John Constantine; illustration by Timothy Bradstreet
- "This is all wrong. John wouldn't do that. Not cut someone's bollocks off with a scalpel."
Real Name: John Constantine
Nicknames: Hellblazer, Hero of the Counterculture, Knight of Humanity, the Laughing Magician, Man for All Seasons, the Magus, and many other nicknames unsuitable for print.
Former Aliases: No known former aliases
Other Current Aliases: No other known current aliases
Status
Occupation: Mage
Legal Status: John Constantine is a citizen of the United Kingdom with a criminal record.
Identity: No dual identity; his magical profession is unknown to the general public
Marital Status: Single
Group Affiliation: Former member of Mucous Membrane; former member of the Newcastle Crew; former member of The Trenchcoat Brigade (along with, the Phantom Stranger, Mr. E and Doctor Occult)
Base of Operations: London, England, U.K.
Origin
Con man and magician, Constantine tries to keep humanity safe from both demonic and heavenly forces.
Place of Birth: Liverpool, England
Known Relatives: Thomas Constantine (father, deceased), Mary Ann Quinn Constantine (mother, deceased), Jack Constantine (paternal uncle, deceased), Dolly (aunt), Harry (uncle), Cheryl Masters (sister), Tony Masters (brother-in-law), Golden Boy (twin brother, deceased), Gemma Masters (niece), Tefe Holland (daughter), William Constantine (grandfather, deceased), Charles Constantine (grand-uncle, deceased), Alice Constantine (grandmother, deceased), Kon-sten-tyn (ancestor, deceased), Constantine (6th century, ancestor, deceased), Jack Constantine (ancestor, deceased), Pyotr Konstantin (distant relative, c.1600s, deceased), Harry Constantine (ancestor, deceased), Lord George Constantine (ancestor, deceased), Lady Harriet Constantine (ancestor, deceased), Lady Johanna Constantine (ancestor, deceased), "Mouse" (Johanna's daughter, John's ancestor, deceased), James Constantine (ancestor, deceased), Conrad Constantine (ancestor, deceased), Aloysius Quinn (ancestor, deceased)
First Appearance: Saga of the Swamp Thing #37
History
Early Years
When John was born, something caused Thomas Constantine to snap and try and prevent the birth. John's twin brother and mother died. His father always had a strained relationship with John, particularly after John cast one of his first spells on his father -- linking the man's lifeforce to that of a decaying bird. It withered the once healthy man, and has always played on John's conscience... well, more or less. It depends on the existence of said conscience really.
While first studying magic, John had a relationship with Zatanna. The two remain friends -- more or less -- although John feels partially responsible for her father Zatarra's death. It is rumored that Zatanna had a child by Constantine, but whether that is true or not is questionable.
The Newcastle Exorcism
John's first demonic encounter was with the demon Nergal, whom he assisted angels in defeating. However, the experience was disastrous -- both ruining and ending lives -- and John was committed to a mental asylum for a time afterward.
John also distances himself from heavenly forces, claiming they are no better when it comes to interfering with humans than the demons.
Death and Rebirth
A habitual smoker, John learned he had contracted lung cancer. John made a deal with the First of the Fallen, offering his soul in exchange for being cured. However, he then tricked the demon.
No matter how his own life goes, John stays committed to battling evil.
Characteristics
Height: x'xx"
Weight: xxx lbs (xxx kg)
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Blonde
Unusual Features: No unusual features
Powers
Known Powers: Constantine is a magician.
Known Abilities: John Constantine is an excellent con artist and negotiator. These skills are often more useful than his magical ones.
Strength Level: Strength level unknown
Miscellaneous
Equipment: Scathing wit? It is rumored that his match has magical properties.
Transportation: Chas' Taxi... much to his friend's chagrin...
Weapons: No known weapons.
Notes
- The character of John Constantine was created by Alan Moore, on something of a whim originally. One day Alan Moore is quoted to have said "Hey, let's make a character that looks like Sting." and, well, the rest is history. The character was developed further by Jamie Delano and later still by Garth Ennis.
Trivia
- The movie adaptation of Constantine starring Keanu Reeves is very loosely based on the Dangerous Habits storyline.
- John Constantine is afraid of needles.
- Constantine once won a bet wherein he predicted the exact month, day and hour that President Lyndon B. Johnson would suffer a fatal heart attack. He used his winnings to finance a series of free rock concerts in the New York area in the early 1970s.
- John's favorite brand of cigarettes are Silk Cut.
Recommended Readings
- Swamp Thing: The Great Darkness Saga
- Hellblazer: Dangerous Habits
Related Articles
- John Constantine image gallery
- John Constantine appearances list
- John Constantine quotes page
- Hellblazer cover art gallery
- Hellblazer Supporting Cast
- Chas Chandler
- Gary Lester
- Newcastle
External Links
- John Constantine article at Wikipedia
- Hellblazer article at Wikipedia
- Constantine (movie) article at Wikipedia