John Constantine Origins - The Tragic And Heartbreaking Backstory Of DC's Ultra-Powerful Magician

DC Comics has established several legendary characters over the years, but none as distinctive as John Constantine. John is a paranormal investigator from Liverpool, England. His regular anti-hero antics have made him one of DC Comics' most beloved characters. His working-class upbringing, along with his outspoken personality, make him appealing to readers. He has a solid reputation and will go to any length to complete the work at hand. Alan Moore, Rick Veitch, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben developed Constantine, who originally appeared in The Saga of Swamp Thing issue no. #37 (June 1985). Several other titles of his Comic books are Hellblazer (1988-2013), Constantine (2013-2015), Constantine: The Hellblazer (2015-2016), The Hellblazer (2016-2018), and John Constantine: Hellblazer (2020-2021). He is noted for his unending cynicism, deadpan snarking, ruthless and cunning demeanor, and incessant chain-smoking. Yet, he is also a passionate humanitarian driven by a deep desire to do good in his life.

[@michadabrowski3120]

It feel weird to call John an "Ultra-powerful" magician. The charm of their character is that he a hedge mage at best, but a master con man and manipulator.

[@Sleepy_Apocalypse]

Facts. He's literally one of the least powerful of all the magic users in DC but one of the smartest by far to the point that it easily puts him above most of the others.

[@allangray6764]

Ugh yea they really didn't bottle this one well. They left out Jamie Delano who is really responsible for fleshing him out after he inherited the character directly from Moore. John's actually very talented when it comes to magick but it's totally grounded from that outlandish fireball shit in the animated movies. Not to mention most of his "friends" refer to him as Conjob or a wide-boy.

[@firstlast9846]

In “hard time” he says to another inmate, “I’m not a magician I just know a few tricks”

[@hdofu]

We’re skipping over the facts that really matter… namely that he at least in one timeline had a fling with King Shark

[@michaelklassen777]

So he is weaker than other magic users? Or he just doesn't use magic a lot? I thought he was really powerful but doesn't use his magic a whole lot.

[@gbengaadeogun5573]

Constantine’s real backstory is different and more fascinating than this backstory… The whole point of Constantine is that he is a so-so mage, not on the level as Dr Fate or Zatana, but is extremely cunning and resourceful, using the rules of the magical world to his advantage. In addition to this, he is very lucky (rides the synchronicity wave), meaning things will always occur in his favour, but the catch is he will never have a complete success. He is essentially “the Trickster” from any folktale (fox, anansi, Tortoise, coyote, hare, etc) as his wits is more powerful than his magic.

[@michaelklassen777]

I thought he was a powerful magician but didn't use his magic a whole lot.

[@ThePinkMan]

​@@michaelklassen777 His character has evolved a lot over the years. Originally, he relied more on knowledge rather than any innate magical power. He could perform rituals and exorcisms if he had the right tools and ingredients at his disposal, but couldn't just spontaneously fire bolts of magic energy like Dr. Strange can. A lot of the magic featured in his comics was based on real-world occult traditions. Nowadays, though, he's pretty much just Dr. Strange in a trenchcoat.

[@michaelklassen777]

@@ThePinkMan is it bad he has changed? Is it possible he utilizes both aspects of his magic?(the stuff you mentioned and then his Doctor Strange-esque magic?)

[@gbengaadeogun5573]

@@michaelklassen777 I could argue that it is, because he is becoming a generic mage portrayed everywhere in the media rather than the everyman trickster. OK look at it like this; JC is the occult sherlock Holmes with tiny morals, not bloody merlin

[@michaelklassen777]

@@gbengaadeogun5573 that's fair. It would be cool if they could combine both aspects of him that you mentioned.

[@thecharmcityplayerbrandona8827]

John Constantine deserves to be seen on the big screen. And I truly hope somewhere in the future we see him in the movies down the road.

[@dbridge416]

Keanu Reeves did good for the time, but I'd like to see a more comic accurate Constantine film

[@eatmorvegetal3444]

@@dbridge416 I’d like to see more of Keanu’s Constantine to be honest :|

[@hdofu]

What he deserves is a decent adaptation of the comics to the big screen not another Keanu Reeves like interpretation.

