The mystery of the meanest teacher A Johnny Constantine graphic novel

Of the DC characters least likely to get the all-ages treatment, Alan Moore's chain-smoking, foulmouthed supernatural P.I. John Constantine probably heads the list. Nevertheless, here we are: the untrustworthy and friend-averse Kid Constantine hightails it from his native England and winds up in an American boarding school. There, he stumbles onto the secret of history teacher Ms. Kayla, who is not a history teacher at all--or even a human being. He also finds his way to the similarly magic-attuned Anna, in whom he finds a friend worth risking hurt of both the emotional and soul-blasting kind, and the two head into a magical showdown with the fate of the world at stake. He may not smoke or curse, but Kid Constantine still has a ne'er-do-well's glint in his eye that will charm middle-grade readers and balances nicely with Anna's instinctive heroism. Not that a young British wizard facing growing pains at boarding school will require much of a sell, but this one also features bold, crackling art with the occasional jolt of creepy menace.

Gr 3--6--The latest of DC Comics' efforts to rebrand decades-old intellectual property for modern tweens, this graphic novel repackages the publisher's violent, antisocial occult detective and warlock John Constantine as Kid Constantine, a jaded, misanthropic blond 13-year-old magician. When self-centered Kid's talent for finding trouble and penchant for overstaying his welcome among his demon acquaintances in the UK get him sent across the pond to a U.S. boarding school, the not-quite antihero reluctantly befriends magical misfit and fellow student Anna. They team up with the rhyme-obsessed demon Etrigan (another reimagined DC character) to investigate the mystery of the titular mean teacher, Ms. Kayla, who may be a witch out to destroy the world. Charm's character design offers nods to the title's DC roots but will still appeal to new comics readers. The palette is bold and varied, from muted beige to neon green to deep blue. North's writing is light and quick, packing in a lot of plot but little character development. And though the story is amusing at times, it's ultimately shallow and pat, concluding with a barrage of hollow lessons on friendship, responsibility, and the dangers of stereotyping. Kid is white, Anna is light-skinned with dark hair, and Ms. Kayla is Black. There is racial diversity among background characters. VERDICT This tween-focused tale is best suited to die-hard DC completists who won't mind seeing a classic character stripped of his dark backstory and complex motivations.--Amanda Charles, Los Angeles P.L.

John Constantine joins the DC middle-grade stable. John Constantine wasn't always the dreamy occult detective envisioned by co-creator Alan Moore in the comics. This middle-grade graphic novel re-creates the character as Johnny Constantine, a fish-out-of-water Brit making his way in an American boarding school. On the run from some hostile spirits in his native England, Johnny hides out at the Junior Success Boarding School in Massachusetts. But America has its own fair share of demons--like Johnny's homeroom teacher, Ms. Kayla. With the help of a fellow outcast named Anna (a character who may be more than what she seems), Johnny fights to reveal Ms. Kayla's true nature. With crisp coloring and crackling panel work, this is the best of DC's middle-grade graphic novels yet. A smart introduction to a lesser-known character, the novel benefits its main characters' lack of all the cultural baggage that surrounds Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman. Constantine's mystical surroundings make for enchanting compositions, making this the best-looking DC book as well. Anna and Johnny develop an endearing friendship, and last-minute reveals will have DC fans tickled pink. Johnny and Anna are White, and Ms. Kayla is Black; overall, the student body appears to be diverse. A terrific middle-grade debut for a classic DC antihero. (Graphic paranormal adventure. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.