By Garth Ennis & Steve Dillon (Vertigo)
ISBN 1-84023-255-2
Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon bowed out as chroniclers of the urban wizard and all-around nasty-piece-of-work John Constantine in grand manner by wrapping up all his loose ends and pretty much eradicating everything built during the writer’s tenure. They also showed a resurgent anti-hero pull the greatest bait-and-switch in comics history whilst beating the Devil at his own game.
On two separate occasions The Prince of Darkness has been defeated by the mocking Magician. But finally driven far beyond fury Satan has a plan to finally crush Constantine. Amidst the hell-on-Earth of a London race-riot he makes his move, destroying all the Magician’s friends and allies. Heaven, Hell, and the Earth between are at risk when the trap is sprung. But who is actually ensnared?
I’m once again avoiding specific details as this is a masterful display of storytelling and should be enjoyed without any dilution – but only if and after first reading the previous volumes leading up to this bravura climax. So track down Hellblazer: Dangerous Habits ISBN: 1-56389-150-6, Bloodlines ISBN: 978-1-84576-650-4, Fear and Loathing ISBN: 978-1-56389-202-8, Tainted Love ISBN: 978-1-56389-456-5 and Damnation’s Flame ISBN: 978-1-84023-096-3, before you even think about tackling this incredible book.
Collecting issues #78-83 of the monthly comicbook and including the tough and touching Heartland one-shot which followed Constantine’s lost love Kit as she returned home to Belfast; this is an excellent example of grown-up comics and a treat that any horror fan would love.
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