Zatanna Zatara was a stage illusionist before she discovered her true magic powers when investigating the disappearance of her father. She was able to find her father but it was to late for him. He was dead at that the hands of a rival magician. Zatanna used her mystical abilities to trap him in another detention (She didn't know how to kill with her magic yet).

After a brief stint as a lone superhero she was approached by the newly formed Justice Lords and granted a membership as a backup member.