All of the DC Dark books are currently involved in a huge crossover event called FOREVER EVIL: BLIGHT.
COMIC VINE: For newer readers out there that are interested in CONSTANTINE and the dark books, what's been going in them and who is Blight?
RAY FAWKES: With "Forever Evil" telling the story of the elimination of the Justice League and the conquering of Earth by the evil Crime Syndicate, four of the books in DC's Dark line - Constantine, Justice League Dark, Trinity of Sin: Pandora, and Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger are crossing over in an epic story called "Forever Evil: Blight", which examines the effects of the invasion on the supernatural heroes of the DC Universe.
Blight itself is a monstrous manifestation of all the world's evil. With the coming of the Crime Syndicate and the removal of the Justice League, the balance of good and evil has been seriously disrupted, and Blight has actually drawn itself out of the Collective Unconscious and turned its attention on Earth. But he's not even our heroes' biggest problem - while they're wrestling with Blight, John Constantine and his compatriots learn that many of their fellow mages - including heroes like Zatanna, Black Orchid, Shade the Changing Man, and others - have been captured by forces allied with the Syndicate and are being... changed.
Forever Evil: Blight is the story of the remaining mages' battle with Blight and their attempt to free the magic of the DC Universe from the grip of evil.
CV: In issue #11, Project Thaumaton is revealed! What can you tell us about it and what long term effects will is have on Constantine?
RF: Project Thaumaton is the terrifying plan that the Syndicate has for the mystic forces in the DC Universe. I don't want to say more than that for fear of spoiling the fun for readers who haven't gotten to it yet.
CV: Are we going to see some sort or larger DC Mystic War?
RF: Well, you can't round up 95% of the world's magical characters and submit them to torturous alteration without expecting some kind of fallout. Read on and see.
CV: In the last issue of PHANTOM STRANGER, Constantine's old enemy Nick Necro reappeared, along with Justice League Dark villain Felix Faust. What part does Necro play in all of Forever Evil and is he a character we'll see a lot more of down the line, aside from issue #12?
RF: Necro is one of the villainous forces allied with the Crime Syndicate. Think of him as an even less morally stable Constantine (if that's possible), and now he's backing what he thinks is the winning horse. He's willing to commit atrocities to do what he thinks he needs to do - and that's going to bring him into direct conflict with all of our heroes. After this, he may end up being one of the most notorious villains of the mystic side of the DC Universe, so you'll see more of him, yes.
CV: Forever Evil: Blight has been this large, interweaving story between four different titles (JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK, PHANTOM STRANGER, CONSTANTINE, PANDORA) how did you and writer J.M. Demmateis keep this event so together? And how is it working with him on this project?
RF: I'll tell you, I'm lucky to be working with J.M. DeMatteis, who is a consummate professional and incredibly inspiring collaborator. I have nothing but the utmost respect for his skill and the amazing heart he brings to his work. This crossover is big, and has a lot of moving parts, but he and I have worked very closely to make sure that everything meshed well. There were a lot of phone calls, even more emails, and so many exchanged scripts and notes that it makes my head spin to think about it. But the moment we were done, I think we both breathed a sigh of relief...and then said that it was a shame to see it end.
CV: What's been the most satisfying part of this event for you? A single moment in the books or something that just came together really well?
RF: It's hard to pick a single moment - especially since there are a few good ones that readers haven't seen yet. From the parts so far, I'm going to say that my favorite was Pandora's epiphany in Trinity of Sin: Pandora #7 - when she finally saw all the goodness in the world, and was personally transformed from a revenge-seeker to a representative of light and redemption. Francis Portela did a beautiful job rendering that scene.
Maybe you should ask me again when you see what happens in Constantine #12, though.
CV: Anything else you'd like to tell us about these upcoming issues? Anything fans should be looking out for?
RF: Yeah. Look out for some of the most intense magical action I've ever seen in comics...and for some unbelievable moments involving John, The Phantom Stranger, the Swamp Thing...it all gets really nuts. This is a fight for the future of all magic here.
CV: And just because I ask it every time I talk to you, Ray, will there be a return of the Trenchcoat Brigade in the future?
RF: And I'll say what I probably always say: never say never!
Thanks a lot to Ray Fawkes for answering our questions and make sure to check out both CONSTANTINE and TRINITY OF SIN: PANDORA and the rest of Forever Evil: Blight!