The Hellblazer # 1 2016 NM-

The Hellblazer # 1, released on August 24, 2016, is the first issue of an ongoing series following the DC Rebirth one-shot. Written by Simon Oliver with art by Moritat, it kicks off the "The Poison Truth" story arc and further integrates John Constantine's classic Vertigo history into the mainstream DC Universe. 

The issue uses a non-linear narrative, blending historical events with John’s current predicament in London. 

• Historical Prologue: The story opens on June 28, 1914, at the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Two supernatural brothers, Adnan and Marid, observe the event. Adnan attempts to stop the assassin but is held back by Marid, who argues that humanity must endure its own free will, even if it leads to the bloodshed of World War I.
• Present Day London: John Constantine has successfully returned to London after breaking a demonic curse (as seen in The Hellblazer: Rebirth #1). He is currently living with his old friend Chas Chandler and Chas's wife, Renee.
• The Debt to Swamp Thing: John discovers Swamp Thing's head growing in a garden shed. Alec Holland has come to collect on a favor: help him find his missing love, Abigail Arcane, who has disappeared from the Rot.
• The Mission: John realizes he needs more help and tracks down Mercury, a psychic and old acquaintance from his original 1980s run. Mercury is initially hostile, even greeting John with a shotgun, but eventually joins forces with Swamp Thing to search for Abby while John handles other "errands".
• The Ending: In an epilogue, the two brothers from the prologue reappear. It is revealed they have not aged in a century. Marid kills his brother Adnan, declaring that humanity's continued suffering is proof that God does not exist. 

Key Characters 

• John Constantine: The cynical mage adjusting to life back in London while avoiding the Justice League.
• Swamp Thing (Alec Holland): Seeking John’s help for a personal crisis involving the Rot.
• Chas Chandler: John’s loyal friend and driver, providing him a place to stay.
• Mercury: A powerful psychic whose inclusion signals a return to Vertigo-era continuity.
• Adnan and Marid: New antagonists introduced as timeless observers of human catastrophe.