.
Received a review copy from DC and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from DC and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
November 24, 2020
Thank you DC Comics and Random House for the gifted review copy!
I loved every minute of this graphic novel! It’s intended for a younger audience but I think anyone can appreciate the story and art for this one. We get to follow the magical life of a younger Zatanna and her friendly familiar Pocus. I can definitely see a younger audience loving this but I think adults will appreciate this one as well. I personally really enjoyed this. The plot was a lot less serious than other DC Comics but it was a really fun read and it was definitely something I needed after reading a couple of serious books one after the other.
The story was super fun and light (I’m a sucker for anything with magic and talking animals). The art design was absolutely perfect in every way possible. The capturing of the House of Secrets was magical and the whole graphic novel was paired with such vibrant colors and beautiful art. The story was so imaginative! Yoshi Yoshitani did an amazing job when it came to bringing to life the story that Matthew Cody created. Together they made a wonderful addition to the DC Comics universe.
The story also sheds some light on important topics for middle graders like the importance of friendship and family and the support that comes with both.
In conclusion, I would recommend this 100%. I loved every minute of it and I’m looking forward to reading what DC Comics comes up with next!
I loved every minute of this graphic novel! It’s intended for a younger audience but I think anyone can appreciate the story and art for this one. We get to follow the magical life of a younger Zatanna and her friendly familiar Pocus. I can definitely see a younger audience loving this but I think adults will appreciate this one as well. I personally really enjoyed this. The plot was a lot less serious than other DC Comics but it was a really fun read and it was definitely something I needed after reading a couple of serious books one after the other.
The story was super fun and light (I’m a sucker for anything with magic and talking animals). The art design was absolutely perfect in every way possible. The capturing of the House of Secrets was magical and the whole graphic novel was paired with such vibrant colors and beautiful art. The story was so imaginative! Yoshi Yoshitani did an amazing job when it came to bringing to life the story that Matthew Cody created. Together they made a wonderful addition to the DC Comics universe.
The story also sheds some light on important topics for middle graders like the importance of friendship and family and the support that comes with both.
In conclusion, I would recommend this 100%. I loved every minute of it and I’m looking forward to reading what DC Comics comes up with next!
March 11, 2020
I think this is the first of this new wave of DC Graphic Novels for Kids (and I'm including the short-lived Zoom imprint) that I enjoyed from start to finish. The stylized art is cool; the story had some nice twists, humor, and Easter eggs for longtime DC fans; and Zatanna is just a fun character to get to know all over again. Nice!
December 13, 2019
Zatanna is just trying to survive middle school. She and her stage-magician Dad live in a mysterious house with an adorable pet rabbit, Pocus. Zatanna believes that her father's magic tricks are just illusions, until one fateful day when she encounters real magic. She realizes that the house holds more secrets than she ever knew, and she must navigate trick stairs, cold dungeons, and enigmatic doors to escape the clutches of a wicked sorceress and save her father.
I loved this comic from start to finish! Zatanna is a wonderful character, and she has some good personal development and teen angst that packs an emotional punch. The plot is enchanting and mystic with lots of wonderful surprises and twists. I loved the magical elements in the House of Secrets, and especially the magical characters and creatures that Zatanna meets as she discovers a new world of wizardy and spells.
One of the best things about this book is Zatanna's close relationship with her father, Zatara. Since her mother is dead, Zatanna really relies on her father and they have a special bond. They have some ups and downs, fighting as all families do, but ultimately they love and support one another.
I was so impressed with this imaginative story! The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and has an enchanting quality that drew me into the story. The panels are clear, showing the action in a sharp way that makes the story easy to follow. The colors are rich and vibrant, and I loved the smooth contrast in colors that makes the artwork pop.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I loved this comic from start to finish! Zatanna is a wonderful character, and she has some good personal development and teen angst that packs an emotional punch. The plot is enchanting and mystic with lots of wonderful surprises and twists. I loved the magical elements in the House of Secrets, and especially the magical characters and creatures that Zatanna meets as she discovers a new world of wizardy and spells.