[@dbridge416]

@@eatmorvegetal3444 oh me too but I'm realistic that dc would never entertain the thought so I moved on

[@sesshomaruslover1]

@@hdofu why can't he have both and the Keanu reeves version is just an alternate reality. The multiverse does exist after all

[@Ra1dMaX]

i was sad as hell when they cancelled the TV show, constantine was so well made in that one. saw one episode and was hungry for more within 10 minutes

[@fredrickwilliamsjr6872]

It was off tha Hook!!

[@caseyrollins6933]

It was good though I felt like the main actor could have done a little bit better in Constantine's personality. Though that could have just as well been the writers not having the best grasp on who Constantine was.

[@warbaby32]

They really should have stuck it out with the show... far worse stuff has been renewed by networks, and Matt Ryan did a faaar better job then, say Reeves.

[@lucystephanieproperties]

Me too. I really hate how they just put him in Arrow. Ugh. I mean, come on. We should all ask for more Constantine on TV and in movies!

[@truthseeker5806]

Which show???

[@guero7110]

Matt Ryan was literally a perfect Constantine it doesn’t get better than him

[@catspaw3092]

I really love the animated version JL Dark of John voiced by Matt even though he's a cartoon I think he's hot especially with his British accent.

[@guero7110]

@@catspaw3092 the one in dc legends of tomorrow is my favorite

[@ggr1zz]

@@guero7110 that’s Matt Ryan. He was in Constantine (tv series), legends of tomorrow, and the animated movies

[@guero7110]

@@ggr1zz Ik

[@user-hk1ko1nc3e]

You mean Keanu was the perfect Constantine 👁👅👁

[@OscillatorCollective]

The DC film universe needs Constantine and the rest of the Vertigo world. And they need to be R-rated films, pg-13 at least. The Endless, Swamp Thing, the whole of Vertigo.

[@moonprincesst.s.h.4ever115]

I hope that John Constantine appears in the DC Cinematic Universe very soon. Maybe alongside Zatanna.

[@nesseihtgnay9419]

You meant DCEU

[@theshadowoyesteryear]

With the current WB environment... either won't happen or is a long way off

[@jaywills5898]

They need to do a good justice league dark with john

[@dhufeainn9169]

oh it will but as a black dude. that's the reason constantine died in legends of tomorrow. note: not a racist but this is death note netflix bs all over again LMAO

[@jesserothhammer7378]

TECHNICALLY he has. I'm not talking the Arrowverse one. In Doom Patrol, connected to the movies by having the same actor playing Cyborg, they have a version of Constantine. Looks like an alcoholic Great Value Ricky Gervais.

[@denzuko1]

Matt Ryan is one of 5he most accurate portray of John Constantine, drom the looks to his behavior, is like the reincarnation of the character himself. It is my favourite series, it is a pity that they have the series cancelled after a single season.

[@chrislaws4785]

Matt Ryan is BY FAR THE BEST Constatine to date. He outshines Keanu Reeves in the part by leaps and bounds and completely embodies the character in both look and accent.

[@RISINGDRAGON557]

Constantine is one of my favorite characters. Can't get enough of this

[@gabormarkhardy7324]

Agreed

[@tjjohnson1675]

What makes John Constantine my favorite is his morality it questionable at time but still it always fun to see him cheat just win On a interesting note deadman once tried to possess John Constantine but didn’t last a second in his mind since as deadman puts it his “soul was too filthy”

[@GhostbustersXX13]

I remember Keanu Reeves, during an interview, wishes to do more John Constantine movies. I would not mind it personally, but, I would like to see more of the Graphic Novel John Constantine and not the hollywood smup. This would also require the movie to be a minimum movie rating of R and not PG-13.

[@Mrkeepgettinmoney]

also make him blond

[@rymle]

@@Mrkeepgettinmoney yeah, just hire Matt Ryan

[@GhostbustersXX13]

@@rymle So how does that help Reeves?

[@rymle]

@@GhostbustersXX13 It doesn't. He wasn't even an accurate live action reincarnation of John. Just use Matt Ryan instead

[@GhostbustersXX13]

@@rymle If that was the case why not use Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner then??? Why go for woke?

[@ggr1zz]

I love Keanu reeves but Matt Ryan IS Constantine

[@nesseihtgnay9419]

One of the best magic users in comicbook history, along side doctor fate and zatanna.

[@corvus3493]

i think I don't want to see constantine on the DCEU YET I'm scared they might ruined him too like a rushed backstory.

