Warning! Contains spoilers for John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #4!
Summary
- Garth Ennis' influence on John Constantine remains strong, as seen in Hellblazer's latest issue, which pays homage to Preacher.
- John is on a mission to prevent his death, journeying across America, resembling Preacher's character Jesse Custer.
- Ennis introduced significant elements to Hellblazer and continues to influence Constantine's trajectory.
Few creators have left a bigger mark on John Constantine than Garth Ennis — so much so that the cover of Hellblazer's latest issue pays homage to Ennis' iconic series Preacher. The two cult classic Vertigo series still live on in many forms.
John Constantine is currently traveling around America on a new mission to prevent his death — as well as to save the lives of his companions. This journey has taken John all across America, from the hills of Los Angeles to the deep south, and the cover of John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #4 by Simon Spurrier and Aaron Campbell puts John in a strikingly similar position to Preacher's main character, Jesse Custer.
While John and Jesse aren't that similar on any level, they have one major connection in the writer Garth Ennis. Ennis penned an amazing run on Hellblazer, leading the title from issues #41-50, #52-83, and #129-133. This run included one of the best Constantine stories in Dangerous Habits, and Hellblazer pays respects with a fantastic cover.
Ennis also introduced the character "the First of the Fallen," who has since appeared in DC Comics, having last been seen ruling over Hell in Action Comics Presents: Doomsday Special.
After 30 Years, DC Fixes Its Most Significant Magical Plot Hole
John Constantine, DC's foremost magician has returned, and the first issue of Hellblazer: Dead in America has already cleared up a major plot hole.
Preacher Continues to Be One of Garth Ennis' Best Books
The Series Debuted in 1995 from Vertigo, an Historic DC Comics Imprint
Preacher is widely considered to be some of Ennis' best work, and a lot of it was seemingly inspired by his time working on Hellblazer.
Preacher is the story of Jesse Custer, a reverend who gained the Word of God. This power allows him to force anyone to do anything he tells them to do, and with this power, he sets out with his friends Cassady and Tulip to try and force God to tell him why this happened. The story takes place mostly in the American deep south and includes a lot of fascinating elements, from Jesse having to deal with his sadistic family, to Cassady trying to learn what it means to actually care for people. Preacher is widely considered to be some of Ennis' best work, and a lot of it was seemingly inspired by his time working on Hellblazer.
In one of Ennis' issues on Hellblazer, John Constantine is sent to Hell, which is a disturbing and distorted version of America. Many readers have pointed out how much the atmosphere and subject of this issue are later closely matched by Preacher. Not only this, but Ennis wrote one of the greatest Hellblazer stories with Dangerous Habits, which saw John Constantine trying to beat his cancer and ultimately tricking the Triumvirate of Hell into healing him.
Dangerous Habits was so influential that the story was loosely adapted in the 2004 film Constantine starring Keanu Reeves.
Garth Ennis' Hellblazer Run Includes Some Iconic Stories
Ennis' Take on Constantine Continues to Influence the Character's Trajectory
John Constantine ditching his classic outfit for a preacher's garb not only allows him to walk among the southern town folk without raising many suspicions, but it's also an undeniable nod to Preacher, where Jesse Custer was a reverend before receiving the Word of God. While there have been tons of amazing creative teams for John Constantine over the years, including the critically acclaimed current one of Simon Spurrier and Aaron Campbell, there are few creators who have had as big of an influence on John Constantine as Garth Ennis.
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #4 is available now from DC Comics!
JOHN CONSTANTINE, HELLBLAZER: DEAD IN AMERICA #4 (2024) |
|
|---|---|
|
|
|
- NAME
- John Constantine
- Alias
- Hellblazer
- Created By
- Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, John Totleben
- POWERS
- Occult magic, exorcism, summoning, demon manipulation, limited precognition, expert in dark arts
- RELATIONSHIPS
- Astra Logue (condemned soul), Zari Tarazi (lover), Chas Chandler (friend), Manny (angel), Desmond (ex-lover), Papa Midnite (adversary)
- HISTORY
- John Constantine first appeared in DC Comics as part of the "Swamp Thing" series before becoming the lead character in the "Hellblazer" comic. Born in Liverpool, John’s dabbling in magic led to the damning of a young girl’s soul, an event that haunts him throughout his life. His cynicism and moral ambiguity shape his dark adventures as he combats the forces of Heaven and Hell. Despite his flaws, he often sacrifices his well-being for others.
John Constantine is a dark, morally complex, supernatural detective from DC Comics. As a chain-smoking, trenchcoat-wearing master of the occult, he battles demons, angels, and magical forces while navigating his own haunted past. He has appeared in comics, live-action films, animated features, TV shows, and the Arrowverse. Known for his cynicism and reluctant heroism, Constantine often sacrifices personal happiness for the greater good.
