Zatanna Zatara is the daughter of magician Giovanni “John” Zatara and Sindella, a member of the mystical Homo Magi race. Zatanna is a direct descendant of the artist and magician Leonardo da Vinci, and is related to Nostradamus; Alessandro Cagliostro; the noted alchemists Nicholas Flamel and Evan Fulcanelli; and Lord Arion of Atlantis. Her cousin, Zachary Zatara, is also a magician.
Zatanna was raised by her father after her mother seemingly died after her birth. In truth, her mother, Sindella, faked her death to return to her people. She became a successful stage illusionist before she discovered her true magical powers while investigating the disappearance of her father. With the help of Batman, theAtom, Elongated Man and others, she was successfully reunited with him. She also later reunited with her mother. Her time with both parents was short, however, and, unfortunately, both of her parents were killed on separate occasions while saving her life.
Zatanna assisted the Justice League of America on a number of cases before being elected to full membership. During her tenure with the group her power levels diminished briefly, so that she could only control the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. It should be noted that this limitation was only temporary and that her magical ability was fully restored. Later Zatanna was worried about her lack of focus while using magic. She decided that her father's style of magic was wrong for her, and explored her mother's mystical heritage.