The sequel to the beloved Elseworlds series, Gotham by Gaslight, delves further into the mysteries of the “Kryptonian Age,” introducing new characters to the storyline, including the iconic John Constantine. Constantine’s debut is marked by a dark, Victorian-inspired redesign and an intriguing new career path for the magic user, hinting at his significant role in the evolving narrative.
The information provided by John Constantine, combined with the relics’ connection to the Kryptonian Age, suggests that Superman may soon make his debut in the narrative.
Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández’s Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 continues to develop one of DC’s most cherished Elseworlds series, renowned for its distinctive 19th-century reimagining of iconic characters. The introduction of John Constantine, amidst the expanding roster, comes as a notable surprise, particularly given the series’ prior emphasis on Batman-related figures.
Nevertheless, Constantine’s presence is a highly welcome addition to the narrative. Diggle appears to position the magic user as a pivotal figure in uncovering the mysteries surrounding relics from the Kryptonian Age—an era evocative of Robert E. Howard’s fictional Hyborian Age.
John Constantine Receives a Gotham by Gaslight Redesign and Career Transformation
In Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2, Constantine is depicted wearing a coat that artfully combines elements of both an Ulster coat and a greatcoat, Both styles were popular long, heavy coats for men in the 19th century. Constantine’s coat features the characteristic large lapels, fur collar, substantial cuffs with multiple cufflinks, and prominent buttons or fastenings typical of that era. The likelihood that Constantine is wearing an Ulster coat is supported by its origins in Ireland, geographically close to England, where the magic user is currently based. Additionally, Constantine is notably adorned with jewelry, including earrings and rings.
This issue also reveals that Constantine is working for Queen Victoria under the guise of her “spiritual advisor.” A flashback discloses that the queen clandestinely saved Constantine from a public hanging to enlist his expertise in tracking down an “ancient power” and assessing its potential, with the aim of wielding it for the greater glory of the British Empire. Present-time narration clarifies that this “ancient power” is linked to the Kryptonian Age and ancient city ruins discovered by Adam Strange in the Arctic during an expedition funded by Bruce Wayne. In short, multiple individuals are intricately involved in this ever-unraveling mystery.
John Constantine to Play a Major Role in Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age
In the present-time narrative of Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2, it is disclosed that Queen Victoria, and by extension, John Constantine, have been in possession of the relics for some time. However, John’s recent examination of the relics reveals a troubling change. This concern is heightened by the fact that the relics are now glowing, and John hears whispers from other magic users predicting impending calamity. Constantine further explains that the power of the relics, once dormant, is now awakening. While much remains shrouded in mystery, the details provided by John Constantine, coupled with the relics’ connection to the Kryptonian Age, suggest that Superman may soon make his debut in the story.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #2 is available now from DC Comics!