Tim Bradstreet

To end any speculation I give you my version of what is going on with this cover ;)

First, the set up.

I didn't have a script for this one so at first my editor sent me a few rough ideas based on the outline he'd read.

Not to shoot him down but nothing of what he at first described to me sounded like anything that would serve to - A. Be something I think would make a good cover and play to my strengths, or B. offer me something to knock out of the park for my last ish.

Not the editor's fault, he was just throwing out a few ideas to get the ball rolling. Anyway I thought I'd bounce some stuff off Carey and he got back to me right away with several suggestions. I was getting a little depressed until I read his last one. The last suggestion had this shattered glass thing. And without giving any story away I thought it might be interesting to take that idea up a notch by having the glass shards reflect these pieces of John's past (which does actually tie into the story in a peripheral way). I described what I wanted to do based off that kernel and Vankin and Carey both loved it.

Now another important thing was that I get JC's emotion right. In the story he's fucking HAD IT.

So I needed to get something extra from Stevhan when we did the shoot.

We went through a lot of shots and I wasn't getting what I wanted so we took a break and talked a bit. What we ended up with (to my delight) was Stevhan bending over to the camera with his impression of Johnny Lydon (pissed off), and shouting "I hate fucking hippies!"

It was exactly what I wanted.

Now, as to the "two fags" question.

I wanted JC throwing the "V". Been wanting to do it since issue 134.

This was the perfect cover for it. Problem is, how do we get it past the folks upstairs?

I wasn't aware of someone else doing it recently on a cover so to my knowledge we had to cover ourselves to get it past the censors. I had previously been told it was a "no can do". Vankin agreed. So I decided to use a different hand with the ciggy in it AND kept the one perched in his lips from the original shot. It seemed the only way to slip it by the censors. It also made sense to me that as a chain smoker (as J.White also points out), I could easily rationalize that JC could have both smokes in the shot. The one in the fingers serving double duty to mask our - up yours 'V', and to light the unlit end of the smoke in John's lips just scant seconds after this scene. I considered removing the one from his mouth but I ended up keeping it because to me it's more John. Most likely drunk, chain smoking, and acting the shit.

It's certainly not the "Don't Smoke" issue.

And just for clarity's sake, the 'V' is in no way my thumb of the nose to DC.

It's JC's thumb of the nose to . . . Well, you'll have to wait for issue 215 to find that out.

Anyway, I think I've gotta say that this cover may be my favorite one of the bunch.

It's got the attitude that I've always loved about Constantine. It's hard for us to flip off our boss and tell 'im ta fuck off like a good little ninny. The reason we love Constantine is because he dares to do and say the things we wish we could do or say without having to suffer the repercussions and consequences. To live vicariously a bit through John we avoid the nastier things in life like prison or taking a truncheon to the face. So cover price seems a cheap way to retain our sanity every month ;)

Popped a bigger file over to John so hopefully he will post it here.

Cheers to you creeps ;)

- TB

I'll try and post some pics when time allows. Right now I'm recovering from a nasty cold and trying to catch up on deadlines.

James - I'll probably be avoiding using Stev on anything in the near future because he is so visually connected with Constantine. He will continue to be my face for the character when the need arises. Thankfully it's a whole lot harder to drop out of contact with your brother in law than if I was just using a guy I know that lives 2000 miles away. If I get my way I'll be doing that issue or two we keep discussing at some point in the not too distant future and Stevhan will be pulled out of early retirement for the gig.

- TB

The least they can do is cast the almighty Brian May as the First Of The Fallen this time round...

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I just ran across a great Queen vid from WAY back.

Circa '78 at Earls Court.

Absolutely one of the most incredible live shows I've EVER witnessed.

Brian was UH-mazing and Freddie was God.

Only wish the video was in better shape. But bootlegs will look like that won't they ;)

- TB

You know I haven't talked to Mike or to Vankin about this so it's purely my speculation, albeit a rather 'close to the process' take on things.

It seems to me that Mike has taken on a dirty job that maybe no one else wanted, mainly to tie up a ton of story lines and loose ends from throughout 174 issues of Hellblazer history. Granted he's had some small plain 'ol adventures that don't have much to do with the point I'm making (stories like Bred In The Bone, Out Of Season and Black Flowers), but a lot of the larger arcs have featured a number of characters from John's past that have been brought back and dealt with (in many cases once and for all) by Carey. Having read up to his last issue (and I don't believe I'm giving anything away) it seems part of Carey's overall plan/objective has been to bring John to a point in his life where the character has some closure (whether good or bad) on past events, leaving him for the next writer to take in any direction they want. He's closed a chapter in John's life and now the future lies before him like a clean slate.

That's a pretty commendable fucking direction to take.

And for my money it was a journey I enjoyed immensely.

To dismiss what he's done on the title is to have completely missed it.

It's like blaming the sheep because your wool sweater is making you itch.

or something ;)

- TB

Yer right about that.

I can't see an opportunity coming for a stretch though as I'm inking 6 issues of Bad Planet.

