John Constantine, Hellblazer is an American comic book published by DC Comics. The series, a spin-off from Swamp Thing (1982–1996), lasted 300 issues from September 1987 until February 2013. Beginning with issue #63 (March 1993), the series was placed under DC's Vertigo imprint; since Vertigo's closure in 2020, reprints have been published under the DC Black Label imprint. Writers who contributed to the series include Jamie Delano, Garth Ennis, Paul Jenkins, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Mike Carey, Denise Mina, Andy Diggle, and Peter Milligan.
An adult-oriented horror comic, Hellblazer chronicles the adventures of the Swamp Thing character John Constantine, a streetwise magician and con man. Over the course of the series, Constantine navigates a world of magic and supernatural conflict and—while working for the greater good—triumphs over villains through guile, deceit, and misdirection, often making more enemies than he defeats. The series is well known for its political and social commentary, exploring themes such as cynicism, nihilism, and racism. Hellblazer features a large cast of characters and occasional guest appearances from other DC characters. The series had several direct ties to the DC Universe when it began
Publication history
editDevelopment
editPublication
editSpin-offs
editSynopsis
editSetting
editHellblazer is set in a contemporary world, albeit a world of magic and supernatural conflict behind the scenes.
The DC Universe is the official setting of the series. Constantine mentions Arkham Asylum in issue #2 (February 1988) and visits Gotham City in issue #9 (September 1988); the latter issue also contains a reference to DC superheroes.
Characters
editThe title character of Hellblazer is John Constantine, a working-class, streetwise magician and con man. An antihero, Constantine works for the greater good, but does morally questionable things: he often triumphs through guile, deceit, and misdirection, often making more enemies than he defeats. A major aspect of Hellblazer is that Constantine is unable to effect any lasting change or enjoy unequivocal victories. He is often manipulative and a dangerous person to have as a friend, as the lives and souls of those around him become perilously involved in his misadventures. He takes pains to protect himself from direct attacks, endangering his friends and relatives. The spirits of deceased friends haunt him, individually or as an entourage of ghosts.
DC Universe characters make infrequent appearances in Hellblazer. Zatanna, the Phantom Stranger, Shade, the Changing Man, Dream of the Endless, and Swamp Thing