The Hellblazer (2016-) #1

The Hellblazer #1 was published in 2016 as part of DC Comics' Rebirth initiative, which sought to realign their core titles with the tone and legacies established prior to the 2011 New 52 reboot. This series marked a return for the character John Constantine to his gritty, occult roots, moving away from the superhero-integrated role he occupied in Justice League Dark. Written by Simon Oliver with art by Moritat, the debut aimed to ground the cynical warlock in his home turf of London, emphasizing his penchant for manipulation and the supernatural consequences of his past.

The design of this iteration sought a balance between classic Vertigo-era aesthetics and modern comic sensibilities. Oliver and Moritat leaned into a noir-inspired visual language, utilizing shadow and urban decay to reflect Constantine's morally ambiguous nature. Reception was generally positive among long-time fans who appreciated the transition back to a standalone, character-focused narrative, though it faced the inherent challenge of distinguishing itself within a crowded market of established anti-hero titles.