One of the best things about this book is Zatanna's close relationship with her father, Zatara. Since her mother is dead, Zatanna really relies on her father and they have a special bond. They have some ups and downs, fighting as all families do, but ultimately they love and support one another.
I was so impressed with this imaginative story! The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, and has an enchanting quality that drew me into the story. The panels are clear, showing the action in a sharp way that makes the story easy to follow. The colors are rich and vibrant, and I loved the smooth contrast in colors that makes the artwork pop.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
July 23, 2020
A clever, enjoyable, magical romp! Zatanna and the House of Secrets is perfect for a young audience, neatly introducing the character, her backstory, and potential future adventures as she discovers who she is. The art is cute and clear, absolutely perfect for the book. It's a quick, fairly simple read, but again, that's perfect for the audience (and for this old man). I especially loved Zatanna's interactions with Pocus, the rabbit/pooka. Too cute.
January 23, 2021
absolutely love the art but plot wise is a little bit choppy in some parts.
March 4, 2020
So meant to do this review earlier, but life got away from me, as it does for one. Anywho, to the book!
This was a cute read and I really love the trend of graphic novels geared towards younger readers with female heroes. I'm not well versed in comics, so this is a great introduction to me of the character Zatanna. It feels age appropriate. The artwork was cute and funky and I liked the characters and the storyline.
3.5 stars, a solid 3 star read. Definitely recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and DC Entertainment/DC Comics for an eARC copy of this to read and review.
This was a cute read and I really love the trend of graphic novels geared towards younger readers with female heroes. I'm not well versed in comics, so this is a great introduction to me of the character Zatanna. It feels age appropriate. The artwork was cute and funky and I liked the characters and the storyline.
3.5 stars, a solid 3 star read. Definitely recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley and DC Entertainment/DC Comics for an eARC copy of this to read and review.
June 10, 2021
Cute story with absolutely adorable artwork. I was surprised (and a tad disappointed) that the tension Zatanna was experiencing with her friends wasn't truly wrapped up. But I guess that's realistic? Or perhaps that will be explored more in a sequel?
April 20, 2020
That's my girl!
February 18, 2020
In our house of secrets, minutes can seem like hours, hours like days.
Cute is one word to describe this.
Heartbreakingly cute in both words and artwork.
Zatanna lives in a house that I would DIE for. Magical and made of dreams, she resides with her father and a cute bunny named Pocus.
Zatanna knows her home life isn’t normal and that people in the neighborhood talk about her house which is dubbed the House of Secrets. It has never bothered her until she becomes excluded from cool events like dances after school.
Uhh, that probably was a good thing however. When Zatanna is invited to one that’s when she encounters the son of a witch at said party.
That’s when the secrets of the house are revealed.
This book surprised me. I went in expecting just your normal YA graphic novel but came out with something completely different and for that I’m happy. Zatanna is adorable and Pocus as a bunny sidekick was great.
The magical aspect was simple and great and the house was interesting and full of surprises. I felt that some of the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more but that is my only gripe honestly.
The artwork is gorgeous and so pleasant to look at. The colors draw you in immediately and you just want the story to go on and on.
I wish this was a series honestly rather than a one shot. That’s how much I enjoyed this.
Thanks very much to Edelweiss AND Netgalley for this copy of my ARC. All opinions are my own.
Cute is one word to describe this.
Heartbreakingly cute in both words and artwork.
Zatanna lives in a house that I would DIE for. Magical and made of dreams, she resides with her father and a cute bunny named Pocus.
Zatanna knows her home life isn’t normal and that people in the neighborhood talk about her house which is dubbed the House of Secrets. It has never bothered her until she becomes excluded from cool events like dances after school.
Uhh, that probably was a good thing however. When Zatanna is invited to one that’s when she encounters the son of a witch at said party.
