Hellblazer #205 Review

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Reviewer: Mathan “No, I’ve not seen Constantine yet” Erhardt
Story Title: Reasons to be Cheerful

Written by: Mike Carey
Penciled & Inked by: Leonardo Manco
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Phil Balsman
Cover by: Tim Bradstreet
Editor: Jonathan Vankin
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics

Saul, John Constantine’s son from an alternate timeline (that occurred in Hellblazer #200) gives Simon, Gemma’s (John’s niece) boyfriend the plan on how to take care of Gemma. He’s reluctant to commit to the plan, but is eventually convinced. Gemma and Simon hit the movies and then decide to hit a club.

Meanwhile John, Angie and a possessed Chas continue to on their way to try to protect Gemma. At the club Gemma and Simon share a dance and a few drinks. As Simon heads to the head, Gemma makes some plans for later in the evening. In the restroom Saul appears to check Simon’s progress.

We then get a glimpse at what’s going on with Gemma’s parents, the Masters. The severely religious Tony is visited by an angel. Then we see how Simon’s date with Gemma is going. She’s grown more intoxicated, and he’s grown more overbearing. Back at the Masters John give them a ring and warns Cheryl of a threat to them.

At Simon’s flat, Gemma rests on the couch as Simon prepares to butcher her. When he begins to have second thoughts the tide turns. Suffice it to say, Gemma’s a Constantine. The issue ends with a death and the revelation that the demon possessing Chas is none other than Constantine’s old pal Nergal.

Last issue felt kind of flat, but this issue was great. The drama of Gemma’s date was overwhelming. Carey has certainly utilized Gemma to great capacity during his run on the title. Constantine almost guest stars this issue, but he makes the most of his appearances. I’m very curious about the Nergal/Constantine team up.

Manco has made this title his own. He knows how to craft tension, and his attention to details, like sandals, does great things with it. The final page is very jarring, with Nergal revealing himself. Very creepy.