Review: The Hellblazer #16

by Sean Blumenshine
0 comment

[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]

Writer: Richard Kadrey

Artists: Davide Fabbri, Jose Marzan Jr. & Carrie Strachan

 

Summary

Constantine investigates a serial killer targeting magicians.

 

Positives

The cover by Jesus Merino and Carrie Strachan is okay. It’s well drawn but I don’t think it’s an interesting image. It’s just ghosts surrounding Constantine; it feels a little generic. However, it does look great.

The tone of the issue feels a little lighter with Richard Kadrey taking over writing duties. The demons are a little sillier and more colorful. Some may prefer Constantine to be a darker book, and I understand that, but the Rebirth era of Hellblazer has been tedious so far, so I appreciate that attempt to have some fun. And there is a dark element to the serial killer’s motif that fits well in Constantine’s world and keeps it feeling mature. The issue just has a dark sense of humor which I think was needed.

I like that the female character in the issue is someone from Constantine’s past but she doesn’t hate him. That trope was starting to get annoying. She was happy to see him and that was interesting.

 

Negatives

I’m not in love with the art. It matches the tone Kadrey is going for though, which is nice . I think it’s the character designs; the faces look off to me in a lot of places. There isn’t a lot of detail and the size of Constantine’s head seems to change. Sometimes he looks okay but other times, he looks skeletal.

Verdict

This is an okay issue. The premise could be fun and I appreciate the lighter tone. I’m not a fan of the art but it’s still a decent read. I recommend waiting for the trade.

 

 

You may also like