That’s when the secrets of the house are revealed.
This book surprised me. I went in expecting just your normal YA graphic novel but came out with something completely different and for that I’m happy. Zatanna is adorable and Pocus as a bunny sidekick was great.
The magical aspect was simple and great and the house was interesting and full of surprises. I felt that some of the characters could have been fleshed out a bit more but that is my only gripe honestly.
The artwork is gorgeous and so pleasant to look at. The colors draw you in immediately and you just want the story to go on and on.
I wish this was a series honestly rather than a one shot. That’s how much I enjoyed this.
Thanks very much to Edelweiss AND Netgalley for this copy of my ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2024
[3.5⭐]
this was cute and fun! particularly liked the art style and overall message conveyed; however, i would have liked it even more if the school drama was resolved in more detail / the characters showed growth
this was cute and fun! particularly liked the art style and overall message conveyed; however, i would have liked it even more if the school drama was resolved in more detail / the characters showed growth
March 8, 2020
This all-ages Zatanna story is all around a fun offering. First up, it presents an enjoyable Zatanna at age 13 or so. Second, it makes strong use of DC elements, putting her in the House of Secrets with Father Zatara and even including Klarion. And finally, it's got absolutely beautiful art that really fits with its YA foundation.
With all that said, there's also enough depth, and a few surprises, to keep adult readers interested. It may not be as rereadable as a Vertigo book, but it's nonetheless a very enjoyable read.
(4.5 stars, really.)
With all that said, there's also enough depth, and a few surprises, to keep adult readers interested. It may not be as rereadable as a Vertigo book, but it's nonetheless a very enjoyable read.
(4.5 stars, really.)
August 9, 2021
The setting steals the show in this tale of a teenaged magician searching for her dad. A house that changes, with multiple rooms and magic? And a talking bunny? Sign me up! I love the house, the pooka, the villains, and Zatanna’s special kind of magic (not to mention the room behind the black door 💙)! I had no idea Zatanna ties into the DC universe until I finished the book.
October 12, 2020
Art⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Story⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 7, 2023
Enjoyed this a lot
July 27, 2024
I really like the overall message this story offers and watching Zatanna grow into herself and her magic was really nice to see.
August 14, 2021
You can read my review at my blog:
https://ohnobooks.wordpress.com/2021/...
https://ohnobooks.wordpress.com/2021/...
February 26, 2020
This story was so fun! Silly magic, fun family dynamics, and a *spoiler* talking bunny! A fun romp all around.
May 28, 2020
I have recently been reading and for the most part enjoying the new DC graphic novels that have been released. However, with most of those that I have read, I have been aware of the characters that they centred on. With this one, I had never heard of Zatanna so I was interested in learning more about her.
This graphic novel has a target audience of younger children, which I tried to keep in mind whilst I was reading it. The narrative follows Zatanna as she investigates the secrets of her own home, exploring rooms and the mysteries within them. While this sounded like a lot of fun, I did not enjoy reading it that much. Unfortunately, I was not particularly interested in the story, as it was simply not as engaging as some of the others that I have read. The art of this graphic novel was fine, but certainly not my favourite.
Zatanna was a fierce and determined protagonist, as she set out exploring her relationship with magic. However, I found Klarion to be the most interesting character and I would certainly love to learn more about him in the future. Zatanna's friends, especially Margo, really annoyed me. They were quite rude to her, but Zatanna just seemed to accept how cruel they were being.
For me, Zatanna And The House Of Secrets was a disappointing read, as I was never particularly interested in the narrative. I read this graphic novel with the hope of learning more about the character of Zatanna, who I knew absolutely nothing about. However having finished reading it, I feel as though I did not learn very much about her and it has not inspired me to read more about the character either. Perhaps younger readers, who are the intended audience of this graphic novel, would enjoy this a little more than I did.
Rating - 2/5
★★
There is also a link to this review on my blog here!
