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John Constantine, Hellblazer Collecting Guide and Reading Order

The John Constantine, Hellblazer comic books definitive issue-by-issue collecting guide and trade reading order for omnibus, hardcover, and trade paperback collections. Find every issue and appearance! Part of Crushing Krisis’s Crushing Comics. Last updated May 2024 with titles scheduled for release through October 2024.

John Constantine is a profane and deeply self-interested magician and sometimes detective. He was invented by Alan Moore as a foil and sometimes guide for Swamp Thing in 1985 but went on to star in one of DC’s longest-running modern series written by a host of famous (typically British) comic authors.

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Early Hellblazer

Prior to his first appearance in Swamp Thing #37, a series of flashbacks and supporting series tell the story of Constantine’s early life, including:

Hellblazer #39 and 100, Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer #1 (2000), Hellblazer #53, flashbacks in Hellblazer #13, Hellblazer/Books of Magic #1-2, flashbacks in Hellblazer #31, Sandman Presents: Love Street #1-3, flashbacks in Hellblazer Special #1 (1998): “Confessional” and Hellblazer #11, Shade, the Changing Man Vol. 2 #42-44, flashbacks in Hellblazer #130, and a backup in Hellblazer #75. A panel in Secret Origins (1986) #27 alludes to Zatanna’s training (and affair) with Constantine, as revealed in his Swamp Thing appearances.

A 2003 four-issue mini-series told the story of one of Hellblazer’s ancestors in Hellblazer Special: Lady Constantine (2003)

Then, Constantine makes his debut in Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing

Saga of the Swamp Thing #37-40: The Saga of Swamp Thing Book Three (hardcover / paperback)
Switches titles to “Swamp Thing” for #39-41; this collection collects #35-42. Previously collected as Volume 3: The Curse paperback.

Saga of the Swamp Thing #44-50: The Saga of the Swamp Thing Book Four (hardcover / paperback)
Collects #43-50 and The Vertigo Gallery: Dreams and Nightmares (1995) #1 (Hellblazer appears in this issue, but not in the Swamp Thing story collected here) Previously collected as Volume 4: A Murder of Crows paperback.

Swamp Thing #51 & 55-56: The Saga of the Swamp Thing Book Five (hardcover / paperback)
Collects #51-56. Previously collected as Volume 5: Earth to Earth paperback.

Swamp Thing #62: The Saga of the Swamp Thing Book Six (hardcover / paperback)
Collects #57-64. Previously collected as Volume 6: Reunion paperback.

Swamp Thing #65-67: Swamp Thing Volume 7: Regenesis
Collects #65-70. #67 contained a preview of Hellblazer #1

Appearances in this period included… after #40: Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985) #4; during #49: The New Teen Titans (1984) #22; and Secret Origins (1986) #23 – A single-panel in the scope of connecting Floronic Man and Swamp Thing, which says, “An Englishman in a trenchcoat arrived to feed him a bit of the flesh of the swamp god, and in a brief moment of bliss he’d swum the ocean of green and conversed with the rootbound elders…”

Vertigo’s Hellblazer (1988 – 2013)

Hellblazer (1988) #1-300, Annual 1, & Annual 2011 (1988 – 2013)

Though the cover treatment of this series often included “John Constantine,” the title of this volume was always officially just “Hellblazer” in the indicia of the comic.

Writer Jamie Delano was tapped by Alan Moore to continue the character of Hellblazer from Moore’s run on Swamp Thing into his own title, which would go on to become an anchor of the Vertigo line (beginning with #63) and one of DC’s longest-running titles. In fact, it was the last three-digit numbered title to be relaunched during their New 52 era that began in 2011.

Over the years Hellblazer has been recollected into a consistent format twice – once in an aborted TPB line that began in 1997, and then again in a quickly-released line of TPBs that quickly blew threw dozens of previously uncollected issues. Also, TPBs cover every issue from #146 forward, whether they were initially or retroactively release.

in omnibus oversize hardcover

by Jamie Delano Omnibus, Vol. 1 (2024 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1779527844)
Collects Swamp Thing #65-77,  Hellblazer (1988) #1-22 & Annual 1, and The Sandman (1989) #2-3

by Garth Ennis Omnibus (2020 oversize hardcover, ISBN 978-1401299910)
Collects (1988) #41-50, 52-83, & 129-131, Vertigo Jam #1, Hellblazer Special #1, Heartland #1, and Vertigo: Winter’s Edge #2

in a 2011-2022 line of comprehensive paperbacks…

#1-9: Volume 1: Original Sins (2011 – ISBN 978-1401230067)
Also collects Swamp Thing #76-77

