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aceinit's review
3.0
The “India” arc is one of my favorites in recent series history, despite its highly abrupt climax and resolution—both in terms of the battle against John’s latest demonic foe and his quest to be reunited with Phoebe.
But what really bothers me here is the prominence Epiphany Greaves is beginning to have in the series, and the fact that the writers are obviously steering her in to be Constantine’s long-term leading lady. She seems more like a modern-day fangirl than any kind of serious match for someone as jaded as John. His occasional protective streak concerning her comes off as partly paternal and part mid-life crisis. Yes, she’s an alchemist. Yes, she can hold her own. Yes, she can and does save John’s ass. But that doesn’t mean I have to take her seriously.
If John *has* to have a girl in his life and it *has* to be a younger gal, I’d much rather see the return of Angie Spatchcock than this blue-haired groupie. At least with Angie, there wasn’t a recurring joke (and I use that term loosely) about John being scared witless of her father. Which, given all that Constantine’s been through in his 50 years, I’m not buying. It’s laughable, and not in a good way.
But what really bothers me here is the prominence Epiphany Greaves is beginning to have in the series, and the fact that the writers are obviously steering her in to be Constantine’s long-term leading lady. She seems more like a modern-day fangirl than any kind of serious match for someone as jaded as John. His occasional protective streak concerning her comes off as partly paternal and part mid-life crisis. Yes, she’s an alchemist. Yes, she can hold her own. Yes, she can and does save John’s ass. But that doesn’t mean I have to take her seriously.
If John *has* to have a girl in his life and it *has* to be a younger gal, I’d much rather see the return of Angie Spatchcock than this blue-haired groupie. At least with Angie, there wasn’t a recurring joke (and I use that term loosely) about John being scared witless of her father. Which, given all that Constantine’s been through in his 50 years, I’m not buying. It’s laughable, and not in a good way.
mjthomas43's review
3.0
I like Hellblazer, despite the "magiciness".
The issues in this collection cover an Indian interpretation of the demons that John Constantine encounters and a punk versus conservatives story at the end. He's still trying to bring his "one true love" back to life despite the obvious difficulties and the affections of Epiphany.
Stories that make the reader feel good while not pandering to the typical "happy ending".
The issues in this collection cover an Indian interpretation of the demons that John Constantine encounters and a punk versus conservatives story at the end. He's still trying to bring his "one true love" back to life despite the obvious difficulties and the affections of Epiphany.
Stories that make the reader feel good while not pandering to the typical "happy ending".
mistercrow's review
5.0
I love these Hellblazer comics, particularly when John has to fight Conservatives or old 'traditionalist' British people. It cracks me up. I particularly enjoyed this quote "I always knew Tories were inhuman and evil" - mainly because that's how I feel about Tories.
sisteray's review
4.0
Milligan steps up a notch as Constantine does his thing in India, and as a washed up punk back in the UK. The India storyline is more of a noir adventure that we saw in the Carey and Diggle years, while the punk storyline could have been classic Delano.
beyadob's review
4.0
I'm glad I picked this up randomly at the library. It was a fun read, especially the first story.
"India" deals with the demon-ghost of a British colonial era colonel described as "racist, coward, and [sexually] vile." Constantine's character shines in Mumbai's slums, considering he is in an alien land without allies.
The Indian-ness of the characters was a bit obnoxious though, especially with all the "chai" pandering, as if that's what this part of the world drinks and talks about constantly. The social and racial commentary, albeit slight, was not lost on me. I can't say they were handled deftly, but I wasn't expecting much anyways.
"No Future" is the exact opposite of "India," taking place squarely within British culture and politics. I think it made for an interesting contrast.
While I love punk rock (and the generation that spawned it), I'm not too familiar with British politics to truly understand the references to the Conservative Party and the gathering disillusionment of the British public.
But overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a terrific dose of welcome Britishness after the "India" story.
"India" deals with the demon-ghost of a British colonial era colonel described as "racist, coward, and [sexually] vile." Constantine's character shines in Mumbai's slums, considering he is in an alien land without allies.
The Indian-ness of the characters was a bit obnoxious though, especially with all the "chai" pandering, as if that's what this part of the world drinks and talks about constantly. The social and racial commentary, albeit slight, was not lost on me. I can't say they were handled deftly, but I wasn't expecting much anyways.
"No Future" is the exact opposite of "India," taking place squarely within British culture and politics. I think it made for an interesting contrast.
While I love punk rock (and the generation that spawned it), I'm not too familiar with British politics to truly understand the references to the Conservative Party and the gathering disillusionment of the British public.
But overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a terrific dose of welcome Britishness after the "India" story.
vylotte's review
3.0
Constantine heads off to India in search of spiritual purity (OMG, LOL) in order to fix some of the crap that happened last book. Alas, it doesn't go quite as he planned. Everyone gasps in shock (not!). At least this time some good comes out of it. Eventually. Sort of.
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