Dark Entries

Dark Entries (2009) Ian Rankin, Werther Dell’Edera

I have a conflicted relationship with John Constantine stories. I love the idea of who Constantine is, but for some reason the stories always fall short of my expectations in some manner. But when I saw that Ian Rankin–whose John Rebus mysteries I love–had written a Constantine graphic novel, I had to check it out. s

Rankin does a very good job of Constantine’s voice–that tone of weary self-loathing and cynicism. Nothing impresses Constantine, nothing scares him, but he’s always willing to walk into a bad situation if he’s offered enough money.

In this case, the money comes from the producer of a haunted house reality TV show who wants Constantine’s help dealing with haunting that aren’t being created by the show. A big wad of money convinces Constantine to look into the house. One of the occupants–who looks very much like someone John once knew–draws Constantine further into the mystery.

As usual, this Constantine story left me conflicted. I’m beginning to think that the horror in Constantine stories is tweaked up a little too high for my comfort–even in black and white the nasties are very nasty.

It was a good story, but I think that the high level of horror in Constantine stories is too much for my taste. Without the artwork, I probably would be fine with it, but since this is a graphic novel, it’s a little too disturbing I think.
Rating: 6/10

Published by Vertigo

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