[@Karlos1234ify]

Captain Boomerang:“Ugh, Brits.” 😒 Constantine: “Aussies.” 😒

[@DemiDemon94]

Constantine is by far my favorite DC character (tied with Jaime Reyes's Blue Beetle) n Matt Ryan's portrayal is absolutely perfect I just wish we got more of his version. RIP CW Constantine/Arrowverse n the DCAU 🙏🪦😢😭😭😭

[@maccurtis730]

Constantine and Zatanna would be a fun TV show.

[@briciusd.8478]

Notice the lack of mention the time when John Constantine made a deal with three separate devils for three separate things, and if even one of them broke their deal (which, between the three of them gave him unending life essentially), itd mean a giant brutal war in hell that none of the three would ever want.

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love John Constantine he’s really awesome and badass.

[@damianstarks3338]

This guy is one of my favorite dc comics anti heroes.

[@ryanwillson2751]

I've been collecting the Hellblazer reprints. They are an amazing read

[@sesshomaruslover1]

i'm trying to do that rn. sadly i only own one and can't find a good list of what books to get in what orders

[@fredrickwilliamsjr6872]

Me too!!

[@angelaholmes8888]

I did enjoy seeing Constantine in legends of tomorrow but I really hated what the writer's did with him

[@Nika-zq3gd]

I still hate they canceled his solo tv cw show after one season

[@donpula6349]

NBC.. The show was originated from NBC. After the cancelling the character is barrowed to CW. Good thing he is resurrected and left the Legends to find his path alone as part of his redemption. Near the end of season 6..

[@rolyngeorges7315]

John Constantine is so awesome!!!

[@sypherthe297th2]

"He has a solid reputation." . . . . . . Oh his reputation is solid alright. And whatever its made of is strongly radioactive because Constantine screws every one around him intentionally and/or unintentionally.

[@thegamerboneless2864]

Swampthing can port through the multiverse. Dude is super powerful

[@aaronmcneal1698]

Most underrated character in the entire DC universe

[@hellhound1389]

Bats has an answer for every hero or villain except for John. His high level magic is too much for the bats to handle

[@SilhouettedAnimator]

Still upset that the loose ends from the 2014 show of Zed and her father plus Manny will never be resolved...

[@Johnaxech3sters]

I like the fact that they are following the rebirth/new 52 origins of John Constantine and NOT the original origin from the 80s done by Jamie Delano... what about the Newcastle Incident relating to his band Mucus Membrane? which coincidentally caused his quest in searching for magic...

[@Johnaxech3sters]

That and the relationship between him and his father, or him killing his twin brother as well as sending his sister to hell...

[@donpula6349]

You forgot Astrid/Astra too in Newcastle incident...

[@adriannaloveless9303]

I was kind of upset that they didn't mention how he got out of having cancer in the hellblazer series.

[@Johnaxech3sters]

Yeah that too was interesting, as well as him killing his twin brother in the womb or when he damned his own sister to hell...

[@JosesAmazingWorlds]

None of this is based on the original 300 issue long run first published in Vertigo. For me that IS the Hellblazer run. The rest are just reboots for every DC fuck up and reboot.

[@nostronico]

Exactly!

[@endoetz]

even after watching Constantine: City of Demons i realized how tragic his backstory is

[@kevinkingslayer2450]

Great video !! I don't think DC characters get enough props so this video was greatly appreciated!! Could you please do a video on the Legion of Superheroes?? Or their members?? Thanks a million and keep up the good work. !! BTW who is your favorite DC character??

[@benparrish672]

Batman is the default leader of whatever team Batsy ends up on; unless Constantine is on the team. Batsy hates magic & Jon, but he acquiesces.

[@johnconstantine6725]

Really deep research and thank you for making this video

[@sleeperyjeemtoybox]

Think my fav comic issue was No.42 Drinking with the Devil. Class

[@snarqj]

What about his Garth Enis ark? Where he killed the king of the vampires and SATAN?? How can you leave that stuff out?? And his series and arrow verse version?? Come on guys!

[@angelaholmes8888]

I really enjoyed the tv show Constantine sucks it only lasted one season 🙂😉👍

[@markherron1407]

John Constantine is 9 of Diamonds ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦Happy Birthday to JOHN CONSTANTINE of JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK Blessings and HUGS 👑💜

[@3ftninja132]

I love how every single portrayal of John Constantine in visual media is portrayed by Matt Ryan. No matter if it's voice acted or live action.

