John Constantine is a fictional occult detective and con man from Liverpool, created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben. He first appeared in Swamp Thing and later starred in the long-running Vertigo series Hellblazer, known for his trench coat, cynical wit, and tragic past involving the Newcastle incident.
John Constantine debuts as a supporting character in Swamp Thing vol. 2 #37, created by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben. He is introduced as a cynical occult con man who manipulates Swamp Thing. #comics #dc
In Swamp Thing #44, Constantine's backstory is revealed: as a teenager, he attempted an exorcism on a possessed girl named Astra, which went horribly wrong, sending her to Hell. This event, known as the Newcastle incident, haunts him forever. #comics #horror
The first issue of Hellblazer, written by Jamie Delano, launches the solo series. Constantine returns to Liverpool to confront his past and the demon Nergal. The series establishes Vertigo's mature readers imprint. #comics #vertigo
Constantine tricks the demon Nergal into killing the First of the Fallen, a major demon lord, but the act has severe consequences. This storyline deepens Constantine's reputation as a manipulative trickster. #comics #occult
Constantine hunts a serial killer targeting families, but the killer turns out to be a normal man, forcing Constantine to confront his own morality. This arc is praised for its psychological depth. #comics #crime
Constantine battles a government conspiracy using a fear-inducing machine. This arc explores themes of paranoia and state control. #comics #horror
A landmark issue where Constantine is diagnosed with lung cancer due to his heavy smoking. This storyline leads to a major character arc about mortality. #comics #drama
Constantine's lung cancer worsens; he tricks the First of the Fallen and other demons into curing him by making them compete for his soul. This story wins the Eisner Award. #comics #occult
Constantine becomes involved with a vampire-like creature and a religious cult. This arc explores themes of faith and redemption. #comics #horror
In a hypothetical future, Constantine dies of lung cancer, but the story is a warning from a future version. The issue is a milestone for the series. #comics #drama
Constantine's ex-girlfriend, the succubus Chas, returns. This arc delves into his romantic past and the consequences of his lifestyle. #comics #romance
Constantine gives a young girl a magical gift that ultimately leads to tragedy, highlighting the unintended consequences of his actions. #comics #tragedy
The serial killer from earlier returns, forcing Constantine to confront his past failures. This arc is a sequel to the earlier 'Family Man' story. #comics #crime
Constantine meets a version of himself from another dimension, the Laughing Magician, who represents a more carefree approach to magic. This story explores identity. #comics #multiverse
The 200th issue features Constantine's apparent death, but he survives through trickery. The issue celebrates the series' longevity. #comics #milestone
Constantine faces a curse that kills his friends one by one. This arc is a dark exploration of guilt and sacrifice. #comics #horror
Constantine is forced to work with a demon to save a friend, leading to a Faustian bargain. #comics #occult
A special issue where Constantine's past sins catch up with him in a literal curse. #comics #drama
Constantine receives a magical gift that allows him to see the future, but it comes at a cost. #comics #fantasy
Constantine gets a tattoo that binds him to a demon, leading to a battle for his soul. #comics #occult
The 300th issue features a story where Constantine's past trauma manifests as a physical wound. #comics #milestone
Constantine investigates a series of murders linked to a toxic waste dump, blending horror with environmental commentary. #comics #horror
The alternate Constantine returns, forcing John to confront his own darker nature. #comics #multiverse
A apocalyptic story where Constantine must prevent the end of the world, but at great personal cost. #comics #apocalypse
Constantine's debts to various demons come due, leading to a massive confrontation. #comics #occult
Constantine becomes involved in a religious conspiracy involving the blood of Christ. #comics #religion
The 400th issue of Hellblazer, celebrating the series' legacy. #comics #milestone
Constantine battles a global conspiracy of magicians. #comics #occult
Constantine's family is targeted by a demon, forcing him to protect them. #comics #drama
The First of the Fallen returns for revenge, leading to a final showdown. #comics #occult
Constantine faces his own mortality as the series approaches its end. #comics #drama
Constantine performs his last exorcism, tying up loose ends. #comics #horror
Constantine is tempted by a demon to give up his soul for peace. #comics #occult
The series concludes with Constantine making a final sacrifice. #comics #ending
A new ongoing series launches as part of DC's Sandman Universe imprint, written by Simon Spurrier. Constantine returns to London. #comics #vertigo
Constantine makes a deal with a demon to save a friend, but the consequences are dire. #comics #occult
The series concludes with Constantine leaving London for a new adventure. #comics #ending
Constantine becomes a member of Justice League Dark, a team of magical heroes. He appears in the series from 2018 onward. #comics #dc
A new limited series begins, focusing on Constantine's early years. #comics #origin