John Constantine, Hellblazer: Bloodlines [Paperback]

Garth Ennis (Author), Steve Dillon (Illustrator), Mike Hoffman (Illustrator), Will Simpson (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In these previously uncollected early-1990s stories by Ennis, one of the strongest of the many scripters who have chronicled the exploits of cynical sorcerer John Constantine, a prominent member of Britain’s royal family is possessed by the same demon that once controlled Jack the Ripper, and a succubus and an angel fall in love, to a tragic end. Another story is the one that introduced Kit Ryan, the only one of Constantine’s numerous girlfriends to leave a lasting impression. Although Will Simpson’s art isn’t up to the series’ standard, Ennis’ imaginative story lines and grasp of Constantine’s sardonic personality more than compensate. --Gordon Flagg

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Vertigo (December 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401215149
• ISBN-13: 978-1401215149
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #415,639 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Garth Ennis is the award-winning writer of Hellblazer, Hitman, Punisher, Preacher, Pride and Joy and War Stories. He is much in demand for his hard-edged, wickedly humorous style.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The missing Ennis stories, April 5, 2008

By 

R. SHARIFF "rayhans1282" (Jamaica, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Constantine, Hellblazer: Bloodlines (Paperback)

This book collects the missing Ennis stories from his run on Hellblazer. It features 3 stories:
#49 - A special Constantine Christmas
#52-55 - Royal Blood
#59-61 - Guys and Dolls

The Christmas story features a lost soul who is searching for the lost true meaning of Christmas which was usurped by the early Monks. It is a great stand-alone story and features classic Ennis' take on organized religion.

The next story is my favorite in the book. The story basically focuses on a member of the Royal Family engaging in preverse rituals and has been possessed by the demon Calibraxis. This story serves as Ennis' mouthpiece against Monarchy and features the dark humor in comics that Ennis has trademarked.

The final story features build-up to the show-down between Constantine and the First of the Fallen (which culminates in Constantine: Rakes at the Gates of Hell TPB).

I liked the stories. Now as for the art, Steve Dillon illustrates the Christmas story and Will Simpson illustrates the rest. The thing is that when these were colored, the coloring was not as advanced as it is now and as a result in certain instances the art suffers greatly. But if you have read the early Constatine stories, this should not be a problem for you.

It is overall a great collection and I am glad to see that DC finally decided to collect these stories. Now, all they need to do is reprint the out of print trades and Delano's run and you can have a complete Constatine library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Missing Ennis Stories., June 20, 2009

By 

Christopher Geer (Orange, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Constantine, Hellblazer: Bloodlines (Paperback)

Firstly, everyone knows that Garth Ennis had one of the strongest runs writing this character. But for me personally, I would go so far as to say that his Hellblazer run is STRONGER than his run on Preacher. While there are a few over-the-top elements, there is a lot more thought put into the CHARACTERS in Hellblazer as opposed to an emphasis on sodomy and ridiculous gross out humor. Ennis' run on Hellblazer is dark, gritty, intense, and emotional, and of course, funny. This volume really brings his story arc together, and I also feel that this volume could also stand alone as his best, even moreso than Dangerous Habits, because here we see how Constantine helps others, and not just himself, along with his guilt, and sense of humor. Great volume.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seeds of Greatness Planted, November 22, 2008

By 

Mark Ambrose "mark my words" (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: John Constantine, Hellblazer: Bloodlines (Paperback)

What a welcome addition to the Hellblazer library! I read through all other trades a few years back and loved Ennis' landmark run, but some gaps in storytelling had me a bit confused. This thick collection clears up many of the questions I had, including the origin of the King of the Vampires, as well as Constantine's first meeting with the Lord of the Dance. Ellie's motives and her role in later volumes finally make sense, and the John/Kit relationship finally feels a lot more important. Jumping from their initial romance to the eventual breakup between Dangerous Habits and Fear and Loathing always felt a bit inconsequential, but rereading the complete Ennis run has me convinced Bloodlines is an essential part of appreciating his defining take on the character.
Many reviewers seem to have a problem with the artwork, but I think Simpson did a great job on the horrific landscapes of hell. It makes sense that Dillon became the regular artist as the story moved away from the fantastic and into the subtleties of relationships and deception, but Simpson's style fits well, especially in the over-the-top and shocking "Royal Blood" storyline.
All newcomers should definitely read this after Dangerous Habits, and those familiar with the Ennis run through the previous collections should still pick up Bloodlines. It's totally increased my appreciation for Garth's brilliant story arc!