DC’s Darkseid-created Absolute Universe, which is part of mainstream continuity and set to collide with DC’s main universe, has unleashed dark reimaginings of iconic Justice League heroes. However, while most remain heroes in this reality, DC’s Zatanna stands as the exception.
DC’s January solicitations dropped last week, and among the teased releases was Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman’s Absolute Wonder Woman #16. This issue stood out for giving fans their first look at Zatanna in the Absolute Universe, with a synopsis teasing that the iconic magician may be stepping into a role other than hero as she faces off against Wonder Woman.
Zatanna being reimagined as a villain marks a major break from tradition for the character. This deviation is made even more notable by a redesign that leaves her nearly unrecognizable.
Zatanna’s Absolute Universe Redesign Makes Her Unrecognizable
Main Cover by Hayden Sherman for Absolute Wonder Woman #16 (2025)
For decades, Zatanna has been defined by her signature magician’s aesthetic: fishnet stockings, high heels, a top hat, and a tuxedo-style leotard. Her long black hair has also been a defining feature of her look. However, in the Absolute Universe, this familiar image is undergoing a major transformation.
As seen on Hayden Sherman’s main cover for Absolute Wonder Woman #16 and in Otto Schmidt’s Instagram art, Zatanna’s new look leans more punk than magician. Sporting short, curly hair, she now wears skintight black pants, platform boots, and a bralette layered under a fishnet shirt.
Replacing her tuxedo-style jacket is a cropped, high-collared blue jacket adorned with gold chains and shoulder spikes, adding to the punk aesthetic. It’s a bold departure from her traditional style, leaving many fans to comment that while the new design is badass, it doesn’t ‘feel’ like Zatanna, given that she is nearly unrecognizable.
The Absolute Universe’s Zatanna Will Face Off Against Wonder Woman
Cover D Yasmine Putri Variant by Absolute Wonder Woman #16 (2025)
Beyond her drastic redesign, the synopsis for Absolute Wonder Woman #12 confirms an even bigger shift: Zatanna will be taking on the role of a villain. The issue’s description teases: “A new threat has emerged in Gateway City, and it turns out the best thing to send to kill Wonder Woman is… another witch! Zatanna is here, and Diana’s life will never be the same!”
This twist is especially notable given that most DC heroes in the Absolute Universe have retained their heroic alignments despite darker reinterpretations. So far, Hawkman has been the only major hero reimagined as a villain. Still, there’s a chance that once Zatanna finally confronts Wonder Woman, she could be inspired to rediscover her moral compass and return to the side of the angels in this topsy-turvy universe.
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #16 is available January 28, 2025, from DC Comics!