WARNING: Potential Spoilers For Batman / Dylan Dog #2!John Constantine has helped save the DC Universe on more than one occasion, especially when it comes to supernatural threats, given his expertise in the occult. However, killing undead creatures and tricking demons into making deals doesn’t pay the bills. Therefore, Constantine has a rather amusing side gig to supplement his income, one that’s far from heroic.
Batman / Dylan Dog #2 by Roberto Recchioni, Werther Dell’Edera, Gigi Cavenago, and Giovanna Niro sees Batman dispatch his new crime-fighting partner, Nightmare Investigator Dylan Dog, on a mission to find John Constantine and gain access to Hell. However, it’s quickly revealed that this isn’t the first encounter between Dog and Constantine.
As introductions are exchanged, Dylan reminds John of their previous meeting when he arrested the warlock for “obscene acts in public.” This sparks a conversation about how Dylan has transitioned from being a cop to entering Constantine’s line of work, which John humorously defines as scamming “suckers.“
John Constantine Admits That He Pays the Bill’s by Scamming “Suckers”
When Dylan first reveals that he isn’t the cop that John remembers and now deals in the occult, John asks if this makes them colleagues now, which Dog confirms by labeling himself as a Nightmare Investigator and Constantine as a warlock. However, this isn’t exactly what John was getting at when he referred to them as “colleagues” and clarifies his question by asking, “But we scam the same naive suckers, right?” This question reveals what John sees as his true job and how he pays the bills, even if scamming “suckers” is a far cry from saving the DCU.
Given the context of the conversation, Constantine’s brand of scamming leans towards the supernatural. Meaning, John isn’t likely pilfering credit card information; rather, he’s exploiting those who hold beliefs in the occult. It’s an ideal side hustle for him, given his expertise in all things supernatural. Thus, even though he’s engaging in deceit, it’s done in a manner that rings true to believers. Furthermore, working virtually for himself affords him the flexibility he requires, especially since he frequently needs to rush off at a moment’s notice to confront various threats to the DC Universe.
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John Constantine’s Latest Mission Changes Decades of HELLBLAZER Tradition
John Constantine is practically cursed, as every single friend he’s had has somehow died over the years — but now John is breaking the tradition.
Constantine’s Con-Artist Ways Are an Integral Part of His Character
Batman / Dylan Dog #2 may finally see Constantine taking ownership of his con artist ways, but John’s scamming and trickery are nothing new and are a long-established part of his character that is seen throughout various interpretations in comics and animated movies alike. Known among peers and adversaries alike as a deceitful, smooth-talker, this trait, albeit problematic, has endeared him to many fans. For those eager to delve further into this facet of John Constantine, exploring Si Spurrier and Aaron Campbell’s John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #1 is highly recommended.
Batman / Dylan Dog #2 is available now from DC Comics!
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John Constantine
