Hellblazer is a long-running American comic book series published by DC Comics under its Vertigo imprint. The series was launched in January 1988, spinning off from the character of John Constantine, who was originally created by Alan Moore, Stephen R. Bissette, and John Totleben and first appeared in the pages of Swamp Thing in 1985. The initial creative team for the solo series was writer Jamie Delano and artist John Ridgway, who established the book's signature blend of supernatural horror, political commentary, and working-class British cynicism.
The series follows John Constantine, a chain-smoking, trench coat-wearing occult detective and con man from Liverpool, England. Unlike traditional superheroes, Constantine rarely relies on superpowers, instead using his wit, extensive knowledge of the occult, and a vast network of contacts to navigate a world where Heaven and Hell are locked in a cold war, and humanity is caught in the middle. The stories often involve demonic possession, black magic, and the moral compromises Constantine makes, frequently resulting in the death or damnation of his friends.
Hellblazer was groundbreaking for its mature themes, horror elements, and its distinctly British sensibility, even as it was published by an American company. It became the flagship title for DC's Vertigo line, which catered to adult readers. Over its 300-issue run, the series attracted some of the most acclaimed writers in comics, including Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, and Peter Milligan, each leaving their own mark on the character. The series concluded in 2013, after which the character was integrated into the main DC Universe with a new series, Constantine.