#10-13 & Annual 1: Volume 2: The Devil You Know (2012 – 978-1401233020)
Also collects The Horrorist (1995) #1-2

#14-22: Volume 3: The Fear Machine (2012 – ISBN 978-14012351920)

#23-33: Volume 4: The Family Man (2012 – ISBN 978-1401236908)
Also collects Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1 (though it came much later than these issues)

#34-46: Volume 5: Dangerous Habits (2013 – ISBN 978-1401238025)

#47-61: Volume 6: Bloodlines (2013 – ISBN 978-1401240431)

#62-71: Volume 7: Tainted Love (2014 – ISBN 978-1401243036)
Also collects Hellblazer Special (1993) #1 and Vertigo Jam (1993) #1

#72-83: Volume 8: Rake at the Gates of Hell (2014 – ISBN 978-1401247492)
Also collects Hellblazer Special (1993) #1 and Heartland (1997) #1 (which stars Kit)

#84-96: Volume 9: Critical Mass (2014 – ISBN 978-1401250720)

#97-107: Volume 10: In the Line of Fire (2015 – ISBN 978-1401251376)

#108-120: Volume 11: The Last Man Standing (2015 – ISBN 978-1401255299)

#121-133: Volume 12: How To Play With Fire (2016 – IBSN978-1401258108)

#134-145: Volume 13: Haunted (2016 – ISBN 978-1401261412)
Also collects Vertigo Resurrected (2010) #1 and Vertigo: Winter’s Edge (1998) #1-3

#146-161: Volume 14: Good Intentions (2016 – ISBN 978-1401263737)
Also collects Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#162-174: Volume 15: Highwater (2017 – ISBN 978-1401265793)

#175-188: Volume 16: The Wild Card (2017 – ISBN 978-1401269098)

#189-201: Volume 17: Out of Season (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1401273668 / digital)

#202-215: Volume 18: The Gift (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1401275389 / digital)

#216-229: Volume 19: The Red Right Hand (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1401280802 / digital)
Includes the “With a Little Help from My Friends” story from issue #229

#230-238: Volume 20: Systems of Control (2019 paperback, ISBN 978-1401285692 / digital)
Also collects John Constantine Hellblazer: All His Engines (2005) OGN

#239-249: Volume 21: The Laughing Machine (2019 paperback, ISBN 978-1401292126 / digital)
Also collects Hellblazer Special: Lady Constantine (2003) #1-4

#250-260: Volume 22: (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1401295684 / digital)
Also collects Hellblazer Special: Chas [- The Knowledge] (2008) #1-5.

#261-266: Volume 23: No Future (2020 paperback, ISBN / digital)
Also collects Hellblazer Special: Papa Midnite (2005) #1-5 and the Hellblazer: Pandemonium (2010) OGN

#267-275: Volume 24: Sectioned (2021 paperback, ISBN / digital)
Also collects John Constantine: Hellblazer: City of Demons (2010) #1-5

#276-291: Volume 25: Another Season (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1779510297 / digital)
Also collects “Exposed” from DC’s 9/11 anthology.

#292-300 & Annual 1 / 2011: Volume 26: (2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1779514981 / digital)
Also collects Hellblazer Special: Bad Blood (2000) #1-4.

by single issue or story…

Jamie Delano writes from #1-40, with John Ridgway on art from #1-9.

#1: Constantine: The Hellblazer Collection (2005 – ISBN 978-1401203405)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #1, 27, & 41 and Constantine: The Official Movie Adaptation (2005) OGN

#1-4: Hellblazer, Volume 1: Original Sins, Part 1 (1989 UK Edition)

#1-9: Volume 1: Original Sins (1997 – ISBN 978-1563890529)
There are several reprinted editions of this volume, through at least 2005 (which served to re-awaken this reprint line)

#5-8: Hellblazer, Volume 2: Original Sins, Part 2 (1989 UK Edition)

Swamp Thing (1985) #70: Swamp Thing Volume 7: Regenesis
Constantine begins to appear here after #5. Collects #65-70, the immediately post-Moore run penned by artist Rick Veitch

Swamp Thing (1985) #71-76: Swamp Thing, Volume 8: Spontaneous Generation
Continues Veitch’s run

Swamp Thing #77-78: Swamp Thing, Volume 8: Infernal Triangles
Hellblazer’s appearances run alongside his title until #10. Collects #77-81 & Swamp Thing (1985) Annual 03

#10-13 & Annual 1: Volume 2: The Devil You Know (2007 – ISBN 978-1401212698)
Also collected The Horrorist (1995) #1-2.

