Hellblazer # 251 - Scab, Part 1 - Secrets And Lies

Wow...this was probably the best issue of Hellblazer I have ever read! And that is saying something for this long running series.  John Constatine is entering into a new relationship with a girl named Phoebe.  I like Phoebe and hope she sticks around.  Also, John reacquaints himself with an ancient skin-shedder named Julian.  I like Julian so far...very creepy.  The art makes the whole book scary and Milligan's writing in superb.  John's entire chest is covered in a "scab" which is really like a magical rash.  Pieces of his flesh is easily pulled off and is very painful.  I really recommend this beginning of a three part arc.

Mask of Tengu for graphicnovelbookclub.com

I decided to pick Scab quite a while after i finished the Holiday Special. I wanted to experience the work of Peter Milligan. I had read some a'his work in Human Target (Vertigo) And such, but i did not know SCAB was this friggin' good. I should start giving Hellblazer my two cents every month. I love the pacing skills of Mr. Milligan and the art of Guiseppe Camuncoli. Although it's not that scary, it suits the mood of the story. I liked the fact that John has a new girlfriend, she's bloody gorgeous and is concerned about John's situation... That's something, regarding his ever-naughy-not-so-nice nature. I felt a lil' bit uncomfortable when looking at the panels where we get to see John's current disease, a nasty fungi-looking thing he's trying to get rid of. How on earth will John Constantine be able to erradicate the so-called Scab!? Will Phoebe survive the epic adventure? And what kind of bussiness does John have back at his hometown Liverpool? I can't wait to read the conclusion of this great arc.

I have to admit, at first the art style had me thinking negative after experiencing Manco's fantastic art work for months, but overall, it's a nice break.  Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Landini provide a more cartoonish john Constantine, but a good one at that. In the book, Constantine is in a relationship with a character named Phoebe, which i believe will provide interesting drama because of past events, and the great cliffhanger at the end of the issue.
     So far, i think Milligan is doing a great job and hope he keeeps it up, but i am looking forward to seeing a more classic witty and "dickish" Constantine develop.