This slim graphic novel brings together two previously uncollected storylines, a much older one from veterans Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, and one from Constantine’s recent past, by relative newcomers Jason Aaron and Sean Murphy.
First up is a reprint of issues 57-58, originally falling into the middle of Garth Ennis’ run, which focuses on the series’ two most constant characters: Constantine himself and his best mate, taxicab driver Chas. This two-parter finds the pair heading to Chas’ uncle for some booze and ribaldry and instead, find the poor sod passed away. After the funeral, Constantine and Chas have the misfortune to run into a thuggish group of grave robbers, who beat the ever loving crap out of the boys, and take Chas’ uncle’s mortal remains with them.
Of course, Constantine volunteers to track down and return the body. Chas, who usually steers clear of anything John dives into, tags along, ’cause it’s his uncle. The truth they uncover is unpleasant, unsettling, and no small jab at the industrial-military complex. In short, it’s Garth Ennis at his best. And along the way to a satisfying ending, he gives readers a glimpse into how important Chas is to Constantine (no matter how shabbily John may treat him most of the time), a brief visit with irish lass Kit and a rare chance to see Constantine actually use magic. A top-notch look back in time, illustrated wonderfully by Steve Dillon.
The second story is another two-parter, a reprint of issues 245-246 in which a group of young enthusiasts head to Newcastle to film a documentary about Constantine’s old punk band, Mucous Membrane. These kids – well, kids compared to John – have no idea what sleeping dogs they’re disturbing when they go to investigate the site of Mucous Membrane’s last show. But even from a distance, Constantine does, and is drawn, as ever, back to where it all began for him (and ended, for so many). The kids aren’t around for long enough to develop any real attachment to them, but the glimpses they have — and give — into the past make for a good, solid story that pairs up well with the older one.
(Vertigo, 2010)
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