John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #10 – Simon Spurrier, Writer; Aaron Campbell, Artist; Jordie Bellaire, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: As we get down to the final two issues of this run, it stands to reason that this book might actually be the first unofficial “New Vertigo” series, as the line is being revived shortly. This bleak series pays tribute to the morally complex original series, which presented us with an older and more haunted version of Constantine who often caused pain to those around us. This series, which has him on the trail of some of Dream’s missing sand, has followed in its footsteps in some compelling ways, especially in terms of pairing Constantine with his traveling partners – one of whom is his estranged, mute son. The opening of this issue actually tells the story from the perspective of Noah and Natalie, revealing a little more about how they got to the point where they’re joining Constantine on his quest. In Noah’s case in particular, there’s a dark supernatural secret that’s yet to be unraveled.
Those are the three main characters, but there’s a fourth lead in this series – and that’s the United States, which Spurrier portrays as a corrupted, haunted place with dark secrets both human and inhuman around every corner. It’s the kind of caustic take that only a British author could come up with, with just enough glimmers of truth to make the exaggerations effective. And in this final act, we find out where the missing sand and what it’s being used to do – in the middle of Hollywood, which has been portrayed as one of the most corrupt locations in the country. The main villain here has a truly twisted plan, and sees Constantine and his companions as pawns in it – which leads to one of the most brutal moments in the entire series, as secrets are revealed and family is betrayed. I have no idea how Spurrier is going to wrap this all up in one issue, but this is probably the most authentic Constantine series in a long time.
To find reviews of all the DC issues, visit DC This Week.
GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
