Hellblazer #257 - Vertigo

First of all . . this issue has a fantastic cover by Simon Bisley. This issue, John is feeling the effects of this romance potion that he got from Epiphany. He had decided that he might've blown it with Phoebe, but . . he was actually missing her. However, he didn't think that there was any way she'd give him a second chance. However, on his way to see her, he had to stop at Julian's for some more of the 'skin' he's been using to treat his 'rash'. But . . he's becoming addicting to it. He doesn't like being a slave to anyone . . or anything. So, while there, he uses a bit of the potion on Julian. You know John's a crafty devil . . you didn't see that one coming? Anyways, Phoebe seems to be giving him everything he wants, and Julian can't stop thinking about him. Phoebe's lust is just an act though. She thought that John might be up to something so she had a colleague of hers analyze the wine that John had given her. She know something is up, but she doesn't know what. Julian on the other had, is obsessed. He offers John his hearts desires, but before he is tempted John lights his apartment, and all the dead skin on fire. Now he has 2 problems, first he has to go cold turkey on this treatment that he's exposed himself to. And secondly . . he wants to come clean with Phoebe. He still wants her . . he just doesn't want her like this. Luckily though, when he does finally get the story out to Phoebe, she does have some compassion and helps John get through the rough couple days of detox. Immediately after he gets pulled away when his mate Chas is having some problems. But it isn't long before he realizes that he's been set up . . Julian was pulling him away so that he could go after Phoebe. Now we just have to hope that John gets back in time. This is another fantastic story by Peter Milligan. Unfortunately it doesn't look like Andy Diggle will be getting back to this title any time soon. But they've actually upped the ante a bit by getting Peter on board. So far he's shown that he's a master at this type of story. I also think that Guiseppe Camuncoli is doing a good job of making this character his own. This series goes up and down for me sometimes, but . . right now I definitely feel like they're on the right track. Not bad for an alternative book that's been around for over 20 years now.