COMIC BOOK REVIEW - Constantine: Blight

By The Masked Medic

With more appearances around the corner, it seems like Constantine is more popular than ever. When I was starting out reading comic books, there was a part of me that thought he was a little annoying and quite overhyped. After reading some Constantine novels, I’ve realised that although he’s still pretty annoying, Constantine is in no way overhyped. He may well be one of the most powerful magic-based characters in the DC universe.

‘Blight’ is an odd novel in that it’s a two-part story that has no bridging issue. The first two issues in the novel continue the story from the previous novel, ‘The Spark and the Flame’, with Constantine going up against three very powerful mystics; Tannarak, Sargon and Mister E. Whilst it seems that all three are out to kill Constantine, it soon appears that Sargon has other ideas. The second half of the novel then deals with events post ‘Forever Evil’, where all the Justice League members have been captured by the Crime Syndicate. Constantine hell-bent on rescuing Zatanna forms a new Justice League Dark to rescue her. But along the way, he comes up against his old rival Nick Necro and Felix Faust again. Can Constantine use every trick at his disposal to rescue Zatanna or will he be doomed to hell forever?

Since there are multiple plots going on at the same time, it can be a little difficult to follow this novel through. That being said, I don’t think it’s a particularly bad novel. One of my only issues is that it always teeters on the idea that Constantine could be heroic. And maybe that’s his charm as a character. I guess from my perspective it seems that character development-wise, we’re always going to be at this static stage with Constantine.

In terms of the artwork of the novel, I thought it was not bad. There were some issues where the artwork seemed a little realistic, but I’m not sure that worked out well in the novel’s favour. The covers were another aspect where they’re weren’t bad, some of them being fairly decent. The artist who drew some of the covers, I’m pretty sure is the same person who is the artist for the Justice League 3000 novels. Personally, I think his art style may have been more appropriate for this novel. Overall though, an okay novel! Nothing too exciting!

Favourite Panel:

Imagine having a nemesis who just wants his coat back?

Favourite Character:

It’s Constantine. Obviously. He may be a bit of an ass, but his skills are undeniable

Rating:

• Story Arc: ★★★½

• Character Development: ★★½

• Artwork: ★★★

• Enjoyability: ★★★

• Re-readability: ★★½

Level: Advanced