John Constantine, Hellblazer: Setting Sun

October 4, 2004 | Trades

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John Constantine, Hellblazer: Setting Sun
Warren Ellis, Frank Teran, Tim Bradstreet, Marcelo Frusin, Javier Pulido, James Romberger
Vertigo/DC Comics
$19.95/$12.95 US (Paperback)
** 1/2 (out of five)

It’s just four and a half months until the release of the Constantine movie starring Keanu Reeves.
Let the Hellblazer push begin.
Setting Sun contains four issues — including five stories — all written by one of the best in the biz, Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan, Planetary). Five different artists — all with differing styles — draw these tales, ranging from Hellblazer veteran Marcelo Frusin to cover artist extraordinaire, Tim Bradstreet.
Bradstreet’s tale, The Crib, is simply outstanding. After seeing so many covers to Hellblazer and Punisher issues in this artist’s gritty, shadowy ultra-realistic style, seeing a complete story by him borders on a religious experience. One can only hope he decides to do things like this more often.
Now that the complimentary stuff is out of the way, here’s the reality: while these stories are all very good, this book is pricey and not up to the usual value readers are used to from Vertigo/DC. Only four issues for $19.95? The issues only cost $4 each new. And no bonus material, no forward, sketches or anything?
Setting Sun is certainly an interesting read and there is a lot to like, but you may find yourself questioning whether you got your money’s worth when you finish it in 30 minutes.

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