Secret Origins Special: Hellblazer has a single-panel cameo in this 1989 special as a man-on-the-street interview on a TV show as written by Neil Gaiman. Given his niche appeal at this point, this is a bit of a joke for the in-the-know crowd.

Delano continues to write with Richard Piers Rayner on art from #10-16. Delano writes with Mark Buckingham (of Fables fame) from #18-22.

#11: Rare Cuts (2005)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #11, 25-26, 35, 56, 84 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#14-22: Volume 3: The Fear Machine (2008 – ISBN 978-1401218102)

#23-33: Volume 4: The Family Man (2008 – ISBN 978-1401219642)

During #19: The Sandman (1989) #2-3

After #22: Green Arrow (1988) #25

Swamp Thing (1985) #84 & 88-90, Annual 5, and Sourcebook: Not collected. Begins after #24

#25-26: Rare Cuts (2005)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #11, 25-26, 35, 56, 84 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#27: Constantine: The Hellblazer Collection (2005 – ISBN 978-1401203405)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #1, 27, & 41 and Constantine: The Official Movie Adaptation (2005) OGN SC

#28: Neil Gaiman’s Midnight Days (deluxe hardcover / paperback)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #27, Sandman Midnight Theatre (1995) OGN SC, Swamp Thing (1985) Annual 05 (the hardcover adds Welcome Back to the House of Mystery (1998) #1)

#29-30: Not collected aside from in the TPB series, above.

After a handful of shorter run artists, Sean Phillips pencils his first issue of Hellblazer with #31 with Delano scripting. He would make many returns, penciling #31, 34-36, 51, 84-93, 95-100, 102-107, 109-114, 116-120, and 250.

#31-34: Not collected aside from in the TPB series, above.

After #33: Swamp Thing (1985) #99

#35: Rare Cuts (2005)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #11, 25-26, 35, 56, 84 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#36-40: Not collected aside from in the TPB series, above.

After #40: Books of Magic (1990) #1-2, 4, 6

Garth Ennis writes from #41 to 83 (and, later, #129-133). He’s joined at #41 by penciller William Simpson for #41-47, 50, 52-55, 60-61, and 75 and by frequent collaborator Steve Dillon with #49, and later on 57-58, 62-76, 78-81. Then, Dillon later returns for #157, 175, and 200.

Hellblazer #51 can be read prior to #41, if you want to read issues out of publishing order.

#41: Constantine: The Hellblazer Collection (2005 – ISBN 978-1401203405)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #1, 27, & 41 and Constantine: The Official Movie Adaptation (2005) OGN SC

#41-46: Dangerous Habits (1994 – ISBN 978-1563891502)

#47-50: Bloodlines (2007 – IBSN 978-1401215149)
Collects #47-50, 52-55, & 59-61

After #48: Swamp Thing (1985) #114-115

#51: Not collected aside from in the TPB series, above.

#52-55: Bloodlines (2007 – IBSN 978-1401215149)
Collects #47-50, 52-55, & 59-61

#56: Rare Cuts (2005)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #11, 25-26, 35, 56, 84 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#57-58: Vertigo Resurrected: Hellblazer 100-Page Spectacular (Amazon / eBay)
An oversize single issue that also collects #245-246#

#59-61: Bloodlines (2007 – IBSN 978-1401215149)
Collects #47-50, 52-55, & 59-61

Appearances in this period: Vertigo Preview (1992) #1, Who’s Who in the DC Universe (1990) #15, Doom Patrol (1987) #53, The Vertigo Encyclopaedia (1993) #1, Shade, the Changing Man (1990) #32, Swamp Thing (1985) #129-130, 132, The Sandman (1989) #46

Hellblazer Special (1993) #1: Tainted Love (1998 – ISBN 978-1563894565)
Released the same month as #61, but should be read after #71, below. Collects #68-71, Hellblazer Special (1993) #1, and Vertigo Jam (1993) #1

#62-67: Fear and Loathing (1997 – ISBN 978-1563892028)
Issue #62 contained the “Death Talks About AIDS and Safer Sex” story by Neil Gaiman

Appearances in this period: Vertigo Jam (1993) #1 (after #68), Zatanna (1993) #2, Shade, the Changing Man (1990) #42-44 (a flashback to Constantine’s early history), Death Talks About Life (1994) #1

#68-71: Tainted Love (1998 – ISBN 978-1563894565)
Collects #68-71, Hellblazer Special (1993) #1 (which fits after #71), and Vertigo Jam (1993) #1

#72-77: Damnation’s Flame (1999 – ISBN 978-1563895081)

After #73 (or 75?): The Spectre (1992) #15

After #75: Swamp Thing (1985) #134-138

Appearances in this period: Vertigo Rave (1994) #1, The Books of Magic (1994) #6

#78-83: Rake at the Gates of Hell (2003 – ISBN 978-1401200022)
Also collects Heartland (1997) #1

The Horrorist (1995) #1-2: Though released a year later, this story fits here (but is collected along with issues #10-13).

