The Hellblazer Vol. 1: The Poison Truth

The Hellblazer Vol. 1: The Poison Truth was published by DC Comics in 2017 as part of the Rebirth initiative, which sought to realign DC's core titles with their classic iterations while keeping the momentum of the New 52 era. This volume serves as the opening collection for Simon Oliver’s run on the series, re-establishing John Constantine as a cynical, chain-smoking occult detective operating in the gritty underbelly of London. The narrative leans heavily into the character's traditional roots, focusing on his survivalist instincts and his complex history with supernatural entities.

The interior artwork for this volume is primarily provided by Moritat, whose distinct, angular style emphasizes the dark, noir-infused tone of the series. The creative direction intended to strip away the more superhero-adjacent elements of Constantine's previous appearances, opting instead for a street-level aesthetic that prioritizes atmospheric tension and psychological horror. Upon release, the volume was recognized for successfully capturing the classic 'Vertigo-style' tone that long-time fans of the character expected, serving as a tonal bridge for readers navigating the transition between the New 52 and the Rebirth relaunch.