This month, the Sandman Universe saw a reduction of titles thanks to Lucifer going straight to trade for its final story arc and the new Dreaming series being delayed. However, a double dose of Hellblazer certainly helps fill in the gaps.
House of Whispers #21
(w) Nalo Hopkinson, Dan Watters (a) Dominike “DOMO” Stanton (c) Zac Atkinson
For the record, there is some good stuff to be found in House of Whispers #21. Unfortunately, they are sparsely placed throughout the issue, while the artwork sinks to its weakest point. The linework appears very rushed and sloppy, with simple things like character eyes not being properly aligned. However, there’s still some great coloring by Zac Atkinson. Easily the best sequence features a reunion of sorts between Papa Midnite and “John Constantine,” further cementing that character as the flagship of the Sandman Universe imprint. But beyond that, the issue sees a bunch of characters moved around in position for the final issue.
John Constantine: The Hellblazer #6
(w) Simon Spurrier (a) Aaron Campbell (c) Jordie Bellaire
Simon Spurrier described Hellblazer #7 as the most important thing he’s ever written, and based on the timing, he’s very right. A regular hospital visit to his sick mother pits Noah up against a soul with racist leanings. By bringing in John Constantine, the two uncover that this soul was bated and manipulated by those in power. Spurrier’s script is able to take a multitude of issues and give them a thorough and nuanced look within the span of a single issue. How this connects to the overall narrative that he’s been building is anyone’s guess, but Spurrier has established enough goodwill thus far. Regardless, by tackling a cultural issue such as race will make this issue sadly relevant for the foreseeable future. Adding to that timeliness is the beautiful artwork by Aaron Campbell, returning after a two-issue break, and the incomparable Jordie Bellaire. Hellblazer #6 is a reminder of the powerful storytelling the comics medium is capable of.
Books of Magic #20
(w) David Barnett (a) Tom Fowler, Craig Taillefer (c) Marissa Louise
Wrapping up the “Field of Dreams” two-parter, Books of Magic #20 proves to be a relatively breezy read. While there is a fair amount of social commentary jammed into David Barnett’s script, there’s little room for nuance. Much like a superhero book, Books of Magic deals with broad, sweeping themes with little regard for nuance or subtlety. Here, the story decries how older generations refuse to relinquish control to younger generations and therefore make the future more challenging. While a fair criticism (especially considering the septuagenarians and octogenarians that run the government), Fowler doesn’t delve deeper into those ideas. Instead, the story takes a turn towards the sentimental in order for it to be wrapped up in a neat little bow. As it stands, Books of Magic #20 is a solid story with solid art, but like Tim Hunter, it has potential to be greater.
John Constantine: The Hellblazer #7
(w) Simon Spurrier (a) Aaron Campbell (c) Jordie Bellaire
While not as strong as the previous issue, Hellblazer #7 remains a feat in storytelling. Si Spurrier continues the theme of misinformation and divisive politicking through the lens of the blue collar fishing industry. With the return of “Old Man Constantine,” the creative team hits the gas on the ongoing story that began back in the first issue, while tying in the events of seemingly one-of prior issue. The visuals by Aaron Campbell and Jordie Bellaire continue to be engrossing, which is especially impressive given the seemingly unremarkable settings of Spurrier’s script. And even when the issue demands something more bizarre take shape like a mermaid, the artistic team makes it fit into the visual aesthetic of the world that it comes across as organic, rather than forced. John Constantine’s world isn’t quite like ours, and the talent of both Campbell and Bellaire is critical to the immersiveness of Hellblazer.