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John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America (Single Issues)
John Constantine: Hellblazer: Dead in America #3
John and crew find themselves traveling west and contending with some of the tall tales that permeate the American frontier. It’s here that John probes an ailing Clarice about her past run-ins with Dream’s power. The sands have caused quite a stir, but just how far have they lodged themselves in the heart of the American dream?
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2024
7 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 20, 2024
In my opinion, this is the best issue in the series so far. It's easily a 4.25 rating for me. The colour design, panelling, and political commentary are off the charts in this one.
I'm in love with the artistry in this issue. Almost all the panels in this are composed of red, orange, and black hues, almost no other colours. Not only does it vibe well with the desert setting, but it also works with the extreme and emotionally jarring themes that come up in this issue. There are some truly gorgeous and hauntingly beautiful panels in this, especially when we see more supernatural creatures (e.g. the goddess the woman in the desert is praying to). Also, whenever Swamp Thing is "on screen", he looks really interesting because he's made out of the cacti and plants of the desert, giving him a bit of a "new" look that I love.
The political themes in this, while quite obvious, are still as great as always. This issue truly goes all out in regards to its depiction of the American dream and how the American (specifically, Republican) mindset has influenced its own citizens and also those who wish to enter the US. I especially loved that moment when we get to hear the Texan's thought process and the thought bubbles are coloured in both red and blue, as if the two American political mindsets are fighting for dominance (even though they both are negatively minded). Parallel running to the Texan's POV, we have two Mexican women trying to cross the border illegally, while the Texan is watching them, ready to strike. There are some great parallels here and I adored that moment when the Mexican girl explains to the Texan that the American dream isn't all that unique or special in and of itself when compared to literally any other country. I was eating up all the commentary on America's current political landscape, and I adore how much the comic is unashamedly leaning into it.
Honestly, the only bigger critique point I have is that I wish we had spent a little more time with Constanstine himself. This issue is a little more focused on world building and commentary rather than pushing the story forward. Some more important plot happens towards the later pages of the issue, and we even get some name drops of other infamous Sandman characters. It was great to see Swamp Thing and Constantine interact again, though; that adds to the overall intrigue of the issue.
This series continues to be an entertaining and thoughtful read and feel like things are only going to become even more interesting going forward.
I'm in love with the artistry in this issue. Almost all the panels in this are composed of red, orange, and black hues, almost no other colours. Not only does it vibe well with the desert setting, but it also works with the extreme and emotionally jarring themes that come up in this issue. There are some truly gorgeous and hauntingly beautiful panels in this, especially when we see more supernatural creatures (e.g. the goddess the woman in the desert is praying to). Also, whenever Swamp Thing is "on screen", he looks really interesting because he's made out of the cacti and plants of the desert, giving him a bit of a "new" look that I love.
The political themes in this, while quite obvious, are still as great as always. This issue truly goes all out in regards to its depiction of the American dream and how the American (specifically, Republican) mindset has influenced its own citizens and also those who wish to enter the US. I especially loved that moment when we get to hear the Texan's thought process and the thought bubbles are coloured in both red and blue, as if the two American political mindsets are fighting for dominance (even though they both are negatively minded). Parallel running to the Texan's POV, we have two Mexican women trying to cross the border illegally, while the Texan is watching them, ready to strike. There are some great parallels here and I adored that moment when the Mexican girl explains to the Texan that the American dream isn't all that unique or special in and of itself when compared to literally any other country. I was eating up all the commentary on America's current political landscape, and I adore how much the comic is unashamedly leaning into it.
Honestly, the only bigger critique point I have is that I wish we had spent a little more time with Constanstine himself. This issue is a little more focused on world building and commentary rather than pushing the story forward. Some more important plot happens towards the later pages of the issue, and we even get some name drops of other infamous Sandman characters. It was great to see Swamp Thing and Constantine interact again, though; that adds to the overall intrigue of the issue.
This series continues to be an entertaining and thoughtful read and feel like things are only going to become even more interesting going forward.
April 14, 2024
All 3 issues, but this one in particular, feel like novels. You fall into them like drowning and you don't come up for air (wondering how long you were under) until the last page. There's just some really great storytelling here.
March 22, 2024
The story, the art, etc it’s all incredible. I get it. Spurrier and Campbell are crafting a damned modern classic in the mode of both Moore’s Swamp Thing and Gaiman’s Sandman while doing something all their own. I’m just glad we get an f’d up Swamp Thing made out of cactus and peyote in the process.
May 27, 2024
Wow.
I came out of this thinking, "people are evil," and also, "I want to read American Gods." (I just bought it. Haven't seen it and can't believe I haven't read it yet.)
Anyway - things are taking a Hellblazer style dark turn and I expect it will only get darker from here.
I came out of this thinking, "people are evil," and also, "I want to read American Gods." (I just bought it. Haven't seen it and can't believe I haven't read it yet.)
Anyway - things are taking a Hellblazer style dark turn and I expect it will only get darker from here.
March 19, 2024
A diversion
Constantine and crew get diverted as they search for Morpheus's missing sands. Two different strands converge and I'm not exactly satisfied.
Constantine and crew get diverted as they search for Morpheus's missing sands. Two different strands converge and I'm not exactly satisfied.
March 20, 2024
Real scope & resonance
March 29, 2024
An overlap of many of my favorite things.
April 28, 2024
Once I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. The writing is curious and addictive. I keep thinking it's peaked, only for the next issue to be even better. Clear favourite series of the year.
May 1, 2024
YES. This series does justice to Constantine and Sandman and the tall tales it uses to full effect.
May 4, 2024
Continuinf to be a damn good read. Plus the return of such an iconic character, Swampy!
August 9, 2025
loved the southern gothic vibe
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews