Movies News Talk
Among comic book heroes, John Constantine is few in terms of dark and mysterious reputation. Always walking a tightrope between life and death, the master of the occult—known for his slyness and eagerness to follow the road less taken—has always Although the legendary Ghost Rider is well-known for his fiery Hellbike, Constantine has just taken the idea of hell-riding to a terrifying fresh level.
Simon Spurrier and Aaron Campbell keep delving into Constantine's turbulent voyage in the recent John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead In America #7. Constantine confronts his approaching death and comes upon a terrifying meeting with his own ghost friend. The terrible story forces Constantine to act in his own best interests. He kills the shade in a flash of terrible genius, then literally rides its soul straight down into hell.
This is not just any plunge into the dark. Constantine transforms the very rope he used to choke the ghost into a makeshift, horrific sled using his magical ability. Constantine finds himself hurtling through the ethereal world, plunging into the depths of Hell, a place he sorely wants to avoid but must visit to find answers in a quick spell.
Skilled conman and trickster, John Constantine has a natural ability to negotiate peril. In this one, he deftly controls the circumstances to his benefit by means of the ghost's death as means of mobility. Constantine has outwitted the residents of Hell before this as well. Rich in history of outwitting demons, the character is a real master of gaps.
His past exploits, including the moment he outwitted demons masquerading as financiers to devaluate the "hell dollar," attest to his agility. A welcome return to Constantine's original trickster image, his unrelenting inventiveness and audacity are One of the most fiery and original paths he follows is his way of reaching hell, by cheating death itself.
When we consider hell-riding, the picture of Ghost Rider—a motorbike-riding vigilante driven by demonic power—comes right away. Though strong, Ghost Rider's Hellbike lacks the inventiveness and pure audacity of Constantine's soul-riding approach. Ghost Rider's powers originate from hell; hence, his hell-riding result of his infernal contract. Conversely, Constantine defies the very essence of his destiny by blazing a trail into hell.
John Constantine approaches his hellish voyage darker and more creatively using his street smarts and cunning. He just needs a basic rope and some magic to sink into the depths of hopelessness; he does not need a fancy bike or a fiery skull. This renders Constantine's ride not only darker but also evidence of his unparalleled occult mastery.
For decades readers have been enthralled with John Constantine's multifarious and fascinating character. Fans still find resonance in his special mix of street smarts, occult knowledge, and will to confront the darkest sides of life. His most recent trip, the soul-riding plunge into hell, confirms even more his status as among DC's most fascinating and erratic heroes. John Constantine's narrative reminds us that he will always find a way to outsmart his demons and forge his own road across the darkest domains even in the face of the abyss.