John Constantine, also known as Hellblazer, is a fictional antihero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was created by writer Alan Moore and artists Steve Bissette and John Totleben, first appearing as a supporting character in Swamp Thing #37 in June 1985. Constantine quickly became a fan favorite due to his cynical wit, working-class background, and morally ambiguous approach to the occult. He is a master of dark magic, a con man, and an occult detective from Liverpool, England, who often battles demons, angels, and supernatural threats while chain-smoking and relying on his cunning rather than brute force.
The character's popularity led to his own ongoing series, Hellblazer, which launched in 1988 and became the longest-running title of DC's Vertigo imprint, spanning 300 issues over 25 years. The series is known for its mature themes, political commentary, and horror elements, with Constantine navigating a world where magic and reality blur. Over the decades, the character has appeared in numerous storylines, including the acclaimed "Dangerous Habits" and "All His Engines," and has been adapted into films, television series, and animated projects. Constantine's legacy as a complex, flawed hero has made him a cultural icon in comics and beyond.
