Lady Johanna Constantine (1760-1859) is an 18th Century aristocrat and adventurer, an ancestor of John Constantine.
History
The daughter of Lord and Lady Constantine, she was orphaned at a young age when her parents were hanged for treason. Stripped of her title and wealth, she was forced to live in poverty, raising Mouse as an unwed mother and futilely attempting to use magic to regain her former riches. Her luck turned in 1785 when King George asked her to retrieve Pandora's Box from Spitsbergen. If she succeeded, her title would be reinstated and she would gain an estate as per her demands. She used the services of the Swamp Thing to uncover the box under the condition she would tell him who caused his death. In a spell-reinforced church, she opened the box and confronted Echidna, who granted her three questions. She first asked for the origin of the box, which was revealed to be a portal to Hell. Then, she asked for the key to achieving her dreams of power and wealth, which was finding the Devil and the Wandering Jew. Her third question was for the spells that bound the box the first time, but was tricked by Echnidna. Taking advantage of Pandora's presence, she tricked Echidna into being sealed back into the box, but in the closing of the box, Pandora and Mouse were sucked in, entombing their souls inside forever.
Her noble title was reinstated, and she inherited Pandora's property Blackwood Manor, which she renamed Fawny Rig. She then set about to return Pandora's Box back to Hell in exchange for a favor from its creator and then venture to find the Devil and the Wandering Jew who may grant her new wish to reunite with her daughter. [1]
In 1794, she confronted Dream and Hob Gadling, believing them to be the Devil and the Wandering Jew. Dream hypnotized the Lady Constantine, presented her with an unknown offer in exchange for the rescue of his son Orpheus from the dungeons of the aristocrats during the French Revolution.[2]
She would eventually encounter Mad Hettie and make a deal with the witch to increase her lifespan to 99 years in exchange for not interfering in Hettie's plans. Honoring the deal, she eventually passed away at the age of 99, but remained unable to rescue her daughter.[3] Her success in rescuing Orpheus led to a grave being built in her honor on the island of Orpheus, which was tended daily by his priests until the day that Orpheus died.[4]
Powers and Abilities
Abilities
Recommended Reading
Related
- 14 Appearances of Johanna Constantine (New Earth)
- 5 Images featuring Johanna Constantine (New Earth)
- Quotations by or about Johanna Constantine (New Earth)
- Character Gallery: Johanna Constantine (New Earth)
Footnotes
This character exists under the Vertigo Imprint which is intended for Mature Readers.Their continuity takes place within the context of Vertigo titles although they may cross over into regular DC continuity.