Hellblazer is an American contemporary horror comic-book series published by DC Comics, originally under its mature readers Vertigo imprint. The series launched in January 1988, spinning off from the character John Constantine's first appearance in Alan Moore's Swamp Thing. The title is a play on the character's surname and the phrase 'hellblazer,' reflecting his role as a cunning occult con man and magician who navigates the dark underbelly of the supernatural world.
Set primarily in a gritty, working-class version of London, the series follows John Constantine, a chain-smoking, trench coat-wearing magus and exorcist. Unlike traditional superheroes, Constantine relies on his wits, guile, and a vast network of contacts to outsmart demons, angels, and other supernatural entities. The stories are known for their deeply cynical tone, political and social commentary, and a willingness to explore mature themes of damnation, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity.
Over its decades-long run, Hellblazer became a flagship title for DC's Vertigo line, attracting some of the most celebrated writers in the comics industry, including Garth Ennis, Jamie Delano, and Warren Ellis. The series is notable for aging its protagonist in real-time, a rare narrative device in mainstream comics. Its influence extends beyond comics, shaping the modern urban fantasy genre and establishing John Constantine as an iconic anti-hero whose legacy continues in various media adaptations.