This graphic novel has a target audience of younger children, which I tried to keep in mind whilst I was reading it. The narrative follows Zatanna as she investigates the secrets of her own home, exploring rooms and the mysteries within them. While this sounded like a lot of fun, I did not enjoy reading it that much. Unfortunately, I was not particularly interested in the story, as it was simply not as engaging as some of the others that I have read. The art of this graphic novel was fine, but certainly not my favourite.
Zatanna was a fierce and determined protagonist, as she set out exploring her relationship with magic. However, I found Klarion to be the most interesting character and I would certainly love to learn more about him in the future. Zatanna's friends, especially Margo, really annoyed me. They were quite rude to her, but Zatanna just seemed to accept how cruel they were being.
For me, Zatanna And The House Of Secrets was a disappointing read, as I was never particularly interested in the narrative. I read this graphic novel with the hope of learning more about the character of Zatanna, who I knew absolutely nothing about. However having finished reading it, I feel as though I did not learn very much about her and it has not inspired me to read more about the character either. Perhaps younger readers, who are the intended audience of this graphic novel, would enjoy this a little more than I did.
Rating - 2/5
★★
There is also a link to this review on my blog here!
April 28, 2020
This was the book that the Tween Graphic Novel Club chose for our next meeting, that sadly had to get canceled. Although there was not a discussion, this book was still so enjoyable.
This was my first introduction to Zatanna, a magician and comic book character from DC comics.
Like Diana: Princess of Amazons, we get a younger Zatanna and how she is dealing with having a magician father and a mother who has supposedly died.
Zatanna finds that there is more to magic than the sleight of hand that her father, Zatara, uses. Her entire house is a House of Magic, where her father is the last caretaker.
There are people and beings who would like that magic, and would do anything to get it, including kidnapping Zatara himself!
I really like this theme of using comic book characters to relate to middle grade students. It is interesting to see these characters growing up, rather than just already adults who are fighting crime.
-Reviewed by Lauren B.
This was my first introduction to Zatanna, a magician and comic book character from DC comics.
Like Diana: Princess of Amazons, we get a younger Zatanna and how she is dealing with having a magician father and a mother who has supposedly died.
Zatanna finds that there is more to magic than the sleight of hand that her father, Zatara, uses. Her entire house is a House of Magic, where her father is the last caretaker.
There are people and beings who would like that magic, and would do anything to get it, including kidnapping Zatara himself!
I really like this theme of using comic book characters to relate to middle grade students. It is interesting to see these characters growing up, rather than just already adults who are fighting crime.
-Reviewed by Lauren B.
March 15, 2020
This was pretty cute although ultimately a little bit simplistic for me as an adult reader. It's a graphic novel that is set up more like a manga - with fewer panels per page, etc - so it's definitely a very quick read. The art is very cute though and the story was pretty fun as well. Pretty much only knowledge of Zatanna and the House of Secrets comes from Justice League Dark and other Constantine related properties so it was cool for me personally to see something with the same subject matter but a very different mood.
February 22, 2020
This was cute!
Zatanna changes a lot in the story. She learns things about herself and her family that she couldn’t have imagined at the very start. Her biggest challenges came from losing the “adult” characters who had always advised or protected her. She had to make her own way – although she did get help from a source she wasn’t expecting.
My only “complaint” is that the talking bunny had to be called a “familiar” which will put off some readers/families because of occult connections. I am not 100% familiar with Zatanna’s full history, but I know one of the villains has a “familiar,” so maybe that is part of the character’s history and would never be changed. But I felt like the bunny could have just been a magical talking bunny and left at that.
I love the confidence Zatanna has by the end – in herself and in her magic. She understands where she fits and she stands up for herself with Witch Boy. She also seems more confident in her own skin by the end. She’s found her footing and her purpose!
