John Constantine, Hellblazer: All His Engines

I stopped reading Hellblazer right before Mike Carey started to helm the project. I can see why there was so much buzz around him. This is one of THE BEST stories in the Hellblazer world. I don't even want to elaborate further. If you are a Constantine fan pick this up immediately.

Up front, I'll confess that I've read and currently own every issue of the ongoing/monthly HELLBLAZER comic. It's a weird and often terrifying comic, which is odd because I rarely read horror novels and never attend horror movies; can't stand them. Nonetheless, I'm a devoted fan of HELLBLAZER, so I can lay claim to at least one very dark corner in my soul.That said, I enthusiastically recommend this self-contained and original graphic novel to fans of horror and dark urban fantasy literature. ALL HIS ENGINES is NOT a collection of previously published comics; it stands on its own and delivers a satisfyingly chilling overview of the dreadful world through which Constantine travels, this time accompanied by his longtime friend, Chas, for whom he is on a mission of mercy. Carey's take on the characters is dead-on, and Leonardo Manco's art--well, what can I say? "Unforgettable" sums it up.Everything that makes Constantine enjoyable, irksome and darkly compelling is on display. He's the kind of fellow of whom you are simultaneously afraid yet wish you were more like. The big brother you're glad you never had, but that you hope shows up when the existential chips are down.ALL HIS ENGINES is dark, sticky and macabre, but in a good way. Recommended only for grownups comfortable with their mortality; children and the easily nauseated would do well to avoid it.And, finally, one small caution: Once you read this novel, you'll want to know more. Be forewarned that Constantine's life, however, is not something to be explored without trepidation. Some things, once learned, for good or ill, you carry with you for the rest of your life. You've been warned.

I've only recently started really getting into Hellblazer after first getting a taste of Constantine in other titles, but of the handfull of stories I've read about the character this is by far my favorite. Demon plots? Check. Ancient gods? Check. A hero who wins through being extremely clever over powerful? Double check. Plus it's well paced and the characters are interesting enough that I never flipped through to check how long til it was over, all in all a great read.

Author Mike Carey and artist Leonardo Maco (perfect name for an artist, no?) create a moody, atmospheric horror story.Carey's writing is spare and terse, creating mystery and pace. Marco's art is both detailed and dark. The cityscapes are well rendered, reminding me of Director Michael Mann's panoramic shots of Los Angeles in "Collateral".The story features John Constantine's hard bitten chicanery and ability to hoodwink Hell's own. Casual fans will enjoy this work as much as hardcore Hellblazer-heads.

This was a good story with the best art of the entire Mike Carey run. Some of the plot didn't quite add up with what had gone before and I thought the villain was a bit much but dang did it look nice. I also love the hardcover presentation.

If you're looking for an introduction to Hellblazer, but obviously don't want to invest in a lot of books for a comic you haven't read, this is perfect. All His Engines is a self-contained story that is enjoyable whether or not you've read the series beforehand or not.The art is fantastic as well, easily my favorite artist who worked on the comic.

My favorite Hellblazer story so far, a darkly drawn masterpiece with a dramatic story that leaves you always wanting to read more.

I really enjoyed this volume of Hellblazer....one of the better stories of our favorite bastard JC lies within it's pages.IMO...a must read for Hellblazer fans!