[@kwakhanyandlovu8587]

I love Constantine this is an excellent video can you make one on Zatanna and other DC magicians

[@jimparker9345]

Did you forget about the 2014 13 episode live action series starring Matt Ryan? I really loved it! And also his regular character on Legends of Tomorrow?

[@skxlter5747]

Hope John Constantine is on James Gunn slate

[@johnp.2267]

Why didn't the video cover the Matt Ryan portrayal of Constantine in both his stand-alone series, and Legends of Tomorrow?

[@fredrickwilliamsjr6872]

That's what I'm talking about!!

[@legionandsons8763]

Still waiting for Constantine 2 with Keanu! They better do it before he gets too old, Keanu is a national treasure dude is just an awesome actor and all around a better person than probably all of us so yeah I want another Constantine with Keanu

[@petertyson4022]

Haven't read the up to date comics for ages. But a big fan . Got the movie and some of the DC Movies. Even the arrow universe. But haven't seen or got TV series. Good update. 👍☺

[@jayf6206]

Correction: I learned from John Tolteben himself that he and Steve started drawing the Sting style Constantine without Moore's prior knowledge. The idea was that Abby would have a stalker due to her beauty and white hair. When Alan learned of this, he revamped it instantly to our Constantine.

[@toddellner5283]

If they'd hired him to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts it would have been a much shorter series. Voldemort would have never stood a chance.

[@4367hi]

Constantine himself practice dark arts it's not a bad magic as misrepresentated by harry potter. It's only destructive magic. Constantine can destroy hp verse in less than ten seconds

[@futoijosei]

"It's Constantine like fine not teen like bean."

[@BloodWolfe1313]

John Constantine first true first appearance is in Swamp Thing issue 25. In the last panel of Swamp Thing issue 25

[@ThatOneGuyOverThere]

I love magic, and dark arts type characters and I am doing a deep dived on John Constantine, and I he so cool and OP. I really want Max to make a either a Batman the animated series type cartoon with him as the lead or a new live action show ON MAX so it's doesn't have to be so tamed down and they can get into the dark stuff he faces. He is such a cool and interesting character.

[@anthonynigelkendrick5474]

I enjoved the Movie, it deserves a sequal

[@shadown5757]

Excellent chronology of Constantine’s evolution as a character 😎👍

[@furrycheetah]

Batman and John Constantine are the best character in DC

[@bigauditdaddy]

I honestly love the way he says occult

[@wallyhellblazer6905]

Vertigo constantine was the best character ever...the new 52 version was a shadow of the vertigo version

[@petrapizarro1351]

Yeah! Vertigo is my favorite version, I like the animated version too

[@nodiggity9472]

Agreed.

[@halfdeadwizard1009]

*Constantine: The Hellblazer* would be a great title for the sequel

[@benparrish672]

One of my favorite magic users/supernatural powerset characters.

[@benannis1697]

Sting was born in Wallsend which is just outside of Newcastle, not Liverpool

[@isaiahbing2192]

A crossover with Dr’ Steven Strange would be Awesome 👏🏽

[@nodiggity9472]

6:56 John's Father was murdered by the Family Man.

[@darryldavis6063]

Hellblazer is the one mature series that wouldn't be trying to be edgy as a series. I like his crossovers

[@devi3ant]

Question- is he related to Johanna Constantine from the Sandman series?

[@cha5]

Yes, She’s part of his family tree.

[@josef.ramoss.8457]

She's his grandma

[@whitlocktherevanchist5236]

Interesting that the demon was named nurgle. Nurgle is also the name of one of the 4 chaos gods in warhammer 40k. He's the God of disease and decay and rebirth. Wonder if the inspirations for both come from a similar place

[@jamescalvert4471]

Good video. Here is an engagement, oh algorithm

[@ithielpitt7525]

About bloody time

[@gabrieldoramececena6996]

thanks!

[@AlwaysStayGeeky]

Thought he was from The Sandman comics lol. And thought Matt did the show first than voiced and returned in Legends…

[@JosesAmazingWorlds]

How hard is it? Constantine rhymes with Valentine

[@sesshomaruslover1]

ok i seriously need a comprehensive list of all tv shows books movies of constantine and what order to read them in. bc i have some various hellblazer books but idk what order they are supposed to be in esp bc the big ones are reprints of multiple comic book in one book. Also bc i dont have a fullt list of anything and can't find it all on google when i try searching

[@fredrickwilliamsjr6872]

You did a lot on Mr.Reeves Ryan was John You dud almost nothing on him!

