Before diving into John Constantine: Hellblazer, skepticism lingered. It’s surprising to admit now, but that initial hesitation quickly dissolved, transforming into profound admiration. This series didn’t just become a favorite run recently; it cemented itself as one of the best ever. The depth, the grit, and the sheer relevance of Hellblazer in today’s world are undeniable, making it a must-read for any fan of the occult detective and those new to the world of Constantine John Constantine.
John Constantine: Hellblazer #12 cover art featuring Constantine with bloodied hands gripping his face, reflecting the dark themes of the DC Black Label comic series.
Perhaps it’s maturity, a deeper understanding of sociopolitical undercurrents, or simply living in the very era mirrored in its pages. Maybe it’s the stark reality of societal inequality dominating mainstream discourse, intensified by a disastrous pandemic response. Whatever the reason, the raw fury etched into Aaron Campbell’s art, the venom laced within Simon Spurrier’s words, Jordie Bellaire’s inferno of colors, and Aditya Bidikar’s masterful lettering – at times subtle, at times explosive – resonated deeply. This creative powerhouse captured the zeitgeist of a year defined by frustration and exhaustion, mirroring the very feelings simmering within many.
Issue #12 serves as the culmination of a narrative woven with pride, guilt, and fear, threads that have been present since the series’ inception. It delivers a satisfying conclusion, expertly building upon the thematic pillars of Hellblazer, both from this specific run and its decades-long legacy. The exploration of ideas and meaning, central to Hellblazer, is revitalized, breathing new life into both literal and figurative concepts.
The central conflict revolves around an older, surprisingly happy future version of Constantine John Constantine wreaking havoc in London. Our present-day Constantine is bound to sacrifice his life when his older self demands it. Entangled in this are Constantine’s friends, individuals he desperately wants to protect, but this being a Hellblazer story, disaster is, predictably, on the horizon.
The issue commences with Nat, a character deserving of fierce loyalty, and Tommy Willowtree, now somewhat trustworthy, investigating the remains of Albion, a symbolic giant representing England. Constantine and K-Mag, the haruspex introduced in the first issue, observe them through unsettling entrails. Bidikar’s lettering elevates this scene to art; speech bubbles bleed off panels, cascading across pages, visually representing the chasm between observer and observed.
Predictably, Willowtree’s spell falters, plunging him and Nat into danger, surrounded by Parliament members desecrating Albion’s corpse. And, as is often the case in Constantine’s world, things spiral from bad to worse.
Key Hellblazer Themes in Issue #12
Issue #12 pivots on core Hellblazer tenets: Constantine John Constantine’s pervasive guilt, necessary sacrifices, and the inescapable repercussions of wielding magic. No character emerges unscathed, and as always, Constantine’s actions are the catalyst. However, this John Constantine: Hellblazer run elevates the trope, juxtaposing the guilt-ridden antihero against a happy, prideful future self. In this unique context, even a guilty conscience transforms into a weapon – a double-edged sword, inflicting wounds on both wielder and foe.
Comic panel from John Constantine: Hellblazer #12 showcasing Constantine in dialogue, highlighting Simon Spurrier's sharp writing and the series' character-driven narrative.
This series functions as both a continuation of the revered Hellblazer lineage and a sharp commentary on contemporary society, even self-reflexively examining its own narrative. At its heart, it grapples with creation and meaning, fear and pride, guilt and sacrifice. The conclusion is simultaneously narratively satisfying and poignantly open-ended. The desire to witness what this creative team had planned next is intense, as the issue masterfully concludes the initial arc while simultaneously unveiling a new mystery, a fresh predicament destined to remain unresolved.
The Creative Team’s Masterful Execution
This series stands as a prime example of Hellblazer’s potential, amplified by the distinct genius of each contributor. Spurrier’s incisive script blends a rich tapestry of expletives, grounded in genuine emotional weight, with a narrative unflinching in its portrayal of both humanity’s ugliness and beauty, specifically within the context of England. This earnest cynicism, this poignant appreciation, demands courage, and Spurrier’s writing possesses both literal and figurative grit in abundance.
In this concluding issue, Aaron Campbell’s meticulously detailed, gritty linework reinforces the gravity of the tone alongside the reality-bending nature of magic. While the visual density can initially be challenging – particularly in the chaotic climactic scenes – investing time in deciphering the imagery proves rewarding, especially upon multiple readings. The story’s brisk pacing and mid-issue explosion of events can easily sweep the reader along, yet rereading reveals the intricate cohesion of its elements.
Bellaire’s color work is equally impactful. Though perhaps not immediately apparent, her masterful command of lighting shapes the issue’s somber atmosphere. Luminous colors guide the eye to crucial focal points. Rich crimson entrails starkly contrast against brooding, melancholic blues. Each hue evolves into symbolic significance as the narrative progresses, ultimately solidifying red as synonymous with impending trouble.
Bidikar’s lettering consistently impresses; the innovative use of speech bubbles to convey both literal and figurative distance is remarkable, as is his continued skillful deployment of bolding, varying text sizes, and other techniques to navigate Spurrier’s slang and dialect-rich dialogue. Bidikar’s lettering transcends mere functionality – it’s genuinely fun, evocative, and engaging, contributing to the narrative through onomatopoeic visuals rather than simply conveying dialogue.
John Constantine: Hellblazer emerges as a singularly exceptional run within the Hellblazer canon, marred only by minor issues that could have been addressed in subsequent storylines and its untimely conclusion. The final issues carry an unfortunate sense of being rushed; not in terms of plot holes, but rather in the lack of complete resolution for every thread. Crucial events are, by necessity, relegated to off-panel occurrences. An additional two or three issues would have allowed the series to conclude flawlessly, rather than with a slightly turbulent landing and lingering unanswered questions regarding Constantine John Constantine‘s fate.
Ultimately, experiencing something exceptional for a shorter duration than desired is preferable to enduring prolonged mediocrity. John Constantine: Hellblazer is destined to be remembered as one of the most outstanding runs in the series’ 40-year history. This creative ensemble – including Matías Bergara, who also contributed illustrations to numerous issues – has forged a legendary chapter that rightfully earns its place among the greats, even if its lifespan was tragically curtailed.
