Reviewed by: Mathan “I’m gonna see Constantine!” Erhardt
Story Title: Reasons to be Cheerful
Written by: Mike Carey
Penciled and Inked by: Leonardo Manco
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover: Tim Bradstreet
Editor: Jonathan Vankin
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics
The issue begins in the past, when young Angie Spatchcock awakens from a nightmare to her mother’s warm embrace. Then we find ourselves in the present where Angie is confronted by a nightmarish image of partially decomposed man chasing her. She runs out of her apartment and into the street where she hopes to find salvation, but she finds the street empty.
We then see that Angie is under a spell and that while she believes that she’s alone the streets are really packed and she’s playing in traffic. Angie then confronts the youngest of Constantine’s offspring where he explains how he’s going to tear her apart, with her fears.
As she runs away from her fears, Constantine and the entity that possesses his friend Chas’ body plan a road trip. They arrive just in time to save Angie from a huge drop. Through some magic, they join her in her spell, where John helps Angie get out of her nightmares.
But in Liverpool, the plot against Constantine continues as Gemma becomes the next target. To be continued.
For me this issue was kind of slow. Carey did a good job of fleshing out Angie, but it felt like too much time was spent in her nightmares. This issue felt a bit like filler, as the story didn’t progress much from last issue.
Art wise this issue doesn’t disappoint. Manco does a great job of giving Angie’s nightmares life. And the deaths of John’s acquaintances is very well depicted. And Shock Headed Peter is truly a sight to behold.