Appearances in this period: The Vertigo Gallery: Dreams and Nightmares (1995) #1, Guy Gardner: Warrior (1994) #29

Sean Phillips returns to art #84 and pencils through #120 with a handful of breaks – #84-93, 95-100, 102-107, 109-114, 116-120, and 250. Eddie Campbell writes Phillips first arc, from #85-88.

#84: Rare Cuts (2005)
This issue is the origin of John and Chas’s relationship, as written by original Hellblazer writer Jamie Delano. Collects Hellblazer (1988) #11, 25-26, 35, 56, 84 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#85-88: “Warped Notions” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #84: Mobfire (1994) #1

Paul Jenkins takes over writing duties for the remainder of Phillips’s run on art, writing from #89-128

#89-91: Not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

#92-96: “Critical Mass” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #90: Mobfire (1994) #5

Around #93: Sandman (1989) #71

The Horrorist (1995) #1-2 is released here but is read above

#97-101: Not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #97: Underworld Unleashed: Abyss – Hell’s Sentinel (1995) #1, Guy Gardner: Warrior (1994) #39

After #101: Swamp Thing (1985) #166

#102-104: “Difficult Beginnings” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

#105: Not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #105: Swamp Thing (1985) #169-171

#106-107: “In The Line of Fire” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #107: Green Lantern (1990) #81

#108-109: Not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #108: Mythos: The Final Tour (1996) #2

#110-114: “Last Man Standing” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

After #113: Swamp Thing (2000) #2

#115-120: Not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

Appearances in this period: Hitman (1996) #16

Hellblazer/The Books of Magic (1997) #1-2: Not collected. Written by Paul Jenkins and John Ney Rieber. Contains flashback material to before Constantine’s debut. [Single issues on eBay]

Warren Pleece pencils the end of Paul Jenkin’s run as author, from #121-128.

#121-124: “Up The Down Staircase” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

Appearances in this period: Vertigo: Winter’s Edge (1998) #1 (fits between #121-122; collected with #134-145 in Volume 13: Haunted), The Spectre (1992) #62

After #124: Challengers of the Unknown (1997) #15

#125-128: “How To Play With Fire” – not collected except in the new edition TPBs, above

Around #128: The Books of Magic (1994) #51-52

Garth Ennis returns to write #129-133 with John B. Higgins on pencils. Higgins continues penciling, running from #129-139.

#129-133: Son of Man (2004 – ISBN 978-1401202026)

Appearances in this period: Vertigo: Winter’s Edge (1998) #2 (collected with #134-145 in Volume 13: Haunted)

Trenchcoat Brigade (1999) #1-4: Not collected. Writen by John New Rieber. An unlikely (and curmudgeonly) team-up between John Constantine, Doctor Occult, Mister E, and Phantom Stranger, whose nickname “Trenchcoat Brigade” originated with Neil Gaiman’s Books of Magic. [Single issues on eBay]

Superstar comics author Warren Ellis writes Hellblazer for the first (and only) time from #134-143.

#134-139: Haunted (2003 – ISBN 978-1563898136)

The Sandman Presents: Love Street (1999) #1-3: Not collected. Written by Peter K. Hogan. Begins as flashback tale but resolves to present day. [Single issues on eBay]

#140-143: Setting Sun (2004 – ISBN 978-1401202453)

Vertigo Resurrected (2010) #1
A complication that collects the Warren Ellis story originally slated to be Hellblazer (1988) #141, though it was shelved int he wake of the Columbine shootings. It is collected in John Constantine, Hellblazer: Volume 13: Haunted in proper story order.

Appearances in this period: Vertigo: Winter’s Edge (1998) #3 (collected with #134-145 in Volume 13: Haunted)

Totems OGN (2000)
A 48-page prestige one-shot featuring a number of DC Vertigo characters like Constantine, Swamp Thing, and Zatanna. [Single issue on eBay]

#144-145: Not collected except in new edition TPBs, above. These are the last issues that were not re-collected in a story-arc based collection- everything from this point forward has been collected at least twice – in original release paperbacks and in the 2011-2022 line.

Brian Azzarello writes a lengthy run from #146-174 (and later returns for #250). He is joined by penciller Richard Vance Corben AKA “Gore” for #146-150.

Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1: Rare Cuts (2005)
Collects Hellblazer (1988) #11, 25-26, 35, 56, 84 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1 [Single issue on eBay]

#146-150: Hard Time (2001 – ISBN 978-1563896965)

Appearances in this period: Swamp Thing (2000) #1-2, Vertigo Secret Files and Origins: Swamp Thing (2000) #1

After pencilling the one-shot #143 in Warren Ellis’s run, artist Marcelo Frusin pencils from #151 through the end of Azzarello’s run and beyond – #151-156, 158-161, 164-167, 170-174 ,177-180, 184-186, 190-193, and 197-200.

#151-156: Good Intentions (2002 – ISBN 978-1563898563)

Appearances in this period: Swamp Thing (2000) #8 & 10, Vertigo One-Shot (1999) #4, Names of Magic (2001) #1 & 4-5, Mystic (2000) #15, Lucifer (2000) #5

#157-163: Freezes Over (2003 – ISBN 978-1563899713)

Hellblazer Special: Bad Blood (2000) #1-4: Vertigo Resurrected: Hellblazer – Bad Blood (2011)
An oversized single issue recollection. Written by Hellblazer’s original author, Jamie Delano, this is a tale of an alternate future. [on eBay]

Artist Giuseppe Camuncoli fills in for Frusin on #168-169 and later returns for #206 before a length run from #234 through the end of the book.

#164-174: Highwater (2004 – ISBN 978-1401202231)

9-11 OGN Vol. 2 AKA “9-11 – The World’s Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories to Remember”
A cross-company tribute book; contains a Mike Carey Constantine story that fits after #167.

Zatanna: Everyday Magic OGN (2003)
A 48-page one-shot that allowed DC hero Zatanna to dabble in Vertigo waters. [on eBay]

Appearances in this period: Swamp Thing (2000) #20

Mikey Carey (of X-Men Legacy and Unwritten) writes from #175-215 and 229.

#175-180: Red Sepulchre (2005 – ISBN 978-1401204853)

#181-186: Black Flowers (2005 ISBN 978-1401204990)

After #183: Hunter: The Age of Magic (2001) #25

Hellblazer Special: Lady Constantine (2003) #1-4: Hellblazer: Lady Constantine
Set in the past, this is a story of Hellblazer’s ancestor seen in Sandman #13 and 29.

#187-193: Staring at the Wall (2006 – 978-1401209292)

Appearances in this period: Alan Moore: Portrait of an Extraordinary Gentleman (2003) SC

Artist Leonardo Manco would fill-in for Frusin on #194-195 before taking over with #200 as one of the last pencillers with a run on the title. He drew #200-205, 207-212, 214-222, 224-228, 230-237, 239-242, and 247-249.

#194-200: Stations of the Cross (2006 – ISBN 978-1401210021)

Swamp Thing (2004) #1-6

John Constantine Hellblazer: All His Engines OGN (2005 – hardcover / paperback)
Not certain about this placement. This graphic novel is by the period’s regular creative team – Carey and Manco!

Constantine: The Official Movie Adaptation OGN (2005 – ISBN 978-0743497558)
Not in continuity with Hellblazer comics. Later recollected in Constantine: The Hellblazer Collection with Hellblazer (1988) #1, 27, & 41

Hellblazer – Special Constantine DVD Issue recollects Hellblazer (1988) #41 and Vertigo Secret Files: Hellblazer (2000) #1

#201-206: Reasons to be Cheerful (2007 – ISBN 978-1401212513)

Books of Magick: Life During Wartime (2004) #1-5: Books of Magick: Life During Wartime
This depicts an alternate future. Constantine does not appear in #4 [Digital] [Single issues on eBay]

Books of Magick: Life During Wartime (2004) #7-12: Not collected. This depicts an alternate future. [Digital] [Single issues on eBay]

John Constantine – Hellblazer Special: Papa Midnite (2005) #1-5: John Constantine Hellblazer: Papa Midnite
Constantine only appears in #3-5. Though released here, this may fit better read around #188.

#207-215: The Gift (2007 – ISBN 978-1401214531)

Appearances in this period: Swamp Thing (2004) #20 & 23

Denise Mina writes from #216-228, with Manco on art (also with Camuncoli, as noted below).

#216-222: Empathy is the Enemy (2006 – ISBN 978-1401210663)

#223-229: The Red Right Hand (2007 – ISBN 978-1401213428)

Appearances in this period: The Vault of Michael Allred (2006) #2, Zombie Zone (2007) Free Comic Book Day Sampler

Andy Diggle writes from #230-249, with Manco primarily on art.

