John Constantine

Pursing a life of magic, danger and questionable morality, it wasn't until 1988 that Constantine got his own comic, Hellblazer published by DC.
In 1993, when DC launched its Vertigo line, Hellblazer became the publication's first official title.
John Constantine was born in Liverpool in 1953, losing both his mother and twin brother during childbirth. His bitter and troubled childhood comes to an abrupt end when John runs away from home, placing a curse on his father which leaves him withered and frail.
Setting up home in London, he meets Francis "Chas" Chandler, who goes on to become his closest, and longest surviving, friend.
It is during his time in London that he begins to explore his fascination with the occult.
His first foray into the world of 'occult heroism' takes place in Newcastle when he stumbles across the aftermath of an occult orgy. An abused child has called up a demon which kills her attackers, but is refusing to leave.
Believing that he can help, Constantine calls up a demon of his own which kills the girl's monster and turns on John and his friends.
During the ensuing battle to banish the beast, the child is dragged to hell.
Traumatised by the event, Constantine is committed to a mental institution which he drifts in and out of for years.
Many years later an older and wiser Constantine uses his powers to free the girl from hell, and all the souls of the lost children who have been trapped there.
The character has appeared in many other comics, such as Neil Gaiman's The Sandman and more recently (and bizarrely) in Justice League of America: Wedding Special, during the marriage of Black Canary and Green Arrow. John is pictured sitting behind Metamorpho.