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John Constantine, Hellblazer Vol. 1: Original Sins (Hellblazer
The very first Hellblazer collection ORIGINAL SINS is available in a new edition that includes John Constantine's appearances in SWAMP THING. This is the first of a series of new HELLBLAZER editions starring Vertigo's longest running antihero, John Constantine, England's chain-smoking, low-rent magus. This first collection is a loosely connected series of tales of John's early years where Constantine was at his best and at his worst, all at the same time.
Collects SWAMP THING #76-77 and HELLBLAZER #1-9.
Collects SWAMP THING #76-77 and HELLBLAZER #1-9.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2013
About the author
Jamie Delano
465 books356 followersJamie Delano aka A. William James began writing comics professionally in the early 1980s. Latterly he has been writing prose fiction with "BOOK THIRTEEN" published by his own LEPUS BOOKS imprint (http://www.lepusbooks.co.uk) in 2012, "Leepus | DIZZY" in April 2014, and "Leepus | THE RIVER" in 2017.
Jamie lives in semi-rural Northamptonshire with his partner, Sue. They have three adult children and a considerable distraction of grandchildren.
Jamie lives in semi-rural Northamptonshire with his partner, Sue. They have three adult children and a considerable distraction of grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 27, 2026
🚬 Constantine — Hero or Anti-Hero?
Some comics make you feel that they are much more than superhero stories. Hellblazer Vol. 1 is exactly that kind of experience. Instead of capes, superpowers, and traditional superhero morality, it gives us a dark mixture of occult horror, British punk culture, politics, cynicism, and human weakness.
And at the center of this dark world stands one unforgettable character—John Constantine.
Calling John Constantine a conventional “hero” would be difficult. He is manipulative, cynical, selfish, and perfectly willing to use people to get what he wants.
And yet, there is a strange humanity within him.
Constantine knows that the world is ugly. He knows that people don’t always make the right choices. And when you’re dealing with the supernatural, morality isn’t always as simple as good versus evil.
That contradiction is what makes Constantine so fascinating.
He doesn’t simply pick up a gun and go hunting monsters. Instead, he relies on intelligence, manipulation, bluffing, and an understanding of human weakness to turn situations in his favor.
The horror in Hellblazer doesn’t depend solely on demons, ghosts, or supernatural creatures.
Its most frightening element is often human nature itself.
Religious fanaticism, addiction, political corruption, greed, violence, loneliness, and the hell people create for themselves—all of these themes become intertwined with the supernatural horror.
Another major strength of Hellblazer is its unmistakably British identity.
The dark streets of London, pub culture, punk attitude, working-class frustration, and the social and political atmosphere of Thatcher-era Britain give the comic a personality of its own.
This isn’t Gotham.
The artwork in Hellblazer doesn’t always follow the polished aesthetics of conventional superhero comics—and that’s precisely what makes it work.
The gritty, dark, and sometimes deliberately uncomfortable visual style perfectly complements the tone of the stories.
Constantine’s appearance, his trench coat, cigarette, and that knowing, ambiguous smile create such a strong visual identity that you immediately recognize him.
For me, the greatest strength of Hellblazer is the way it uses supernatural fiction to talk about problems in the real world.
Magic and demons often function almost like metaphors.
Politics, religion, class divisions, personal guilt, addiction, and mortality—all become part of Constantine’s world.
Hellblazer isn’t for everyone.
If you’re looking for fast-paced superhero action, a straightforward good-versus-evil story, or a clean-cut protagonist, this book might disappoint you.
But if you enjoy mature, morally grey, atmospheric, socially conscious horror comics, Hellblazer is absolutely worth reading.
Constantine isn’t a great hero.
He’s a survivor.
For anyone who enjoys Vertigo-era comics, occult horror, or morally grey protagonists, Hellblazer is essential reading.
Some comics make you feel that they are much more than superhero stories. Hellblazer Vol. 1 is exactly that kind of experience. Instead of capes, superpowers, and traditional superhero morality, it gives us a dark mixture of occult horror, British punk culture, politics, cynicism, and human weakness.
And at the center of this dark world stands one unforgettable character—John Constantine.
Calling John Constantine a conventional “hero” would be difficult. He is manipulative, cynical, selfish, and perfectly willing to use people to get what he wants.
And yet, there is a strange humanity within him.
Constantine knows that the world is ugly. He knows that people don’t always make the right choices. And when you’re dealing with the supernatural, morality isn’t always as simple as good versus evil.
That contradiction is what makes Constantine so fascinating.
He doesn’t simply pick up a gun and go hunting monsters. Instead, he relies on intelligence, manipulation, bluffing, and an understanding of human weakness to turn situations in his favor.
The horror in Hellblazer doesn’t depend solely on demons, ghosts, or supernatural creatures.
Its most frightening element is often human nature itself.
Religious fanaticism, addiction, political corruption, greed, violence, loneliness, and the hell people create for themselves—all of these themes become intertwined with the supernatural horror.
Another major strength of Hellblazer is its unmistakably British identity.
The dark streets of London, pub culture, punk attitude, working-class frustration, and the social and political atmosphere of Thatcher-era Britain give the comic a personality of its own.
This isn’t Gotham.
The artwork in Hellblazer doesn’t always follow the polished aesthetics of conventional superhero comics—and that’s precisely what makes it work.
The gritty, dark, and sometimes deliberately uncomfortable visual style perfectly complements the tone of the stories.
Constantine’s appearance, his trench coat, cigarette, and that knowing, ambiguous smile create such a strong visual identity that you immediately recognize him.
For me, the greatest strength of Hellblazer is the way it uses supernatural fiction to talk about problems in the real world.