#230-237: Joyride (2007 – ISBN 978-1401216511)

#238-242: The Laughing Magician (2008 – ISBN 978-1401218539)

Appearances in this period: Justice League Wedding Special (2007) #1, The Vertigo Encyclopedia (2008) HC

Artist Giuseppe Camuncoli returns on #243-244 and then pencils through the end of the book (with inks and assists from Stefano Landini) in #250-253, 256-258, 261-264, 267-275, 277-279, 281, 283, 285-290, and 293-300.

#243-244: Roots of Coincidence (2009 – ISBN 978-1401222512)
Collects #243-244 & 247-249

#245-246: Vertigo Resurrected: Hellblazer 100-Page Spectacular (Amazon / eBay)
An oversize single issue that also collects #57-58

#247-249: Roots of Coincidence (2009 – ISBN 978-1401222512)
Collects #243-244 & 247-249

Hellblazer Special: Chas [- The Knowledge] (2008) #1-5: Hellblazer: Chas (2009 – ISBN 978-1401221270)

Peter Milligan writes from #250 through the end of series with #300, primarily with Giuseppe Camuncoli. Eisner Award-winning penciller Simon Bisley joins the art rotation as Camuncoli’s alternate, drawing #259-260, 265-266, 271-276, 282, and 292. Bisley also contributes covers through the remainder of the run.

Pandemonium fits here.

Dark Entries OGN (2009 – hardcover / paperback)
A full-length, black and white, Constantine graphic novel from writer Ian Rankin and artist Werther Dell’edera. This fits best either prior to #250 or prior to #260.

#250-255: Scab (2009 – ISBN 978-1401225018)

#256-260: Hooked (2010 – ISBN 978-1848568006)

House of Mystery (2008) Halloween Annual 1: House of Mystery Volume 4: The Beauty of Decay
This Annual Includes the Constantine story “Letter from a Suicide” from the regular creative team. Like fits prior to the beginning of the India arc. Note: I have NOT confirmed that the Constantine story appears in the trade collection. [Single issue on eBay]

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Pandemonium OGN (2010 – hardcover / paperback)
A 128-page story by original Hellblazer author Jamie Delano with artist Jock. May fit best in reading order prior to Dark Entries and Scab.

#261-266: India (2010 – ISBN 978-1401228484)

#267-275: Bloody Carnations (2011 ISBN – 978-1401231521)

Hellblazer: City of Demons (2010) #1-5: John Constantine: Hellblazer – City of Demons (2011 – ISBN 978-1401231538)
Unsure of the story continuity placement of this one. Given that it involves Constantine being run over, it would need to fit into a gap in his story!

House of Mystery (2008) Halloween Annual 2: House of Mystery Volume 7: Conception
This Annual Includes the Constantine story “Bonfire Night” from the regular creative team. Note: I have NOT confirmed that the Constantine story appears in the trade collection. [Single issue on eBay]

Vertigo Resurrected (2010) #1
Though released here, this complication issue collects the Warren Ellis story originally slated to be Hellblazer (1988) #141, though it was shelved int he wake of the Columbine shootings. It is collected in John Constantine, Hellblazer: Volume 13: Haunted in proper story order. The similarly-named Vertigo Resurrected: Hellblazer (2011) #1 collects #57-58 and 245-246, as noted above. Vertigo Resurrected: Winter’s Edge (2011) collects Vertigo: Winter’s Edge (1998) #1-3, all of which collected Constantine stories, which are also collected in Haunted!

#276-282: Phantom Pains (2012 – ISBN 978-1401233990)

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing (2011) #1-3: Not collected
Prior to this, Constantine appears in Brightest Day #24. [Single issues on eBay]

Appearances in this period: Brightest Day #24, House of Mystery (2008) #40, Flashpoint (2011) #5 (which might fit better after #300? I’m not sure)

Here, Constantine begins appearing in a proper DC Universe Superhero title for the first time with Justice League Dark – though, it’s unclear how much of the history of this incarnation of The Hellblazer remains intact. He’s certainly not as old as this version, though he still has history with Zatanna. See below in New 52 for collecting information

#283-291: The Devil’s Trench Coat (2012 – ISBN 978-1401237202)

#292-300 & Annual 1 (2011): Death and Cigarettes (2013 – ISBN 978-1401240936)

New 52 Era (2011 – 2016)

While his own long-running series was still had 18 issues left in its life, John Constantine began his first serious run in the DC Universe proper (you know, the one with capes) since Swamp Thing by anchoring the new title Justice League Dark for two years before his own series was relaunched as Constantine – a name by which he’d become more commonly known across media (and, indeed, in JLD).

Constantine in Justice League Dark, #1-40 & Annuals 1-2 (2011 – 2015)

Justice League Dark (2011) #1-6: Justice League Dark, Vol. 1: In The Dark
Issue #1 is also collected in DC Comics: The New 52 Omnibus.

I, Vampire (2011) #4: I, Vampire Volume 1: Tainted Love
Collects #1-6. Constantine is a featured character in #4 and most of the issue is told from his perspective. It could conceivably fit prior to JLD #6. Constantine does not appear in I Vampire #6, though he is listed there in some guides.

Animal Man (2011) #7 & 9-10: Animal Man Volume 2: Animal vs. Man
Collects #7-11, 0, & Annual 1. Constantine appears in a single-panel cameo in a dream in #7, then makes a proper appearance with Zatanna and Madame Xanadu in the final reveal of #9 and in #10.

Justice League Dark (2011) #7-13, 0, Annual 1: Justice League Dark, Vol. 2: The Books of Magic
Though they are not included in this collection, Vampire #6 (no Constantine) is a prologue to JLD #7, which continues into I, Vampire #7 (no Constantine), which is resolved in #8. Annual 1 continues to 14. Issue #0 is the first chronological story of Constantine meeting Zatanna in the New 52 version of continuity. Just the crossover is collected in I, Vampire Volume 2: Rise of the Vampires

Justice League Dark (2011) #14-18: Justice League Dark, Vol. 3: The Death of Magic
Collects #14-21

Sword Of Sorcery (2012) #0 & 4 & 6: Sword of Sorcery Volume 1: Amethyst
Constantine appears in the single-page tag of #0 to collect the artifact that seals Amethyst’s world, Nilaa, which means it occurs prior to JLD Annual 1 and #14. Issue #4 is a team-up with Princess Amaya. Issue #6 finds Constantine back in the House of Mystery and he unleashes Eclipso on Nilaa! This includes some amusing Constantine action, but nothing of long-term importance to him. He is mentioned in #7 but does not appear.

Animal Man (2011) #13-17: Animal Man Volume 3: Rotworld – The Red Kingdom
Collects #12-19 and Swamp Thing #12 & 17. Constantine plays a brief-but-pivotal role in these issues. They do not especially have impact on Constantine’s continuing story.

I, Vampire (2011) #16-19: I, Vampire Volume 3: Wave of Mutilation
Collects #13-19 & 0. Constantine and the House of Mystery are central to this series’ grand finale. If you read the prior JLD/IV crossover, you should also read this.

Phantom Stranger (2012) #4-5: Phantom Stranger Volume 1: A Stranger Among Us
Collects #0-5.

Phantom Stranger (2012) #8-9: Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger Volume 2: Breach of Faith
Collects #6-11. He gets in some good jabs with Nightmare Nurse in #9.

Justice League Dark (2011) #19-21: Justice League Dark, Vol. 3: The Death of Magic
Collects #14-21

Constantine #1-23 (2013 – 2015) and Justice League Dark (2011 – 2015)

#1-6: Volume 1: The Spark and The Flame
#5-6 tie in to Trinity War.

Justice League Dark #22-29: Justice League Dark, Vol. 4: Rebirth of Evil
These issues straddle Constantine Volume 1 and 2, which will be made clear below.

#5: Justice League: Trinity War (hardcover / paperback)
Collects Free Comic Book Day 2012, Trinity Of Sin: Pandora #1-3, Trinity Of Sin: Phantom Stranger #11, Justice League #22-23, Justice League Dark #22-23, Justice League Of America #6-7 and Constantine #5

Trinity War reading order is: prologue in Trinity of Sin: Pandora #1 (no Constantine), Justice League #22 (no Constantine), Justice League of America #6, Justice League Dark #22, Justice League of America #7 (no Constantine), Justice League Dark #23, & Justice League #23

Trinity War tie-ins branching from JLD #22 include Trinity of Sin: Pandora #2-3 (no Constantine), Constantine #5 (continues from JLD #22), and Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #11 (continues from JLD #22; no Constantine)

Appearances in this period: Justice League of America (2013) #6 and Justice League (2011) #23

Swamp Thing (2011) #22-23: Swamp Thing Volume 4: Seeder
Collects #19-23 & 23.1. Issues #22-23 are a Swamp Thing and Constantine story that harkens back to his original Swamp Thing appearances.

#7-12: Volume 2: Blight
Issues #7-8 note that they occur during Trinity War. Issues #9-12 are part of the Blight direct crossover, in which Constantine appears in every issue except for Phantom Stranger #17.