Zatanna changes a lot in the story. She learns things about herself and her family that she couldn’t have imagined at the very start. Her biggest challenges came from losing the “adult” characters who had always advised or protected her. She had to make her own way – although she did get help from a source she wasn’t expecting.
My only “complaint” is that the talking bunny had to be called a “familiar” which will put off some readers/families because of occult connections. I am not 100% familiar with Zatanna’s full history, but I know one of the villains has a “familiar,” so maybe that is part of the character’s history and would never be changed. But I felt like the bunny could have just been a magical talking bunny and left at that.
I love the confidence Zatanna has by the end – in herself and in her magic. She understands where she fits and she stands up for herself with Witch Boy. She also seems more confident in her own skin by the end. She’s found her footing and her purpose!
September 29, 2023
I needed a book with a rabbit on the cover for the reading challenge....I decided to change the category and make it a "dog"- so that I could continue reading books off my shelf....but then I stumbled upon a used bookstore while in Fed Hill....and the first book I picked up in the graphic novel section was this YA book. As the book looked fun, I took it as a sign. :)
This is a short story about a young girl who's father is a magician and mother is dead....and then a villain shows up....with her angsty son....and they must band together to help each other out of their predicaments. There is a rabbit...Pocus who is a sidekick.
This book was very simple. Not sure I would go in search of the rest of the series, but it was a fun read and the art was nice. I was surprised to see this is a character from DC Comics....I hadn't heard of her.
Read if you need a break.
PopSugar 2023 Reading Challenge: A book with a rabbit on the cover
This is a short story about a young girl who's father is a magician and mother is dead....and then a villain shows up....with her angsty son....and they must band together to help each other out of their predicaments. There is a rabbit...Pocus who is a sidekick.
This book was very simple. Not sure I would go in search of the rest of the series, but it was a fun read and the art was nice. I was surprised to see this is a character from DC Comics....I hadn't heard of her.
Read if you need a break.
PopSugar 2023 Reading Challenge: A book with a rabbit on the cover
Read
February 3, 2025How? Kiddo been reading a lot of Wings of Fire graphic novels mostly solo, so I can't record them here. But this I randomly picked up at the library and we read together in an evening.
What? Zatanna is a weird kid with some trouble: her single dad has secrets, her best school friend is now saying she's weird, and some boys are picking on her.
And that's before she unlocks her magic power and gets attacked by the Witch Queen. Now she has to partner with her dad's familiar and save him by figuring out who she is.
Yeah, so? I haven't been pushing DC comics on the kid, not as much as I would like to do, but grabbed this at a library, and we read it in a day, and we liked it. I just asked him if he wanted to say anything about the book and he said no, but he also earlier said he would read more all-ages Zatanna books if they exist.
What? Zatanna is a weird kid with some trouble: her single dad has secrets, her best school friend is now saying she's weird, and some boys are picking on her.
And that's before she unlocks her magic power and gets attacked by the Witch Queen. Now she has to partner with her dad's familiar and save him by figuring out who she is.
Yeah, so? I haven't been pushing DC comics on the kid, not as much as I would like to do, but grabbed this at a library, and we read it in a day, and we liked it. I just asked him if he wanted to say anything about the book and he said no, but he also earlier said he would read more all-ages Zatanna books if they exist.
May 16, 2020
A pretty fun book about a girl named Zatanna who can do magic and who in this book finds out her house is actually magic. It was a really fun read and I loved Zatanna and how strong she was. How quick she was to find her powers and how to use them. I loved that she never gives up but instead just forges ahead and tries everything to save the house, save her dad, and oh yes, defeat the evil intruder (who had an awesome design). The art was pretty OK, it was very cartoon-ish which for me works at times but other times not so much as it misses details.
Pocus was OK, and that says a lot as I am normally not the girl to like magical talking animals.
One of the revelations had me in tears and especially when that meeting happened. The ending was fun and I am happy to see it end like this.
Pocus was OK, and that says a lot as I am normally not the girl to like magical talking animals.
One of the revelations had me in tears and especially when that meeting happened. The ending was fun and I am happy to see it end like this.
September 13, 2024
Although she's always believed herself to be an average kid whose mother died and whose father is a magician, one day Zatanna comes home to discover that her dad has been keeping secrets from her. He races through the house, leaving strict instructions for Z to watch over their pet rabbit, but things get really crazy when a kid steals the rabbit at the school dance and Z comes home to a house that's both like and unlike her own.
This book spent a lot of time one the magic system and world building, but the emotions and character arcs felt underdevelopped. It did a lot well, and I enjoyed myself, but I feel that Z's instant rage at her father and her uncertainty around her friends should have been explained better.
This book spent a lot of time one the magic system and world building, but the emotions and character arcs felt underdevelopped. It did a lot well, and I enjoyed myself, but I feel that Z's instant rage at her father and her uncertainty around her friends should have been explained better.
March 4, 2020
4.5 stars
My knowledge of Zatanna the DC superhero extends to a vague recollection of her being some sort of magician. So this was a fun middle-grade graphic novel to read as a cute stand-alone, which it totally works as. Zatanna is the quintessential young teenager, discovering herself as she hurtles toward adulthood.
Cody takes one of the conceits of the traditional “female coming of age” story, the importance of house and home, and twists it to great effect. The House of Secrets definitely acts as a character in its own right. Unfortunately, the story only passes the Bechdel test if you really squint; why don’t female leads ever get to have REAL female friends who act as more than two-dimensional foils?
Yoshitani’s colorful artwork supplements the story perfectly, evoking the House of Secrets as a place of both playful magic and subtle danger. I especially adore the expressiveness of the non-human characters, such as Pocus and Yeekl. I’d happily check out any other projects they illustrate.
My knowledge of Zatanna the DC superhero extends to a vague recollection of her being some sort of magician. So this was a fun middle-grade graphic novel to read as a cute stand-alone, which it totally works as. Zatanna is the quintessential young teenager, discovering herself as she hurtles toward adulthood.
Cody takes one of the conceits of the traditional “female coming of age” story, the importance of house and home, and twists it to great effect. The House of Secrets definitely acts as a character in its own right. Unfortunately, the story only passes the Bechdel test if you really squint; why don’t female leads ever get to have REAL female friends who act as more than two-dimensional foils?
Yoshitani’s colorful artwork supplements the story perfectly, evoking the House of Secrets as a place of both playful magic and subtle danger. I especially adore the expressiveness of the non-human characters, such as Pocus and Yeekl. I’d happily check out any other projects they illustrate.
August 28, 2021
Levando em conta que esse é um quadrinho voltado para crianças, Zatanna e a Mansão dos Segredos não subestima e nem superestima. Nem aos pequenos leiores e nem aos leitores velhos. Ele se usa muito bem da mitologia do Universo DC, usando personagens como Klarion, o Menino Bruxo no enredo. Os diálogos são bem espertos, a trama é melhor que de muitos gibis para público regular da DC Comics e os desenhos são encantadores de tão fofinhos. É um prato cheio de magia e feitiçaria, da alegria e desencontros da infância para públicos de todos os tipos. Gostei bastante!
January 31, 2020
I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW GOOD THIS WAS
I am 42 years old and loved every page of it. I swear to you, a few days ago, I was saying "I'm happy for the kids and all but meh, taking all these heroes and making them all the ages, whateverrr" and I am here to take it all back because this was adorable and clever and I want everyone to read it but also I refuse to let go of my copy. My kid can only read it at the table. Not touching food.
I am 42 years old and loved every page of it. I swear to you, a few days ago, I was saying "I'm happy for the kids and all but meh, taking all these heroes and making them all the ages, whateverrr" and I am here to take it all back because this was adorable and clever and I want everyone to read it but also I refuse to let go of my copy. My kid can only read it at the table. Not touching food.
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