In these three very different episodes, we get the second sequel to “The Debt,” a comedy episode, and the next instalment of the seasonal arc, in which Eli returns and the Twilight of the Gods is teased. Highlights include the last episode set in Chin, a very young Rose McIver, Alex Tydings in a blooper so funny they left it in the episode, an answer to what’s going on with Xena’s pregnancy, and the swansong of both Eli and Callisto.
Let’s get to it…
This giraffe featured a series of strange shapes by artist and graphic designer Ethan Attewell, described in the official souvenir booklet as “curious characters” that “wouldn’t look out of place in a children’s story book.” Because of how they’re painted on the slopes of the giraffe it’s a little hard to discern what they actually are: there are some small green leaves, a blue dolphin-shaped one, and… a few mandarin slices? And I’ve no idea what the red shape is meant to be. Furthermore, there’s also not a lot of them – most of the giraffe is solid white.
To my eyes, they look more alien than whimsical, or maybe a bit like fruit jubes you’d buy in a candy store. The name of the sculpture is Space Wild, so maybe that’s a clue as to what they’re supposed to be. Or perhaps the shapes weren’t made to signify anything at all. They’re just shapes. It’s a rather bemusing giraffe, and I’m not sure what to make of it.
This one was situated in Malvern Park, and unfortunately it was taken down after being vandalized. Luckily, we got to see it before that occurred, and it was repaired later for the auction.
Zatanna Zatara from the DCU
Yes, she might be a third-tier superhero that the casual fan has never heard of, but no matter when or where Zatanna pops up, she’s always a delight. I’ve seen her in DC Superhero Girls, Justice League Dark, Young Justice, the graphic novel Zatanna and the House of Secrets – there was even talk of a feature film for a few hot minutes (though Emerald Fennell would have been at the helm so perhaps a bullet was dodged). She was apparently in a few episodes of Smallville as well, though I had checked out of that show way before then.
I’ll admit, I don’t know a lot about this character as she exists in the comics, but I like her style. And sure, we probably shouldn’t fangirl a character for their aesthetic alone, but what’s not to love about a stage magician in a form-fitting tuxedo and fishnet stockings who actually performs real magic for an unknowing audience when she’s not fighting crime? It’s a bit like the vampires pretending to be actors pretending to be vampires on Interview with the Vampire.
Perusing through her Wikipedia page, a few constants emerge: the House of Mystery, dealing with Doctor Fate, a relationship with John Constantine, and the nickname “Zee.” What I think I enjoy most about her is what’s often the case with superheroines: she is permitted to unabashedly wield hard power. And for her specifically, it’s magical power, which means she can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Wonder Woman and Superman without too much trouble (there’s a great scene in Justice League Dark where she does precisely this).
I mean, I’m a Merlin survivor, the show in which all women with magic were evil and/or dead, so for a young woman to be self-assured, proficient at her craft, and respected by her peers across all the different variations of her character is a profound relief. Long may she continue.
(Also, find and read Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody. It’s great!)
