Zaza the Mystic
Encyclopedia
Zaza the Mystic is a fictional character
that appeared in comic books published by Charlton Comics
. She appeared in only two issues, Zaza the Mystic #10 (April 1956) and Zaza the Mystic #11 (September 1956). Zaza was created by long-time Charlton writer Joe Gill
and artists Rocke Mastroserio
and Charles Nicholas.
comic. Charlton had lost the rights to the Chan character, and was forced to change the name of the title. After Zaza's second appearance, the title was changed once again, to This Magazine is Haunted
!
Zaza the Mystic #11 was reprinted in 1998 by Avalon Communications, and renumbered #1. The reissue claimed to be "from the creators of Superman
"; this was probably because former DC Comics
and Superman editor Dick Giordano
had drawn the original cover.
Unlike other Charlton characters, she has yet to make an appearance in the DC Comics
universe.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
that appeared in comic books published by Charlton Comics
Charlton Comics
Charlton Comics was an American comic book publishing company that existed from 1946 to 1985, having begun under a different name in 1944. It was based in Derby, Connecticut...
. She appeared in only two issues, Zaza the Mystic #10 (April 1956) and Zaza the Mystic #11 (September 1956). Zaza was created by long-time Charlton writer Joe Gill
Joe Gill
Joseph Gill was an American magazine writer and highly prolific comic book scripter. Most of his work was for Charlton Comics, where he co-created the superheroes Captain Atom, Peacemaker, and Judomaster, among others. Comics historians consider Gill a top contender as the comic-book field's most...
and artists Rocke Mastroserio
Rocke Mastroserio
Rocco "Rocke" Mastroserio , who sometimes signed his work "Rocke M.", "RM", "Rocke" or "RAM", was an American comic book artist best known as a penciler and inker for Charlton Comics.-Early career:...
and Charles Nicholas.
Character background
Zaza was introduced in Zaza the Mystic #10 as a gypsy fortuneteller with the ability to accurately tell the future. She works with police detective Lt. Bob Nelson in her efforts to prevent crimes she's predicted.Publication history
Joe Gill wrote most of the Zaza stories for her two appearances. Art was provided by Mastroserio and Nicholas. The first issue of Zaza was a continuation of the numbering of the Charlie ChanCharlie Chan
Charlie Chan is a fictional Chinese-American detective created by Earl Derr Biggers in 1919. Loosely based on Honolulu detective Chang Apana, Biggers conceived of the benevolent and heroic Chan as an alternative to Yellow Peril stereotypes, such as villains like Fu Manchu...
comic. Charlton had lost the rights to the Chan character, and was forced to change the name of the title. After Zaza's second appearance, the title was changed once again, to This Magazine is Haunted
This Magazine Is Haunted
This Magazine is Haunted was a horror comic originally published by Fawcett between 1951 and 1953. Running 14 issues, it was the first of Fawcett's supernatural line; a string of titles which included Beware! Terror Tales, Worlds of Fear, Strange Suspense Stories, and Unknown Worlds.After Fawcett...
!
Zaza the Mystic #11 was reprinted in 1998 by Avalon Communications, and renumbered #1. The reissue claimed to be "from the creators of Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
"; this was probably because former DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
and Superman editor Dick Giordano
Dick Giordano
Richard Joseph "Dick" Giordano was an American comic book artist and editor best known for introducing Charlton Comics' "Action Heroes" stable of superheroes, and serving as executive editor of then–industry leader DC Comics...
had drawn the original cover.
Unlike other Charlton characters, she has yet to make an appearance in the DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
universe.