Perhaps Vankin and I can work out a schedule to start an issue when I've concluded my run on BP. Got a lot of other fat in the fire though. I'll probably miss Denise's run unless she opts to stick around longer so I'm thinking to get together with either the next writer or do some checking to see if I can talk Delano or Warren into writing me a stand alone or a one shot.

That'd be both tits AND ass.

- TB

No rush Hmpf.

Cut-off is not going to be until Oct. 31 so you have plenty of time to make a decision and save a few bucks in the bargain.

I'll post a running tabulation of the proof orders (along with totals for each individual order) so far when I get back from Dragon Con next week.

Still working on a good plan for payment and for shipping.

We'll keep you posted.

- Tim

Well said Mark.

Also, the powers that be at DC (whether you realize it or not) make frequent stops here to the house of Hell. How do I know that? Let's just say when certain editorial entities at Vertigo make face to face comments to me based on stuff that was posted here and nowhere else I think it's safe to say they are already supremely aware of how the fans feel about the situation.

Ask yoursef how Denise Mina and JP Shirley made their way here. Most likely a little nudge from Vertigo editorial. "Oh, you need some information about Constantine? Go ask the folks who know more than anyone. Here's the URL."

Trust me. They see a lot more then we think they do.

Also, don't count me out of making a return to John Constantine: Hellblazer sometime in the future. It's been talked about. Whether it would be for my own issue of interiors, for an arc, or after a break of some unknown amount of time I return to the title as the regular bloke. I make no promises. I just say don't write me out of the equation entirely my friends.

- TB

Heheh, no. The guys who posed for Ritchie and Dickey are friends of Brian's.

Before I began work on that arc Brian told me that the brothers were going to be based visually on a couple of buddies of his. So when it came time to do the issues I drove up to Chicago (where my Hellblazer model lives too) and did a shoot with all three of them.

You can see a photo from the production shoot here --> http://www.timbradstreet.com/extras/production.shtml

Just scroll to the bottom for a look at Slim, Rick, Stevhan, and me.

Brian and Jill were there too lurking off set.

As a side note (and I don't know if I've ever mentioned this before here), in retrospect those covers are some of my least favorites. The biggest reason was my decision to inset all the covers in the arc with the West Virginia map framing device. That's something I wish editorial would have shot down and not let me do. I think it would have been fine for the first issue but I think I knew pretty quick as the issues started to hit shelves that it was a mistake. Oh well, you live and you learn.

- TB

Is this the Blade print you're talking about? --> http://www.plyconskeep.com/artwork/blade_print.htm

It's a print available through my sales site as you can tell from the link.

Unknown Soldier 1-4 and Human Target 1-4 are available as well.

I'll have 215 up for a view as soon as it's approved. I'm thinking about a week.

- TB

wouldn't it be handy to make this a sticky?

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That would be nice. Up to John though.

Ade - You and Jock work out something for shipping from you to him?

His proof of 181 will be in the package.

************************************

And here's another newsflash for you all.

Anyone who orders at least 2 proofs will get a FREE proof of issue 215.

Anyone who is ordering at least 4 proofs (which already includes a free proof) will also get the issue 215 proof. So anyone ordering 4 proofs get's 6 for the price of four.

Any questions just ask.

- TB

Stoned immaculate - Couldn't be more righter ;)

Unfortunately no, I know practically nothing about it aside from the fact that it is based on a comic by John Wagner and Vince Locke.

I would have loved to have been at the panel where he was promoting it but I didn't even know he was at the show until dinner.

We did touch on Scanners, Videodrome, Naked Lunch and Spider though ;)

We also yapped a little about how cool Patrick McGoohan and Michael Ironside are.

- TB

Thanks there Kris.

Incidentally, I dig the Scanners avatar most mucho.

I have to say I had the thrill of my life during SDCC when I went to dinner with a director buddy of mine and fucking David Cronenberg shows up for the festivities. I had no idea he'd be there.

I got to yap with him for about 20 minutes. I was such a fanboy . . . but a well informed fanboy.

I had worked with one of his long time collaborators, Production Designer Carol Spier (also from Toronto) on Blade 2 so I was able to initiate the conversation based on her brilliance. I actually related a story about how when I was 14 or 15 I would go to the supermarket with my mom just so I could go look at the Scanners article in an old issue of Fangoria, complete with some still frames of the guy's head blowing up. Then we got to talking about sick/morbid fascination and his long time collaboration with Howard Shore. He was extremely down to earth and talking with him was most certainly the highlight of the convention for me.

- TB

Heh,

I really do hate to get maudlin and sappy.

But the situation at hand rather does initiate it.

I've had my bloody cry now let's raise some Hell.

- TB

Oh . . . And for all of you 'Blazer fans in the Atlanta, GA area or anyone who will be making a stop into Dragon Con September 2-5. I'll be in the house all 4 days. I put weight on for the summer so I could show you guys my BIG tan. No better oportunity than this to get your free Constantine head sketch. Artist Proofs will be on hand as well. Feel free to place an order before the show and I'll have it with me next Friday.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------- <>

I'll be lost in space until then.

Slick - underneath Electricina to the left partially obscured by the pole is "Josh".

Thanks, Tim. 8-)

 

(I can't make out anything that looks like my name on the cover image.)

