Hellblazer: Original Sins

Grade:

Original Sins reprints the first 9 issues of Hellblazer, and to be honest they are not bad. Garth Ennis wrote the essential, defining run of the book, but Jamie Delano got the ball runing. There is a difference in technique, Delano has a focus on plot and mood, while Ennis was all about characterization.

By itself, Original Sins has plenty of mood, the stories range from OK, like Shot to Hell which is the final piece in the book, to excellent, example When Johnny Comes Marching Home and Going for It, both have plenty of ideas and atmosphere, although I am not sure I understand the Soul Stock Market in Going for It, the piece works very well.

The only thing missing is strong characters. Original Sins has Constantine, but he really lacks personality. He almost sleepwalks through his part, he is not a reluctant magician, or a cocky sourcerer, he just is. Still, despite the minor problems, there is more than enough plot and mood to warent rereads. Infact, the first two issues collected help you understand Damnations Flame, a Hellblazer TPB by Garth Ennis. I recommend this book, though you may leave it feeling like something was missing.