The Hellblazer #3 (2016) – Full Breakdown & Insight 🔥🖤
📚 Genre
Urban Fantasy, Supernatural Horror, Dark Magic, Occult Thriller, Mature Comics
This title plunges readers into the shadowy realm of the occult, blending urban grit with dark sorcery. The tone is cynical, gritty, and unapologetically mature — a perfect storm of British black magic and noir storytelling.
🧍♂️ Main Characters
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John Constantine – The sarcastic, chain-smoking occult detective with a knack for getting in—and barely escaping—supernatural trouble.
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Chas Chandler – John's loyal but often-outmatched best friend, whose misstep here spells disaster.
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Mercy – A mysterious spirit tangled in Constantine’s web of magical intrigue.
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Mister E – A secretive magician with hidden motives and links to Constantine's unfolding mission.
✍️ Writer
Simon Oliver
Known for his work on The Exterminators and FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, Oliver brings a nuanced, dialogue-heavy style that combines dark humor with deep existential stakes.
🎨 Artist
Moritat
Moritat's art features expressive characters and moody urban landscapes, capturing Constantine’s grim world with jagged detail and subtle supernatural flair.
📝 Editor Details
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Editor: Amedeo Turturro
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Group Editor: Marie Javins
Their collaborative effort ensures continuity within the DC Rebirth era while allowing The Hellblazer to retain its unique tone.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
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Publisher: DC Comics
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Imprint/Brand: DC Rebirth
While not under the original Vertigo or the later DC Black Label banners, The Hellblazer (2016) continues the tradition of mature storytelling within DC’s core universe.
📅 Release Year
2016
Part of the post-New 52 restructuring, this issue belongs to the DC Rebirth initiative, aiming to reconnect iconic characters with their legacy roots.
🧩 Brief Plot Summary
In The Hellblazer #3, the story deepens as Constantine races to contain the fallout from Chas’s mistake. After dabbling with forbidden magic, Chas has unwittingly endangered not just himself but all of London. As mystical forces begin to stir, John must balance loyalty with survival. Meanwhile, the shadow of a long-forgotten demonic pact looms large, dragging John deeper into the muck of his own morally gray decisions.
The issue blends intense dialogue with unsettling magical twists, showcasing Constantine's trademark cunning—and the price of trusting even your oldest friend.
📖 Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue is the third part of the "The Poison Truth" arc, a storyline that marks Constantine’s full-time return to London. The arc explores themes of toxic secrets, magical corruption, and Constantine’s endless struggle with his past.
🔮 Fan Theories or Interpretations
One prevailing fan theory suggests that the "poison" in The Poison Truth is more metaphorical than magical—representing the toxic nature of Constantine’s relationships, particularly with Chas. Others speculate that Mister E’s cryptic involvement hints at a deeper magical conspiracy linked to the broader mystical forces in the DC Universe.
⭐ Review Summary
The Hellblazer #3 is a strong continuation of Constantine’s Rebirth-era return. Simon Oliver’s writing captures John’s voice with biting accuracy, while Moritat’s artwork evokes the seedy, supernatural underbelly of London. The pacing is tight, and character interactions—especially between John and Chas—add real emotional weight. While not action-heavy, the issue thrives on atmosphere, tension, and that unmistakable Constantine wit.
Final Verdict: A moody, magical gem for longtime Hellblazer fans and newcomers alike. 🕸️🔥
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
