DC Comics
The Hellblazer #6
By Avi Weinryb
February 1, 2017 - 23:05

DC Comics
Writer(s): Simon Oliver
Penciller(s): Pia Guerra
Inker(s): Pia Guerra
Colourist(s): Carrie Strachan
Letterer(s): Sal Cipriano
Cover Artist(s): John Cassaday with Paul Mounts; Variant by Yasmine Putn



Hellblazer6.jpg
Oscillating between a train ride and a magical forest, this issue expands upon the various worlds of magic contained within this series. While the Swamp Thing has his mystical connections to “the Green” and “the Rot”, we get another magic land here; a realm where ancient Djinns have been trapped. Mercury rides the rails with Constantine, on a journey from the UK to France, all whilst describing the beauty and chaos of the bizarre, unicorn laden land. She has the unique ability to slip into it at the strangest of times.

Meanwhile, Constantine is asking relevant questions and attempting to suss out the mystery, but before he can accomplish anything, he’ll need to know that Mercury is being totally open with him.

As far as Hellblazer books go, this issue is fantastic in its magical breadth, while light on any satisfying moments. Simon Oliver is allowing his intriguing tale to play itself out, in which Constantine is more of a bystander than anything, taking in the action as the mysterious Mercury get put through the ringer. The high-flying concept of another class of God-created beings operating under the surface of humanity is fun and it will be interesting to see how the Djinn (Genies as they hate to be called), fare in their attempt at underhanded supremacy.

Pia Guerra never disappoints and the art is unmistakably her own. With such a distinctive style, every page is laden with detail and expressive characters. It’s fun seeing her draw fantastical creatures after getting to know her work via the more grounded Y:The Last Man series. I’d be happy seeing her draw the phone book, to be honest.

The Hellblazer is not Hellblazer, as much as the cover art seeks to make it so. This is Constantine-Lite, but it’s still a strong book. The next issue cannot come soon enough.


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