Customer Reviews

Hellblazer: The Devil You Know

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Though he was created by the great Alan Moore in the pages of Swamp Thing, John Constantine was really given his voice by Jamie Delano when Hellblazer was first launched. Providing Constantine with enough backstory, tragedy, and supporting characters to make him more than compelling than he already was in the first place, Delano got the character like few writers ever would in the years to come. The Devil You Know collects some of Delano's stories after Original Sins, which include Constantine meeting a woman unlike that he's never come across before, as well as going toe to toe with Nergal once again, and this time walking away with the upper hand. Though I myself was never really fond of Delano's work on the title the first time I read it, it grew on me, and the same thing happened here. Having artwork from V For Vendetta artist David Lloyd as well as Richard Piers Rayner and Mark Buckingham doesn't hurt either, rounding out a very solid book. All in all, what's contained here may not be as prolific as what we get in Dangerous Habits or Stations of the Cross, but The Devil You Know is definitely worth picking up for Hellblazer fans regardless.

The Devil You Know is a collection of some of the best stories written by Delano (Hellblazer #10 to #13 as well as some independent stories), the first writer to give John Constantine a soul. Sex & Death and The Devil You Know show Constantine's cunning, tortured and sarcastic personality, while Newcastle and On The Beach provide the background for his early story. However, the plot of this book is strongly connected to Original Sins, which includes Hellblazer #1 to #9 and introduces all the main characters. So I'd recomend reading Original Sins before The Devil You Know (or buying them both, hint hint!)

"The devil you know" collects the issues 10-13 and the first annuals of this series. Constantine is arrogant, tortured, and alone, and Jamie's writing deepens those feelings as we walk with Constantine in a Margret Thatcher England. Reminicient of V for Vendetta in how the future England may be, this tpb is truly a horror comic. Antartica is one of the most desturbing stories I have ever read. I personally liked how the different stories had different artists, its like the Sandman, each artist brings something new to the charcter. The opening imagery for "sex and death" is phenomenal. There are a some weak stories, (venus of the hardsell) but overall, some of the best writing and art this series has ever had.

This has some great stories in it and I first thought it would be worth the asking price until the seller lowered the price 20 bucks after I had already purchased it. Definitely didn't think that was fair. Other than that, the book is awesome.

Story is strong, although sometimes difficult to follow. Art is less than inspiring, but works well with the genre.

The story really ends in the middle of this book and the art changes. No where near as good as "Dangerous Habits". Still OK though.