World Famous Comics: John Constantine, Hellblazer: Bloodlines
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Bloodlines
By: Garth Ennis Publisher: Vertigo Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Vertigo Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 296 Publication Date: December 05, 2007 Release Date: December 05, 2007
The Missing Ennis Stories. Firstly, everyone knows that Garth Ennis had one of the strongest runs writing this character. But for me personally, I would go so far as to say that his Hellblazer run is STRONGER than his run on Preacher. While there are a few over-the-top elements, there is a lot more thought put into the CHARACTERS in Hellblazer as opposed to an emphasis on sodomy and ridiculous gross out humor. Ennis' run on Hellblazer is dark, gritty, intense, and emotional, and of course, funny. This volume really brings his story arc together, and I also feel that this volume could also stand alone as his best, even moreso than Dangerous Habits, because here we see how Constantine helps others, and not just himself, along with his guilt, and sense of humor. Great volume.
Seeds of Greatness Planted What a welcome addition to the Hellblazer library! I read through all other trades a few years back and loved Ennis' landmark run, but some gaps in storytelling had me a bit confused. This thick collection clears up many of the questions I had, including the origin of the King of the Vampires, as well as Constantine's first meeting with the Lord of the Dance. Ellie's motives and her role in later volumes finally make sense, and the John/Kit relationship finally feels a lot more important. Jumping from their initial romance to the eventual breakup between Dangerous Habits and Fear and Loathing always felt a bit inconsequential, but rereading the complete Ennis run has me convinced Bloodlines is an essential part of appreciating his defining take on the character. Many reviewers seem to have a problem with the artwork, but I think Simpson did a great job on the horrific landscapes of hell. It makes sense that Dillon became the regular artist as the story moved away from the fantastic and into the subtleties of relationships and deception, but Simpson's style fits well, especially in the over-the-top and shocking "Royal Blood" storyline. All newcomers should definitely read this after Dangerous Habits, and those familiar with the Ennis run through the previous collections should still pick up Bloodlines. It's totally increased my appreciation for Garth's brilliant story arc!
The missing Ennis stories This book collects the missing Ennis stories from his run on Hellblazer. It features 3 stories: #49 - A special Constantine Christmas #52-55 - Royal Blood #59-61 - Guys and Dolls
The Christmas story features a lost soul who is searching for the lost true meaning of Christmas which was usurped by the early Monks. It is a great stand-alone story and features classic Ennis' take on organized religion.
The next story is my favorite in the book. The story basically focuses on a member of the Royal Family engaging in preverse rituals and has been possessed by the demon Calibraxis. This story serves as Ennis' mouthpiece against Monarchy and features the dark humor in comics that Ennis has trademarked.
The final story features build-up to the show-down between Constantine and the First of the Fallen (which culminates in Constantine: Rakes at the Gates of Hell TPB).
I liked the stories. Now as for the art, Steve Dillon illustrates the Christmas story and Will Simpson illustrates the rest. The thing is that when these were colored, the coloring was not as advanced as it is now and as a result in certain instances the art suffers greatly. But if you have read the early Constatine stories, this should not be a problem for you.
It is overall a great collection and I am glad to see that DC finally decided to collect these stories. Now, all they need to do is reprint the out of print trades and Delano's run and you can have a complete Constatine library.
Young Ennis I agree with LEGEND's review. I do keep in mind that this is a young Ennis writing here. The coloring is a constant intrusion to the story as is the artwork. Steve Dillon's issue is a very thankful oasis. The other artists have improved since then, but it is hard to see their formidable growing pains become mine. Read anything of Ennis nowadays and you will not be disappointed as he is one of the best writers in comics. My favorite Hellblazer still to date is Brian Azzarello's Hellblazer run.
garth ennis' fan review This is a review not from a Hellblazer fan but from a Garth Ennis one: I have read ALL of his works. However this was (one of the absolutely few) letdowns. the stories are complex and slow. it's a lazy Garth Ennis doing some boring homework while thinking of some other project.. not at his best.
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