John Constantine: Hellblazer #9, “The Favourite”

Hellblazer

On that day, I saw the Beast and the Kings of the earth and I KNEW things were coming to an end. Hear the story of our hero John Constantine from his book of Hellblazer, chapter 9, verses 1-32!

This is the gospel according to Simon Spurrier. Who is FINALLY doing Hellblazer the right way. (It only took him six issues to figure it out!)
As envisioned by “not a lot of mainstream experience,” Matias Bergara

The official plot:

“The British royal family has always had an interest in breeding the world’s finest racehorses. When one disgraced royal cooks up a scheme to re-create the most magical of all horses, it’s up to John Constantine to stop him from unleashing a bloodthirsty horror!”

DC Black Label

Fortunately for us, Mr. Constantine fails to stop the arrival of said “bloodthirsty horror.” (Disclosure: Only one horse was harmed in the writing of this comic. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the barely legal virgins.)

Hellblazer
Behold, the birth of a unicorn! Yeah…that’s the practical use of the horn.

My Impressions:

  • What is good: This is the second story arc in a row that does a really good job of living up to the Sandman Universe umbrella. I was just about to give up…but my hope has been renewed!
  • But how did it look?: Dark, grainy, and artistic. Just like all of the other Black Label titles.
  • The not so good: There are only three issues left for John Constantine: Hellblazer. Spurrier himself says the title “wasn’t renewed” but we all know that DC is cutting the bottom 25%. Coincidence? Who knows?
Hellblazer
Turns out, unicorns don’t really like impure activities like enforced breeding, horse races and gambling.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • John Constantine
  • Tommy Willow-Tree (Tommy)
  • ‘Olde Man Constantine’
  • Bita Ghul
  • Nat (Hellblazer)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

I had high hopes this would be a great title, and when it started it was bad. Unfortunately, I’m a true collector, so I was in it until the end…which is now nigh. Maybe knowing the end is near is what boosted the quality of the writing. In the end…I’m both happy and not happy to see John hit the bricks.