DC exclusive: Constantine raises hell on the streets of New York City
John Constantine has been reluctant to fully embrace his special male friend Oliver as a serious romantic partner in the pages of Constantine: The Hellblazer, largely because John’s been afraid of what his enemies would do to a person he cares about. His fears have become a reality in this week’s issue #12, and co-writers Ming Doyle and James Tynion IV put John on a warpath as he tracks down Oliver’s two child daughters, who have been abducted and taken to Hell because of their father’s connection to the notorious warlock.
These preview pages have John taking the search to the local demonic nightclub, Midnight, and while he’s technically forbidden from walking through its doors, he’s not going to let anyone stand in his way from completing his mission. Constantine: The Hellblazer #12 marks the DC debut of artist Eryk Donovan, who has worked with Tynion IV on the Boom! Studios miniseries Memetic and Cognetic. His art works well as a bridge between Travel Foreman, who has drawn the last two issues, and regular series artist Riley Rossmo, who returns for next month’s series finale, shifting away from the realism of Foreman’s art for a more cartoonish style reminiscent of Rossmo.
Colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick steps in for Ivan Plascencia on this issue, and she does exceptional work maintaining the vibrant aesthetic of Plascencia’s coloring. Donovan’s linework is intensified by Fitzpatrick’s bold color choices, particularly when there’s an influx of magic in the story. The page with John letting loose on Midnight’s hostess is the highlight of this preview, and the visuals should only get more spectacular as John makes his way deeper into the underworld.