John Constantine, Hellblazer, Vol. 1: Original Sins Paperback – March 8, 2011

Very detailed loved the graphics

This new version of the Original Sins TPB includes the first 9 issue of Hellblazer from 1988 along with issues #76-77 of the Swamp Thing. The first nine issues of Hellblazer involve a man named John Constantine who plays a role between heaven and hell and keeps the people safe from their literal demons all while being shunned from those of a higher, heavenly authority. The first issues involve Constantine helping an old friend who ended up releasing a demon named Mnemoth who makes people develop a voracious appetite for that which they covet and they eventually starve from it. Constantine is forced to use his contacts and find the evil beast plaguing the people and coax it right into a trap! Later, after thwarting a bit of demon politics, he meets a woman named Zed who becomes quite the love interest all the while helping him find a lost girl in a sickening kidnapping and then, after heading to the states to check on his old buddy Swamp Thing, encounters a man from `Nam that is still haunted by the mental wounds of war that envelope him. Constantine, hot on the trail of a religious sect, learn that he's not the only one who wants Zed and figures out that the cult has taken her and is using her as a "virgin Mary" of sorts and it's up to him to get her out of her predicament!In the issues of Swamp Thing, the Swamp Thing possesses Constantine's body to bear a child with Swamp Thing's wife but she is (rightfully) uncomfortable with the whole ordeal and doesn't truly believe it's Alec in Constantine's body and not just Constantine himself playing a devious trick. As she flees to think things through, she encounters the real Constantine back in his own body and learns that he's really out to protect her and bring her back to her love.These 9 issues of Hellblazer and two issues of Swamp Thing really do a fantastic job of story telling. There are points when you can really tell it's the late 80s (lots of talk about AIDS and politics) but the dialogue really draws you into the story and the art keeps you hooked. This isn't an actiony beat-em-up like other comics but a dark, gritty world of magic and evil where one man walking the spiritual line is the only hope for a chance at normality. This was a truly great read and one I highly recommend to anyone wanting a fantastic comic to flip through. This new edition with the extra issues (not to mention, cover gallery) is a definite plus as well!

Not too long ago I saw a trailer for an upcoming show called Constantine and I was blown away by how cool it looked. I found out it was based on a comic book called Hellblazer and five minutes of research later I was looking on Amazon for the first book. The premise and protagonist were so brilliant I knew I would love it right away. After reading Volume 1, I'm proud to say that I was right.Hellblazer tells the story of John Constantine; a cynical, foul-mouthed, chain-smoking, Liverpudlian magician, con-man, and occult detective who protects humanity from black magic and demons. Despite being a master sorcerer, he rarely ever uses magic. This is because unlike most people, John understand the dangers of his art. He chooses to only use magic as a last resort, instead relying on his talent for manipulation to get himself out of bad situations. Batman may be the world's greatest detective, but John Constantine is the world's greatest con-man. This talent makes him a very morally ambiguous character. He'll save hundreds of people, but manipulate and use them in order to do it. He's not a hero and he doesn't try to be, he's just a guy making a living doing what he does best. Unfortunately this living has been the death of several close friends who continue to haunt him years later. John Constantine is a brilliant character. Despite being morally ambiguous you can't help but love him and hope he wins. Even if you don't like the story, Hellblazer is worth reading just because of its protagonist.This book contains the first nine issues of the comic, referred to as the Original Sins arc. The story is very episodic, the issues being only loosely connected to each other. Together they serve as an excellent introduction to the world of Hellblazer. It's a bleak world full of demons and fools who would sell their souls just for a taste of magic and the chaos that comes with it. It's a world where the good guys don't always win, and even when they do it isn't always a happy ending. In one chapter, an entire town is torn apart while John watches in horror. Another shows a demon that could easily end civilization, and to stop it John has to do something horrible. Of course Hellblazer isn't all depressing. There is actually a lot of humor, usually provided by the cynical protagonist. Not only that, but when John does win, it's usually by completely outsmarting his enemies. There is a lot of variety in the chapters, something I really appreciated. They aren't the greatest stories I've ever read, but they were still very enjoyable. Jamie Delano's writing is excellent; it's obvious why people consider him the definitive Hellblazer author.The artwork by John Ridgway was great as well. While I waited for the book to be delivered to my house I read the first few pages on my kindle and, to be honest, I really didn't like it. However once I actually got the book and started reading, I began to appreciate the art a lot more. Personally, I think it suits the world of Hellblazer very well and I'm going to be a bit disappointed when I finish Ridgway's run. Unfortunately I'm sure a lot of people aren't going to like the artwork as it hasn't aged nearly as well as other comic from the 80's.This book also contains two issues of Swamp Thing, the series John Constantine first appeared in. I'm not very familiar with Swamp Thing, but the two issues were entertaining enough and extra content like this is always greatThe book itself is good quality. The cover art is done by Jim Lee and looks awesome while also giving people who haven't read it a good idea of what's inside. The pages are average-quality and nothing special, something I've come to expect from Vertigo after reading a couple other books of theirs. The book was in perfect condition when it arrived, however the packaging wasn't the best I've seen and it looked like it could have easily been ruined on the trip. No harm was done of course, but I think they could have put more effort into making it secure.Overall John Constantine, Hellblazer Volume 1 was excellent. The main character is fantastic. So fantastic that after I finished reading the book I immediately wanted to buy Volume 2 just to see more of him. The story and artwork, while not the best I have ever seen, are both enjoyable and you get a lot of content for a low price (I've paid the same for comics that were half as long). Like most comics from Vertigo, Hellblazer is not for kids. It's a horror-mystery story full of disturbing monsters, morally-questionable characters, and other adult content. Personally I'd recommend it for ages 15 or older, but that's just me. If you're a fan of horror, detective-fiction, or stories involving the occult and supernatural, then you owe it to yourself to read John Constantine, Hellblazer.