Major Issues: First Appearance of Constantine

Hundreds of comic book characters are being portrayed in film and television, and with each new day more are being announced.

Major Issues -- a ComicBook.com original video series -- will speak to true comic book hobbyists as well as new fans in a short, fast-paced digital series featuring the first appearances of characters we all love. Each episode will feature the actual comic book, info on the creators, and the backstory on the creation and legacy of the character.

The next in our series is our look at the introduction of cult-classic, exorcist/detective/ghost buster, John Constantine.

This is the origin of Constantine rom the Marvel Database: John Constantine is an exorcist, demonologist and petty dabbler of the dark arts. Raised by an abusive father who blamed him for the death of his mother in childbirth, John grew up highly cynical and cunning, and developed an interest in the dark arts. In his teenage years, he was introduced into the occult world by Anne Marie, learned various spells and became an exorcist with the hopes of one day using his powers to resurrect his mother. John became a figure of respect among the dabblers of magic.

Originally published as Saga of the Swamp Thing No. 37, his origin is an ode to Sting -- yes, Sting -- but eventually developed into a major character that now has a movie and television series based on his work.

Be sure to check out our other Major Issues.

Luke Cage | Black Mariah | Misty Knight | Cornell Cottonmouth | Wally West | Negan | King Ezekiel | Kaecilius | Bane | Savitar | Deadshot | Darth Vader | Spawn | Phoenix | SHIELD