#9-12: Forever Evil: Blight
Collects the crossover that ran through Constantine (2013) #9-12, Justice League Dark (2011) #24-29, Trinity of Sin: Pandora (2013) #6-9, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger (2013) #14-17

Forever Evil: Blight reading order is: prologue in Pandora #5 and Phantom Stranger #13, Justice League Dark #24-25, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #14, Constantine #9, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #6, Justice League Dark #26, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #15, Constantine #10, Pandora #7, Justice League Dark #27, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #16, Constantine #11, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #8, Justice League Dark #28, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #17, Constantine #12, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #9, Justice League Dark #29

Appearances in this period: All Star Western (2011) #24-25, cameo flashback in Swamp Thing (2011) #26, Red Hood And The Outlaws (2011) #27-28

#13-17 & Future’s End #1: Volume 3: The Voice in the Fire
He also appears in The New 52: Futures End FCBD Special Edition (2014) #0, which is not collected here.

Justice League Dark #30-34: Justice League Dark, Vol. 5: Paradise Lost
Also collects Justice League Dark: Futures End (2014) #1, which appears in the Futures End omnibus.

Justice League Dark Annual 2, #35 & 40: Justice League Dark, Vol. 6: Lost in Forever
Collects Annual 2 and #35-40.

#18-23: Volume 4: The Apocalypse Road

Secret Origins (2014) #11: Secret Origins, Volume 2
Collects #5-11. Tells Constantine’s origin framed in a present-day tale

Appearances in this period: The New 52: Futures End (2014) #1, 5, 8, 15 & 17-18, Secret Origins (2014) #6 (cameo in Deadman’s origin), The New 52: Futures End (2014) #24-25, Earth 2: World’s End (2014) #3 & 7-10, Swamp Thing (2011) #37, The New 52: Futures End (2014) #31, Green Lantern (2011) #39, The New 52: Futures End (2014) #36-37 & 39-40

Out of continuity appearances:DC Universe vs. The Masters of the Universe (2013) #1-2 & 4-6, He-Man: The Eternity War (2015) #5, Convergence Shazam (2015) #2

Constantine: The Hellblazer #1-13 (2015 – 2016)

#1-6: Constantine: The Hellblazer Volume 1: Going Down
Also collects DC Sneak Peek: Constantine: The Hellblazer (2015)

#7-13: Constantine: The Hellblazer Volume 2 — The Art of the Deal
Also collect material from Constantine: Rebirth

Appearances in this period: Sinestro (2014) #19, Martian Manhunter (2015) #11, Grayson (2014) Annual 3, Swamp Thing (2016) #6

Rebirth Era (2016 – present)

The Hellblazer (2016) Rebirth & #1-24

After this series, Constantine appears in Justice League Dark (2018).

DC Universe: Rebirth Special Deluxe Hardcover
The one-shot that kicked off the Rebirth era was already a perfect-bound, book-style issue. Here, it is upgraded to an oversize hardcover.

Rebirth & #1-5: Volume 1: The Poison Truth (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1401268862 / digital)
Also collects Hellblazer: Rebirth

Sixpack and Dogwelder: Hard Travelin’ Heroz (2016) #1-6: Sixpack and Dogwelder: Hard Travelin’ Heroz

#7-12: Volume 2: Smokeless Fire (2017 paperback, ISBN 978-1401273897 / digital)

#13-18: Volume 3: The Inspiration Game (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1401278014 / digital)

#19-24: Volume 4: The Good Old Days (2018 paperback, ISBN 978-1401286279 / digital)

Sandman Universe Presents: John Constantine, Hellblazer (2019) #1-12
by Simon Spurrier, Aaron Campbell, Jordie Bellaire, & Aditya Bidikar

#1-6: Vol. 1: Marks of Woe (2020 paperback, ISBN 978-1779502896 / digital)
Also collects an introductory story from Books of Magic (2018) #14 and The Sandman Universe Presents: Hellblazer (2019) #1

#7-12: Vol. 2: The Best Version of You (2021 paperback, ISBN 978-1779509536 / digital)

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America (2024) #1-11
by Simon Spurrier, Aaron Campbell, Jordie Bellaire, & Aditya Bidikar

The team behind the acclaimed 2019-2020 run reunites and picks up the story exactly where it left off, continuing it with a road trip to America that has ties to Constantine’s earliest stories in continuity. This was originally solicited as a shorter mini-series and was extended to 11 issues.

#1-11: Collection announcement TBA

Out-of-Continuity Constantine

Constantine: Distorted Illusions (2022) OGN
(2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1779507730 / digital)

Hellblazer: Rise + Fall (2020) #1-3
(2021 hardcover, ISBN 978-1779504661 / 2022 paperback, ISBN 978-1779515216 / digital)
A DC Black Label mini-series by Tom Taylor & Darrick Robertson

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