Telling Tales or making Magick?
This is the final issue of what was supposed to be 6-self contained stories where Warren Ellis explores Horror humans make Verses Magick and the reality of it.
At this point of Warren Ellis run Haunted and the rest of the stories (With the exception of Shoot which would not see print for over 10 years of censorship issues) should of been read. The reader at this point should have an understanding of the layering throughout Ellis run, the definition of Magick being "the Science and Art of causing Change to occur in conformity with Will". This is a strong issue to end this graphic definition of the power of Magick.
In this issue John Constantine is being interviewed by a reporter. The Conman that John Constantine is, it is hard at times to distinguish between fact or fiction. This command of language and the knowledge of Magick, John Constantine is "Telling Tales" and getting changes. This is one of the stronger "Self-contained" stories promised in this run, guaranteed some of the "tales" John Constantine was saying will make you think.
This issue is also sad because Ellis would leave the book after this issue. Because of censorship issues we will never see all the stories that Ellis had for John. Some of the plot points explored in this run have surfaced in Ellis' creator owned Gravel books, such as the Body Orchard.
Marcelo Frusin's ( Hellblazer, Loveless) art I must mention is perfect for this issue. The bar room is smoky and only few can play with shadows and smoke like Marcelo Frusin.
One this John Constantine says in this issue that I want to leave with you:
"London's connected to everything. It's the dark heart of the world"
Cheers!
- Silkcuts