[@mrteamoyb6027]

Liked that he was in the show supernatural

[@GothMermaidGamer]

When?

[@SyntheticSynth]

big fan of the Mat Ryan portrayal of constantine, loved the comics too. not a fan of the keanu attempt though

[@jasonbean2764]

It should be noted that the appearance of Constantine was based on the appearance of Sting in the film "Brimstone and Treacle", although "Quadrophenia" is a close second.:)

[@magictricks6235]

Magical 🌟

[@jeffblackard9753]

It’s truly difficult not to appreciate Alan Moore taste there’s a constant race between he and Neil gaiman for chest comic book writers on earth. -Constantine -v for vendetta -league of extraordinary gentleman -watchmen -swamp thing reboot Just a beast.

[@derrickcompher3624]

What's playing for the background music?

[@damaniqphillip2756]

Nice

[@cutthr0atjake]

Is there any explanation for his background changing? In Hellblazer his mother died giving birth to him.

[@tattoodfreeek]

Pretty sure sting was born in Newcastle or somewhere near there. Not Liverpool

[@jamalvargas6146]

Thank You Lord One Of My Favorite DC Characters and LGBT Comics characters long live the Hellblazer

[@asceticblur]

The Keanu Reeves movie is actually really good. It's fantastic in its pacing, the character is well played by Keanu. Is it true to the comics ...no. it's still great.

[@firstlast9846]

*I’m sorry but Matt Ryan* to me isn’t definitive Constantine… there’s so much of the character left to be explored - even the more villainous side of the character.. plus he’s meant to be scouse.

[@Unacknowledged86]

You know... He might be just a voice actor but God damnit if Liam O'Brien doesn't look the part.

[@Panchobway]

When is the next movie coming out?

[@sfn_dehtrix768]

I'd love to see keeanu play this character once again

[@damianprock1650]

Yep, that would be awesome

[@LuisAngel0214]

I read that Keanu Reeves wants to make a sequel to Constantine and the writer of the movie is working on a script for said sequel

[@rc59191]

Yep it's been confirmed

[@RealityCheck6969]

I wish there would have been another movie. Keanu was awesome in it.

[@kristiankane2570]

Took me along time to realise that this was Edward kenway

[@hellhound1389]

Even though he's a mortal he has the power of a god. I want to see a justice league dark live action movie

[@Forgedaboudid]

You totally forgot the awesome unfortunately short lived tv series called Constantine.

[@Toefuy]

More real than one can imagine.

[@knotdone5292]

What do you mean?

[@douglaschaffee7256]

wasn't there a Constantine series from the early 2000s? I remember watching it when it came out and recently on DC universe before I got tired of watching all the series and canceled my subscription.

[@donpula6349]

Yes Constantine 2014 from NBC.. That showed the actual John Constantine which was played by Welsh actor Matt Ryan. Is that what you were referring to?

[@markm.3285]

A "guilty pleasure" of the Presence (The God of DCU).

[@devi3ant]

Had to skip the Keanu Reeves part, as Constantine might say, the movie was pure s----. Otherwise well done.

[@alfonsopina3976]

Dan Stevens would Be Awesome for the Role of John Constantine in the DCEU/Snyderverse or Ben Affleck’s Batman Universe with Zack Snyder as the director for John Constatine's Solo Film

[@slackerzero7883]

Dan Stevens is my top pick, then Jude Law or Luke Evans.

[@alfonsopina3976]

@@slackerzero7883 or James McAvoy ???

[@slackerzero7883]

@@alfonsopina3976 I like him, and would be interested in what he does with the character, but I have a hard time seeing him as John.

[@damianprock1650]

I'd go with Colin Firth

[@alfonsopina3976]

@@damianprock1650 dude He’s 62

[@unintentionallydramatic]

Darkseid is a Superman/Justice League villain. Nobody asked for JL to rub their shtick all over a Constantine story. I'm still upset we basically got no time with him in that movie.

[@defAngel]

I liked Keanu’s movie but Matt Ryan IS Constantine.

[@debbiedeiseroth3189]

Will enjoy the second if it is as good as the first and I am sure It will be!!! What about this smoking will it be gum. And I use to watch the swamp thing!!!

[@Shruggied_does_shorts]

i know nobody will believe me but..... my uncles brother is...... john totleben no one of the artists of the book

[@abolishgender3240]

Drinking game take a shot of tequila every time he talks about John's gift if seeing true faces under human disguise