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The "J" is obscured by the pole but the "osh" part shows well. Someone had to take a hit with a partially obscured name. It just wouldn't seem realistic to have all the graphitti in plain sight. "Conveniently visible" can only go so far after all.

You inadvertantly took one for the team here Josh, and for that I. . . nay, WE salute you.

Question -

Indeed, you honor me with those kind, very flattering thoughts.

You guys really have no idea how much hearing that from someone (many of you) means to a guy leaving something he has taken much pride in. Awards are nice, having some admiration from your peers is a great feeling, but when friends and fans come through with a positive vibe it's everything. Getting some love knowing how discerning and fickle most people who enjoy this medium are is tip top. It's saying "Job well done" from the people who matter most in the equation.

The Question has been answered.

- TB

Otisburgh . . . . OTISburgh?

- TB

Also - Spider . . .

Why have you been trapsing around as an unregistered guest lately?

WHAT IN GOD'S NAME IS GOING ON AROUND HERE!

Or in Slim Pickins-ese . . . What in the wide, wide world of sports is a goin' on around here?

THERE wolf.

- Tb

I'm assuming that Tim received his package with the shirts a few weeks ago.

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Yep, sorry I didn't let you know Andy. I was on the road for two weeks and then I got back and had to pack my house up and move north to my new sweet digs. Just getting settled in.

THANKS for popping those over me boyo.

May the fleas of 1000 camels never find your tent.

- TB

The little running alien man is ace 

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Heheh, it's a Benny Fanboy running alien. Anyone seen him around lately?

Incidentally LJ, your avatar is double ace. Makes me want to run around the maypole chasing naked pagan chicks.

- TB

Oh, I think we should start our own country called Gayland.

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Yes, top notch. Capital idea. I could live there as a lesbian. Like I could say I'm a woman trapped in a man's body. I wouldn't want the surgery or hormones (I could stand on purist grounds). Or I could just be a non practicing gay that is in the closet with my heterosexuality.

OR . . . I could just get in a man sandwich with Russell Crowe and Eric Bana. Cause if I WERE to lean the other way I'd be Aussie gay all the way.

I guess that explains my DEEP appreciation for Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts.

- The Man From Snowy River

Heheh ;)

Yeah, I'm thinking a sandwich, a nice pint of Boddingtons, some internet porn on the laptop, and a stack of Hellblazers. Does life really get any better?

- TB

You kids are too kind by far. Like I said, the end of the run means we pull out all the stops and that includes giving you guys credit too. I appreciate all of the kind words concerning this piece but really, this is your moment to recieve a much deserved slap on the back (or backside depending) for supporting this book. Many of you have been there from the start. It's just nice to be able to give a little back at times both from me and from Vertigo. The reason this is even possible is because of a certain swarthy bloke name of John McMahon, our fearless leader. It's because of his and your hard work and passion there is a quality dedicated fan site for this character (book). And without you guys I would not have been able to spend the last seven years doing something that I love so much.

So really, hats off to you.

- TB

We revel in our depression cause we can share it with each other freely.

I'm no insomniac. I throw my head to pillow and switch myself off like a light, I just try and put it off as long as I possibly can.

Normally I'll be surfing the forum here between 12:00pm and 5:00am intermittantly between shining my drawing table's seat with my ass. Yep, good bunch of magnificent bastards we have here. And it's true, this is about the least troll-infested forum I've run across, and it's about the only one I frequent. The lack of dipshit nitwits is a big reason why.

So anyway . . . .Welcome to the boards Edward (even if you didn't like Mickey as Marv ;))

- TB

Did a revision to the cover (to brighten it) and was able to add a few more of the crew to the wall. Look closely - there are 5 additions from STH.

McMahon should be posting it soon.

Cheers you mooks.

- TB

Who's name is under Electronica's ?

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Alseid - It's there alright. It's in a muddy spot but it's there.

Slick - underneath Electricina to the left partially obscured by the pole is "Josh".

To the right it says "Shawn was here".

- TB

Oh and Tim - would I be okay to request no signatures? No disrespect, I just think that a signature might throw the picture off a little (and it's not like I'll ever sell them on).

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James, that's no problem but I should tell you that I sign them in pencil in the trim area, not on the live art. So if you were to say frame it you could either matte around the artwork only or you could leave a half inch to an inch (or the metric equivalent ;)) of white space with the signature visible. If you want I can send you a scan of what I'm talking about.

To all else - if you want NO signature just specify that. You will not hurt my feelings.

- Note - I have no color scans of the . . . Freezes over arc. I'll try and see if DC can hook me up or if I can get the guy who bought all of them to scan them for me.

- Sethos - I most certainly have issue 135 available.

- Slick - All of the proofs you requested are available.

When we get about a week away from the deadline I'll post all of the orders by person so we can make sure my list is correct and the order is filled with no discrepancies.

- TB

PS - Hold off on money talk until we figure out the best possible solution. I do have a paypal account but we're going to have to include a little on top for Ade to ship them to you folks and we may be sending all the money to Ade - then he can just write me a personal check . . . or something. We'll keep you posted.