Magic and demons often function almost like metaphors.
Politics, religion, class divisions, personal guilt, addiction, and mortality—all become part of Constantine’s world.
Hellblazer isn’t for everyone.
If you’re looking for fast-paced superhero action, a straightforward good-versus-evil story, or a clean-cut protagonist, this book might disappoint you.
But if you enjoy mature, morally grey, atmospheric, socially conscious horror comics, Hellblazer is absolutely worth reading.
Constantine isn’t a great hero.
He’s a survivor.
For anyone who enjoys Vertigo-era comics, occult horror, or morally grey protagonists, Hellblazer is essential reading.
July 27, 2025
First time reading through these early Constantine stories by Jamie Delano, having started with Garth Ennis’s run, and holy hell are they good! Dark magic, demons, and social commentary that still feels relevant. These stories burn.
August 14, 2025
8/10
A pretty solid introduction to Constantine in comics for myself. Some really interesting takeaways from this read.
Really cements the idea that John Constantine is no hero, he literally watches someone get raped and doesn't bother to help out of either curiosity or because he's a coward.
I liked how most of the issues are standalone with some references being made towards his past troubles. I'm not really interested in the political messaging found throughout but I'm also not gonna cry about it since I'm not a child. I think the artstyle matches the mood of the comic rather well. Some really dark topics being portrayed throughout and I think the majority of them were handled brilliantly, personally I don't like the act of rape being shown in comics and TV as I just think its unnecessary and mostly done for shock factor.
The magic on show isnt exactly what I expected but now I think about it, it makes sense that Constantine doesn't use flashy magic as Hellblazer tries to stay as realistic to the real world as possible and flinging fire balls at people wouldn't exactly be realistic.
I didn't exactly like the two filler issues at the end as I while I'm loving Moore's Swamp Thing run at the moment I just thought the inclusion of them was just there for the sake of it.
Not as good as Moore's Swamp Thing but still great
A pretty solid introduction to Constantine in comics for myself. Some really interesting takeaways from this read.
Really cements the idea that John Constantine is no hero, he literally watches someone get raped and doesn't bother to help out of either curiosity or because he's a coward.
I liked how most of the issues are standalone with some references being made towards his past troubles. I'm not really interested in the political messaging found throughout but I'm also not gonna cry about it since I'm not a child. I think the artstyle matches the mood of the comic rather well. Some really dark topics being portrayed throughout and I think the majority of them were handled brilliantly, personally I don't like the act of rape being shown in comics and TV as I just think its unnecessary and mostly done for shock factor.
The magic on show isnt exactly what I expected but now I think about it, it makes sense that Constantine doesn't use flashy magic as Hellblazer tries to stay as realistic to the real world as possible and flinging fire balls at people wouldn't exactly be realistic.
I didn't exactly like the two filler issues at the end as I while I'm loving Moore's Swamp Thing run at the moment I just thought the inclusion of them was just there for the sake of it.
Not as good as Moore's Swamp Thing but still great
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2026
I absolutely love Constantine and the hell that follows him! The interactions with Swamp Thing are my favorite (of course) but it’s all a great read! Would definitely recommend. I can’t wait to read them all!!
July 16, 2025
Ahead of its time
I was thinking this would just be some kind of edgy 80s comic about horror and Demons but when it really comes down to it this is a much more interesting and socially concerned story than I could have expected. At times it can be devastating and at other times it can have so much heart you're completely surprised at how much it makes you feel. This is the 1st John Constantine I've ever read and for that matter the 1st swamp thing I've ever read but good impressions so far.
I was thinking this would just be some kind of edgy 80s comic about horror and Demons but when it really comes down to it this is a much more interesting and socially concerned story than I could have expected. At times it can be devastating and at other times it can have so much heart you're completely surprised at how much it makes you feel. This is the 1st John Constantine I've ever read and for that matter the 1st swamp thing I've ever read but good impressions so far.
January 20, 2025
Bloody John Constantine.
He's my favorite comic anti-hero. A charismati mess. Punk occultist. A scholar who tries to hide their skill by shocking people, and drown their regrets in sex and drugs and impulsive decisions.
He's a lot like my late husband.
Took off a star because the art is inconsistent, especially the faces.
He's my favorite comic anti-hero. A charismati mess. Punk occultist. A scholar who tries to hide their skill by shocking people, and drown their regrets in sex and drugs and impulsive decisions.
He's a lot like my late husband.
Took off a star because the art is inconsistent, especially the faces.
March 17, 2026
I don’t know if it’s too 80s, too British, or what but I really didn’t enjoy these Constantine stories. I think they may have rushed too much into his story after Swamp Thing, but the stories don’t hold together with the character presented in those comics. I still want to like him though, so I’ll try some more I’m sure.
March 5, 2025
First foray into the Constantine comics, and it was interesting to see where it all started! Looking forward to digging into more
April 1, 2025
Who the hell am I to write a review? I've never written or drawn anything in my life. I read the whole thing through to the end, that's my review
October 26, 2025
a good graphic novel
This comic was descent. Like most comics it’s about anti-hero, who is battling the evils of society which are based in the villains and demons.
This comic was descent. Like most comics it’s about anti-hero, who is battling the evils of society which are based in the villains and demons.
February 18, 2026
John constantine, get your act together, mission level: impossible
July 11, 2026
Much more melancholy than I anticipated. It's dour and depressing, but very entertaining.
September 13, 2026
Interesting
Keept me reading can't wait to start the next one only thing was the drawing could be better good story and characters
Keept me reading can't wait to start the next one only thing was the drawing could be better good story and characters
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews