The day has arrived at last. Time to crack the first issue of this book, the one chosen to replace Hellblazer, which was one of my all-time favorite books. A book which was consistently well written and drawn. A book which helped numerous talented folks cut their teeth in the world of comics. A book-okay, I’ll stop. Let me take a moment to compose myself. Right. Constantine.

You know what? I might just lose my membership in the Vertigo Diehards Fan Club for this, but Constantine is good. Let’s run the list: He smokes? Check. He doesn’t drive? Check. He wears the same ratty coat everywhere? Check. He’s one step ahead of everyone? Check. He sees magic as the ultimate con? Again, that would be a check. He has no qualms about using people and sacrificing them to achieve his aims? Big freaking check. The ingredients for this monthly spell are all present. Now let’s see just how potent it becomes.

It’s clear that Fawkes and Lemire know John and what makes him an enduring character. It’s also clear that Renato Guedes is an amazing artist. Every page is packed with detail, and many of the panels use extreme angles in such a way that it seems merely being in the presence of Constantine is disorienting and chaotic. And I mean that in the best possible way.

Give this one a try. Yes, I know. I miss Hellblazer too. Try it anyway.