nolo42's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
fishfish's review
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
iffer's review
3.0
A little bit of a generous 3 stars, if only because this wasn't bad, but I'm not particularly drawn to read more. A big part of this was that I didn't love the work of either of the artists on these issues. Although John Constantine is still characterized as an asshole, he's sympathetic, which moves his character closer to the Harry Dresden type than the original John Constantine. So, if you're looking for a really gritty Constantine with social and political commentary, this isn't it. If you're looking for an intriguing urban fantasy, then this would probably hit the spot. This first trade lays out the groundwork for what seems like will be a good storyline. It manages multiple storylines rather well, and John, Swamp Thing, and Mercury are all likeable with backstories, though I couldn't help but wonder if this team-up was contrived to draw in more readers.
jhstack's review
3.0
Good Hellblazer reboot but maybe a little too bright, even with the subtle/implied darkness. And Constantine looks akin to Matt Ryan ... or maybe the other way around. (e-galley from Netgalley)
old_tim's review
4.0
Like so much of the Rebirth series, this first volume is about cleaning up and getting ready for future stories. The good news is that they seem to be moving in the right direction. John's back in the UK, and he's a real jerk. Things are looking up.
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2017/05/hell-in-bucket.html
http://fedpeaches.blogspot.com/2017/05/hell-in-bucket.html
19lindsey89's review
3.0
I really like Constantine as a character, but I’ve been pretty disappointed by Rebirth and how poorly it is representing the DC cast.
vanessakm's review
3.0
Ok, I didn't dislike this as much as everyone else, but this Rebirth storyline was a little all over the map for me.
The main plot-something about the Djinn plotting their return muahaha-goes off in several directions, and not all of them were ones that I could follow. It felt like I was supposed to know who people were and what they were referring to, but there was too much random. I mean, I don't read Hellblazer on the reg, but who the Hell is Mercury?
The story simultaneously felt like it had too much filler AND not enough explanation. Half-written but also over-written.
Also, even before I checked the credits it was very apparent that the entire artistic team had been replaced between parts 4 and 5. Constantine is suddenly clean-shaven, Mercury (no really, WHO is Mercury??) looks like a completely different person. The entire color palette is different.
For example, before:
.
(Oh by the way, Swamp Thing is in this too. I'm also not sure why.....)
After:
And, yes, the second team is better (what is going on with the shape of Constantine's cranium in that first panel?), although the first team made better visual jokes. I think that is partly why this landed at three stars for me. Enough witty moments and a good story are in here somewhere.
It's not a great starting point for those new to Hellblazer, however.
The main plot-something about the Djinn plotting their return muahaha-goes off in several directions, and not all of them were ones that I could follow. It felt like I was supposed to know who people were and what they were referring to, but there was too much random. I mean, I don't read Hellblazer on the reg, but who the Hell is Mercury?
The story simultaneously felt like it had too much filler AND not enough explanation. Half-written but also over-written.
Also, even before I checked the credits it was very apparent that the entire artistic team had been replaced between parts 4 and 5. Constantine is suddenly clean-shaven, Mercury (no really, WHO is Mercury??) looks like a completely different person. The entire color palette is different.
For example, before:
.(Oh by the way, Swamp Thing is in this too. I'm also not sure why.....)
After:
And, yes, the second team is better (what is going on with the shape of Constantine's cranium in that first panel?), although the first team made better visual jokes. I think that is partly why this landed at three stars for me. Enough witty moments and a good story are in here somewhere.
It's not a great starting point for those new to Hellblazer, however.