John Constantine Joins DC Comics New 52

John Constantine was first introduced in DC Comics back in the eighties in the pages of Swamp Thing. The character even got his own movie back in 2005, starring Keanu Reeves in the title role. In addition to the numerous cameos in various comics through the years, Constantine also has own title called Hellblazer, which is DC Comics’ Vertigo imprints longest running series.However, DC Comics just announced that is about to change. Hellblazer will be coming to an end with issue #300 in February. According to DC Comics, the conclusion of the “Death and Cigarettes” storyline will give Constantine “the bloody best sendoff he deserves.”  The final issue will be by writer Peter Milligan and artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini.But don’t worry, as John Constantine isn’t going to be gone for long from the pages of comics. DC Comics is just making way for Constantine to officially join the New 52 relaunch with his own ongoing comic book series as part of the main DC Comics line. Constantine will launch in March 2013. The series will be written by Robert Venditti with art by Renato Guedes.”Few characters in comics are as complex and entertaining as John Constantine, and I’m finding him to be every bit as enjoyable to write as he is to read,” says Venditti. “It’s my goal to have the new Constantine series be equal parts familiarity and surprise.  This will be the Constantine we all know and love, but facing new and unexpected challenges from both inside and out.”