DARK ENTRIES
Besides the nifty small hardcover format this John Constantine novel catches me at a disadvantage. I can't imagine fans won't dig it and my own unfamiliarity with the character (I've only seen the movie and read one graphic collection) didn't hurt my enjoyment of this one -off a bit. The only problem is I'm beginning to realize just how much Constantine is worth catching up on as a character. His moral dilemma isn't unique but his arc takes him through it rather than around it and that's a blessing in any sort of narrative these days.
Occult investigator Constantine is called upon to help when hostile paranormal activity rears its head on the set of the Haunted Mansion reality TV show and finds himself in danger of being cancelled by an old enemy who uses the intricate camera system in the house to track his every move. He and the other contestants must also contend with the scarier than any monster producers whose quest for ratings may lead them all down some very dark paths indeed.
Part of the newly launched Vertigo Crime imprint I'd imagine that this is a great portent of things to come. The writing is exceptionally strong here showcasing not only the undying adaptability of the noir story format but underlining powerfully visually with stark black and white line drawings. The first half of the book is set against a white background and the second a black one. The cover offers a matte graphic over-layed in slick highlights and overall the volume offers the sense of an old odd-sized pulp novel.
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