DC Comics' current John Constantine: Hellblazer series being published under the Sandman Universe banner is set to come to an end this November with the release of issue #12.
This revelation comes from DC's November solicitations, with John Constantine: Hellblazer #12 being billed as the series' final issue. Series writer Simon Spurrier confirmed the news on Twitter. "I see they've announced issue #12 will be the last in the current [Hellblazer] run," he wrote. While Spurrier says he has more thoughts to share on the matter, he wants fans to know a few things: this is a case of "not extending," as opposed to cancellation; readers should blame the coronavirus (COVID-19) for it; and "we're fucking heartbroken." The writer also encourages those who follow the series to "[t]ell [DC] you're gutted," but to "be polite."
DC Black Label/Sandman Universe editor Chris Conroy offered his thoughts as well, writing, "I can honestly say this is one of the projects I'm most proud of as an editor. It's an immensely powerful story told by talent at the peak of their power to date." He continued, "We have a lot more story to tell, if we get the chance, and I'm frankly angry that this book didn't find the scale of audience I strongly feel it deserved. But we were offered [12] issues to do our best and goddamn did we do our best."
Finally, series artist Aaron Campbell chimed in with his feelings on this development. "Yep, pretty sad to see [Hellblazer] wrapping up," he wrote. "It has been the joy of my career. One of the few consolations I’ve had during this horrible time is drawing Conjob. I reiterate what [Simon Spurrier] said. We weren't actually canceled. 12 was the original goal and boy did we get there."
The most recent issue of John Constantine: Hellblazer to hit shelves was issue #8, which arrived late last month. The monthly title is back this month with issue #9, which is slated to arrive in shops on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Written by Simon Spurrier and illustrated by Aaron Campbell, John Constantine: Hellblazer #12 goes on sale Nov. 24 from DC Comics. The full solicitation information, as well as John Paul Leon's cover, can be found below.
JOHN CONSTANTINE: HELLBLAZER #12
- written by SIMON SPURRIER
- art by AARON CAMPBELL
- cover by JOHN PAUL LEON
- ON SALE 11/24/20
- $3.99 US | 32 PAGES | FC
- DC BLACK LABEL | AGES 17+
- FINAL ISSUE
- John Constantine faces his final reckoning with the older version of himself who's been seeding magical chaos all around England, while the lives of all his friends hang in the balance...and that is not a good situation for John Constantine's friends. Can the evil in John's heart ever be contained? Or will it reach out and destroy the one life he would give anything not to corrupt?