Summary

  • In John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #8, DC's most notorious con man faces the ultimate challenge in Hell, needing to out-con the denizens of the pit itself, in order to escape once more.
  • With his skills put to the test against demonic forces, Constantine may very well have to outwit DC's version of Satan himself – yet again – in order to enact a high-stakes escape plan.
  • Constantine has escaped hell before – but this time, he may be desperate in a way unlike his previous adventures into the netherworld, which could have implications for his eternal soul.

DC's most notorious con man can pull off the biggest con of his life.

Based on the trajectory of John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America so far, it's not clear yet how the book's protagonist will end up in Hell, only that it seemingly involves another classic supernatural DC character, Swamp thing. Further, it appears John will receive guidance from a creature that appears similar to Etrigan the demon.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #8 (2024)

Cover for Hellblazer: Dead in America #8, featuring Swamp Thing and a demonic looking creature.

Release Date:

August 21, 2024

Writers:

Simon Spurrier

Artists:

Lisandro Estherren

Cover Artist:

Aaron Campbell

Variant Covers:

Christian Ward

John Constantine is in hell. Literally. Trapped without his friends or a way

home, he’ll resort to what he’s done before…conning the legions of the

underworld into setting him free. That is, unless he’s lost his touch…

John's been in Hell before, but it seems that there's a major key difference this time, as the solicitation specifically points out that John is trapped. As DC hints, it appears John will test his formidable skills as a con man against the forces of Hell itself.

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"Dead In America" Will Be The Greatest Test Of Constantine's Skills

Once More, His Soul Is On The Line

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America, a decaying Constantine lighting a cigarette against a psychedelic backdrop.

The First of the Fallen is one of the most evil and powerful beings in the DC Universe. He is DC's version of Satan, and he has a very specific interest in Constantine.

John Constantine is one of the best con men in the DC Universe. He's been able to talk almost anyone into anything. In the Injustice Universe, John Constantine managed to manipulate Batman, which is certainly not an easy feat. But his being trapped in Hell again opens up a few problems for him. As mentioned before, John has been to Hell in the past, but he's always had an exit strategy. Being tossed into Hell now would be a major problem for him, especially if either Demon Constantine or The First of the Fallen is still there.

The First of the Fallen is one of the most evil and powerful beings in the DC Universe. He is DC's version of Satan, and he has a very specific interest in Constantine. John and the First of the Fallen first met on the night the First tried to take the soul of Brendan Finn, a friend of Constantine's. John managed to prevent this, and even worse, managed to force the First into curing his lung cancer. This has made the First of the Fallen want to claim John's soul more than any other mortal. Now he might just have his chance, as John is trapped in Hell, which the First rules over.

The only thing fans know for sure right now is that if John Constantine wants to get out of Hell with his soul intact, he's going to need to pull off a con, unlike anything he's done before.

John Constantine Has To Pull Off The Hardest Con Of His Life

And Escape An Old Enemy

John Constantine conned humans, demons, angels, get out of Hell with his soul intact, he's going to need to pull off a con, unlike anything he's done before.

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #8 will be on sale from DC Comics on August 21, 2024.