Summary of John Constantine, Hellblazer 12: How to Play With Fire by Paul Jenkins and Garth Ennis

Immerse yourself in the chaos of 'Hellblazer 12' as John Constantine tackles supernatural fire and dark humor in this thrilling ride.

Welcome to Hellblazer, where the only thing hotter than the fire is the mess that John Constantine finds himself in. In the twelfth volume of this electrifying series, our favorite chain-smoking British magician takes a break from saving the universe to play with some literal fire. Spoiler alert: It's not just the pyromaniacs who are getting burned.

This installment dives straight into the chaos, where Constantine is entangled with the infamous "Breach," a hellish mix of supernatural chaos that would make even the bravest demon second-guess their life choices. As if Constantine needed more drama in his life, right? Clearly, the universe has decided that a little more hellfire and brimstone will be good for him - because nothing says "self-care" like diving headfirst into the supernatural mess he's created.

Throughout the book, you'll see John navigate through an array of quirky characters, each more dysfunctional than the last. We meet eccentric allies and nemeses alike, all while John is trying to act like he's got it all under control (which, let's be honest, he absolutely does not). Oh, and let's not forget about the haunting pasts that continuously come back to bite him in the, you guessed it, posterior.

As John gets deeper into the fire (both metaphorically and literally), the stakes rise and the strange gets even stranger. With gripping storytelling and dark humor, Jenkins and Ennis take us on a ride through a grungy London that's filled with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. And let's just say, if you thought you were safely seated for this ride, think again.

Of course, no Hellblazer story would be complete without some soul-searching (and soul-prepping) moments that make you question just how far Constantine is willing to go. There is a peculiar comfort in knowing that no matter how many demons he wrestles with, John will always return to that beloved brand of self-loathing we've come to adore. It's like watching your favorite train wreck - you can't look away!

And guess what? There's more! The subplots in this volume are richer than a triple chocolate cake, with each slice revealing more of John's complex psyche and the chaotic world he inhabits. You might even find yourself rooting for him, or at the very least, shaking your head in disbelief at his questionable decisions.

So, if you're a fan of dark humor, supernatural drama, and a protagonist who is as flawed as they come, John Constantine, Hellblazer 12: How to Play With Fire is your ticket to a wild ride filled with chaos, fire (lots of fire), and, let's face it, some cringe-worthy moments that'll leave you both laughing and crying. Dive in if you dare-but remember, it's John Constantine's world; you're just visiting!

And there you have it! If you thought you had a handle on the supernatural, think again. Constantine is here to remind us all that playing with fire might just scorch your soul!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.