Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Books of Magic #14
DC Vertigo
Written by Kat Howard and Simon Spurrier
Art by Tom Fowler and Craig Taillefer
Colors by Jordan Boyd
Letters by Todd Klein
The Rundown: Tim Hunter is going to be tested by the Hellblazer himself.
Tim Hunter has been called to meet with John Constantine at an abandoned bar. When the young wizard enters, he is told that he needs to take a test to make sure that he doesn’t become evil. Agreeing to take the test in exchange for another book of magic, Tim and John dive into the book and a neutral third party begins the test.
Unfortunately for Tim, John Constantine has other plans for the young wizard. Knowing what the boy will become, John has decided that ending the threat before it can grow is the best thing he can do for the world. But can he actually do it?
The Story: Howard and Spurrier craft a story with some interesting and palpable tension throughout. I love the stakes in this issue and the fact that Constantine is used so effectively throughout it. It speaks to both the character and the writing that I was on the edge of my seat wondering what John would do when finally confronted with the consequences of his decision. The great dialogue and pitch perfect plotting of this issue make a definite must read and there are some sublimely clever moments throughout that make me want to read more Constantine adventures. It will be interesting to see how these two stories converge down the line and what happens when the characters meet again.
The Art: Tom Fowler’s art is brilliant in this issue. Not only do the characters look amazing, but the drama and tension of the story are amplified in the art with Fowler using close up shots and cramming the characters into a small space to increase the danger.
Books of Magic #14
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