Why Zatanna Should Shine in Injustice 3

As a dedicated gamer who's spent countless hours battling through the Injustice universe since its debut, I can't help but feel a personal connection to the characters that make this series so thrilling. You know, it's like revisiting an old friend every time I boot up the game—except this friend might zap you with lightning or teleport behind you for a surprise attack! Over the years, I've seen heroes and villains from DC Comics and beyond clash in epic fights, from Superman's tyrannical regime to Batman's desperate insurgency. But one character who always stood out to me, yet got sidelined way too soon, is Zatanna. Honestly, it baffles me how such a magical powerhouse could vanish after Injustice 1, especially when her potential in the upcoming Injustice 3 is off the charts. Let me dive into why she deserves a major comeback, based on her rich history and the gaps in the current storyline.

Zatanna's Origins and Rise to Fame

Zatanna isn't just any magic user; she's a legend in the DC universe, born with powers that feel like pure sorcery. I mean, come on—she can make things happen just by speaking backwards phrases! It's wild, right? Her story began way back in 1964's Hawkman #4, where she inherited her abilities from her father, Giovanni Zatara, a world-famous magician. Growing up, she idolized him and honed her skills to become a top-tier sorceress and hand-to-hand fighter. By the time she joined teams like the Justice League and Justice League Dark, she was a force to reckon with, blending elegance with raw power. Fast forward to 2013, and us fans voted her in as the top-requested DLC fighter for Injustice: Gods Among Us through a Twitter poll. Talk about a fan favorite! She quickly became a staple in the free-to-play mobile versions too, where her moves dazzled players with teleports, burns, and intangibility tricks. Here's a glimpse of her in action:

Her voice, brought to life by Lacey Chabert from Young Justice, added that extra layer of charm—it's like she's whispering secrets right into your ear during battles.

Her Role in the Injustice Universe

In the main campaign of Injustice 1, Zatanna was a DLC add-on, so she didn't get the spotlight she deserved. But man, did she shine in the comics! The prequel series, set in the five years before the game, showed her as a key ally to Batman's Insurgency. She provided asylum in the Tower of Fate, rescued John Constantine, and even teleported everyone to safety in Alaskan lead mines. Her Classic Battle mode ending hinted at her locking up Regime forces after Superman's defeat. It's frustrating, though, that she disappeared after that—she didn't show up in Injustice 2 at all, not even in the 2021 animated film. Sure, she popped up in the Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe crossover, but that was a one-off tied to a bad ending. If NetherRealm is cooking up Injustice 3 now in 2025, they should ditch that side story and bring her back full-time. Here's a quick summary of her appearances:

Why She's Perfect for Injustice 3

Given the state of the Injustice universe in 2025, Zatanna's return isn't just cool—it's essential. After Doctor Fate's death and the Helmet of Fate being crushed in Injustice 2, magic users are scarce. Zatanna could step up as the leader of a new Justice League Dark, teaming with Swamp Thing, Constantine, a reformed Raven, and maybe a new Shazam (since Billy Batson died). Imagine her training new magic heroes to exploit Superman's weakness to sorcery—it'd be epic! Plus, with her knack for teleportation and elemental attacks, she'd bring fresh gameplay dynamics to Injustice 3. If not in the game, DC could feature her in comics bridging Injustice 2 and 3, expanding her story. Seriously, it's high time NetherRealm gave her the mainstage treatment.

To wrap it up, Zatanna's magic has always felt alive to me, like a spark in the dark that shouldn't be ignored. Let's hope Injustice 3 makes her the star she deserves to be. ✨