Christmas came early this week in the form of the John Constantine — Hellblazer Annual 2011 “Suicide Bridge” comic book from DC Comics Vertigo imprint. This amazing, self-contained story is written by the talented Peter Milligan, with the always incredible Simon Bisley handling the art duties. This Hellblazer Annual was simply amazing, and if you love superb comics, this is a MUST READ (as are all Hellblazer books). I always pick up Hellblazer and expect a completely satisfying read, and I am happy to report that this special annual installment featuring the ”Suicide Bridge” story is no exception.
Certain places can trigger memories just as much as any other factor. Live in a place for any real amount of time, and soon certain buildings, streets, parks, and various other locations will have personal memories attached to them. These places bear witness to our victories, as well as our tragedies. A city has many such places. When a suicide, one of the worst human tragedies of all happens, through some inherent evil can a place start to “get a taste” for such events? Can these locations become “greedy places” with an insatiable hunger for despair? In this story John Constantine leaves London and travels to his childhood city of Liverpool in an effort to answer these questions, and wrestle some personal demons from his own past in the process.
Tim McCabe was Constantine’s friend as a kid. Tim disappeared as a teenager, never to be seen again. Over 40 years later Tim’s mother is on her deathbed with one final wish. Constantine reluctantly comes to Liverpool knowing full well what that unspoken final request will be. This quest for closure will lead Constantine to the mystery of “Suicide Bridge.” Though much time has passed and the bridge no longer even still stands, just its image is still leading troubled souls into a dark and nefarious trap.
Will John Constantine be able to untangle the mystery in time to save lives? Will he be able to offer salvation to the spirits of those unfortunate souls who succumbed to the bridge’s siren song; or will his efforts simply provide closure for the living, himself included? Seriously, go pick up this Hellblazer Annual and read it to find out.
What can I say about this book? Quite a bit, it turns out. This is one of the best comics I have read as of late. I think this Hellblazer Annual was perfect in every way and see no room for improvement. This issue is a perfect example of everything I that love about comics, as well as the Hellblazer series. The story here is deep, moving, and works on so many levels. Not only is Constantine faced with the conflict of solving this mystery, he must also contend with the internal conflict of an unfinished chapter from his own life. We learn about John Contantine’s past (as we always do in this series because of the excellent writing) and are offered another glimpse of what drives this deep and complicated character. The dialogue seems very natural, and the narration really helps to filter the story though Consantine’s unique perspective. I am so inspired by the way in which the delicate topic of suicide and abusive domestic situations are handled here. As a person who suffered from severe depression in my younger years, this story moved me on a personal level. Even as man who has put those demons behind me, I still know many people who currently fight depression. My advice to them is always the exact same advice that Constantine offers in this issue. This story still haunted me the next day after reading it and has a beautiful sustenance that nourishes and challenges the imagination, and will reverberate in my memories always. Excellent work, Mr. Milligan!
As for the art – oh, the wonderful art! Simon Bisley’s artwork is a gift for the eyes. There are no throw-away panels to be found here. These illustrations are wonderfully detailed, down to every last whisker on John Constantine’s stubbly face and the flourishes in the ironwork on the bridge. The darkness and cool colour palette combined with the black borders that separate the panels, give each individual illustration the feel of a perfect image atop the still surface of a drowning pool. Make no mistake; this is comic art at its finest.
You really have to read the John Constantine Hellblazer Annual to experience it for yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed this issue and just can’t recommend it highly enough. Do yourself a favor and buy an early Christmas gift for you this year. This Hellblazer Annual is only $4.99 and will do nicely.
Tags: 2011, Annual, art, Bridge, Comic, comic booked, Comics, Constantine, DC Comics, Hellblazer, horror, John, Peter Milligan, Review, Robb Orr, Simon Bisley, Suicide, Supernatural, vertigo
About the Author
Written by Robb Orr
Robb Orr is a comic bibliophile and game aficionado from the “Emerald City” of Seattle, WA. He hopes to win enough favor to gain pet status after the upcoming and inevitable monkey apocalypse comes to fruition.
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