Writer: Simon Spurrier
Art: Aaron Campbell
Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Letters: Aditya Bidikar
Publisher: DC Comics (DC Black Label)
John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #1 continues the story after The John Constantine, Hellblazer collected volumes: Marks of Woe and The Best Version of You. Dead in America does a great job trying to get you caught up on the story so far, but there’s plenty that I’m sure I missed without having read the previous volumes. However, despite a few confusing parts, Dead in America is a beautifully dark and complex story that should delight all Hellblazer fans.
John Constantine has come to America with his two companions: Nat and Noah. Nat is definitely not a bodyguard and has a bit of rage issues. I like her. Noah is a mute kid who just so happens to be Constantine’s son. They’re all on the run after being wanted for a murder in London, which it sounds like they are definitely guilty. This is where reading the other volumes comes in handy.
In America, Constantine is contacted by Dream to find his bag of sand. Constantine had bought it at a garage sale years ago but has since lost it. He told Dream that he couldn’t get the bag opened and never used the sand inside. But soon enough, Constantine revealed that he did use a few grains of sand, apparently closing a large plot hole in the Sandman universe. I am not as well versed with all of the details, but I love hearing that the fans are getting the stories they deserve.
Simon Spurrier definitely pulled in the essence of Hellblazer, especially in a new setting. I loved the bit about America’s approach to the unknown is to put bullets in it. The art from Aaron Campbell is incredible. I love the switch between the scenes where Constantine is awake and talking with Nat and Noah versus when he’s talking with Dream in his subconscious. The art allows the reader to differentiate between the two rather easily.
Overall, Hellblazer: Dead in America is a great start to a new run for John Constantine. Fans seem to love it so far, and I can’t wait to get caught up on the story. Dead in America #1 is in comic shops now, and the previous volumes are also available now as trade paperbacks.