Constantine – The Hellblazer #12
Genre:
Supernatural Horror, Urban Fantasy, Dark Magic, Occult
Mystery
Main Characters:
- John
Constantine – The infamous British occult detective and antihero known
for his wit, cynicism, and knack for navigating dark magic.
- Lord
Neron – A powerful demon lord with a penchant for making Faustian
bargains.
- Blythe
– A seductive and manipulative demoness, also Constantine’s former lover
and constant source of trouble.
Writer:
Ming Doyle & James Tynion IV
Artist:
Travel Foreman
Editor Details:
- Editor:
Jamie S. Rich
- Assistant
Editor: Jessica Chen
Publisher and Brand:
DC Comics | DC You (an imprint phase post-New 52)
Release Year:
2016
Brief Plot Summary:
In Constantine – The Hellblazer #12, John Constantine
finds himself cornered in a spiritual and moral crisis. Two of his most
dangerous adversaries—Lord Neron and his demonic ex Blythe—have teamed up to
ensnare New York City in a hellish deal. The offer? Unlimited magical power in
exchange for the soul of the city. Constantine must resist the temptation of
godlike magic while finding a way to outsmart both devils, who each know how to
exploit his deepest desires and weaknesses. With the odds stacked against him
and the city's fate hanging in the balance, Constantine must rely on his
cunning and moral ambiguity to survive.
Notable Arcs or Storylines:
This issue stands out as a culmination of the themes running
throughout the Constantine – The Hellblazer series—temptation,
redemption, and self-destruction. It highlights John's internal conflict: his
craving for power and connection versus his refusal to become the very monsters
he fights.
Fan Theories or Interpretations:
Fans speculate that Blythe’s recurring presence isn’t just a
narrative device but a metaphor for Constantine’s perpetual cycle of toxic
relationships—romantic, magical, and emotional. Some interpret Lord Neron’s
offer as a test of John’s true nature, with the city acting as a symbolic
extension of his own soul. Another theory proposes that Constantine’s
resistance in this issue marks a turning point, subtly setting him up for a
deeper fall or eventual redemption.
Review Summary:
Constantine – The Hellblazer #12 delivers a sharp, atmospheric chapter with intense visual storytelling by Travel Foreman, whose jagged lines and surreal depictions of demonic magic effectively heighten the tension. Ming Doyle and James Tynion IV craft a complex narrative that dives deep into Constantine’s psyche, presenting moral dilemmas rather than simple heroics. The character depth shines here, showcasing John's strengths and weaknesses in equal measure. The issue is a strong example of modern Constantine storytelling—raw, gritty, and full of dangerous allure.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
