HOTW- Zatara

 

From Wiki- Giovanni "John" Zatara, simply called Zatara, is a fictional magician and superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938 during the Golden Age of Comic Books, making him one of DC Comics' oldest characters.  Giovanni Zatara originates from an Italian family with strong magical lineage. His grandfather, Luigi Zatara, is a renowned stage magician who served as a significant inspiration. At a young age, Giovanni receives a magic kit that triggers his passion for illusion and prompts him to pursue a career as a professional magician. However, his early attempts at performing are met with disappointment until he recognizes the importance of honing his showmanship skills. While attempting to translate Leonardo da Vinci's journals, Giovanni learns that he can use magic by speaking words backward. Combining his natural gifts with his stage magic expertise, Giovanni becomes an esteemed stage magician and crime-fighter.^[7]  Back to me:

I first learned of Zatara when reading the wonderful "Zatana's Quest" in various 100 page super-specials that DC lovingly put out for us younger readers. He didn't appear until the final story, so we didn't get to know him.  Later I saw his first appearance in the tabloid reprint of Action Comics #1, so that was fun.  And then Alan Moore killed him in a Swamp Thing story.  He is probably still alive somewhere, though.