Ennis Hellblazer

Hellblazer 41-46

I think this is the first Hellblazer I ever read, and it’s still the best.  And to think Garth Ennis nailed it with his very first story arc.  Summary: John Constantine’s diagnosed w/ terminal lung cancer (all those cigarettes, obviously), and he weasels his way out of it in the definitive Constantine con.  It’s brilliant and clever, with all of his signature cockiness and attitude.  It really doesn’t get better from a story POV.

The art on the other hand…Let’s just say that seeing Will Simpson’s art triggers a very particular era and style of comics for me, and it’s not the best feeling.  This story (and Ennis) deserves a higher class of artist, and he’s going to get it soon with Steve Dillon.

Holy water into beer.  I've always loved this bit.

Even back then, Ennis couldn't resist throwing in a war story whenever he could.

The essence of Constantine in two pages.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good   

Hellblazer 47-48

I went the longest time without getting any more of the Ennis run after the Dangerous Habits arc.  I finally caved when I started jonesing for anything Ennis that I hadn’t already read.  If memory serves, it was a mistake; compared to Habits, nothing afterwards was nearly as good.  We’ll see if that holds true.

This first story bears that out; it’s a fine tale about mobsters and their ghost victims, but it’s nothing special at all.  This could be a long forty issues…

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice