Reviews

The Hellblazer Vol. 1: The Poison Truth by Simon Oliver

stephanieanneauthor's review

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Although there was some good writing in this and good dialogue in this graphic novel, overall I found that the story was just okay. It took a little too long to get to the action and it just didn't feel as gritty as some of my favourite Hellblazer adventures. 

I think was bothered me the most though was the artwork. Although I liked the cover art and variants, I did not like the art of the story itself. In some of the later chapters, it was too bright and colourful. Again, I prefer (and am used to) darker/grittier art when it comes to Hellblazer. Unfortunately, the artwork detracted from the best parts of the story.

brandonadaniels's review

4.0

Compared to Fawke’s New 52 Constantine book, this felt like a new run on the Vertigo series. British politics are back in a big way-here, plenty comments on Brexit, and that and some indecipherable British slang really scratched the Vertigo itch. Some may wince at the inclusion of the Green and the Rot stuff, but I’m a big fan of Snyder’s Swamp Thing run, and he’s always a welcome guest star. The return of Mercury, the young girl from Delano’s run really sealed the deal for me. It clearly tied the story to the Vertigo series, even with John’s age being a little off.

helpfulsnowman's review

2.0

I'm gonna be brave from now on when it comes to comics, and I'm willing to say it:

I didn't get it.

Too cosmic or whatever. Too confusing for me.

Also, the art was sorta cutesy for a story about an asshole magic guy who consorts with demons.

nolo42's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

fishfish's review

dark emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

iffer's review

3.0

A little bit of a generous 3 stars, if only because this wasn't bad, but I'm not particularly drawn to read more. A big part of this was that I didn't love the work of either of the artists on these issues. Although John Constantine is still characterized as an asshole, he's sympathetic, which moves his character closer to the Harry Dresden type than the original John Constantine. So, if you're looking for a really gritty Constantine with social and political commentary, this isn't it. If you're looking for an intriguing urban fantasy, then this would probably hit the spot. This first trade lays out the groundwork for what seems like will be a good storyline. It manages multiple storylines rather well, and John, Swamp Thing, and Mercury are all likeable with backstories, though I couldn't help but wonder if this team-up was contrived to draw in more readers.

sblake33's review

4.0

RTC!

jhstack's review

3.0

Good Hellblazer reboot but maybe a little too bright, even with the subtle/implied darkness. And Constantine looks akin to Matt Ryan ... or maybe the other way around. (e-galley from Netgalley)

old_tim's review

4.0

Like so much of the Rebirth series, this first volume is about cleaning up and getting ready for future stories. The good news is that they seem to be moving in the right direction. John's back in the UK, and he's a real jerk. Things are looking up.

http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2017/05/hell-in-bucket.html

medusax0's review

4.0

RTC!