Dire Fates and Mortal Fates by David Tai and Rod M.

[Olvelsper]

The second of the stories I want to link today is a two parter. I figured it'd be best for you all to have the whole experience so I included the sequel to it, even though it isn't a Constantine crossover.

http://www.thekeep.org/~rpm/vertigo/direfates/

Dire Fates is the story of how the demoness Mara pretty much strong arms John Constantine into helping her in a plot to maintain the status quo in heaven and hell, due to the Norns moving in, which might lead to all hell breaking loose as demons may come to station themselves on earth as well. At the same time a series of natural disasters strike all throughout the planet due to unforseen reasons. In this mess, the youngest Norn is left alone as her sisters have been taken out of commission with trying to deal with these disasters, Skuld also coming to request aid from Constantine to help her in righting the wrongs of the world.

This is a fairly dramatic crossover, with a very strong grip on the epic scale as John goes up once again with demons and gods alike to save the world? Well, more like get the little goddess off his back. The writing, as expected from the authors, is beautifully done as everyone's personalities are fairly well maintained. Mara seems much more competent and wicked in this tale, but it's forgiven since Constantine's mythos just does that to the denizens of hell.

It never gets too heavy handed, however, as several cute and light scenes are executed beautifully to lighten up the gloom and doom mood thanks mostly in part from Skuld. The plot twists are really something, too.

http://www.thekeep.org/~rpm/vertigo/mortalfates/

In the aftermath of Dire Fates, Belldandy has to re-evaulate her priorites in life and in the grand scheme of things. It's fairly dark, but maintains a strong sense of hope throughout the story. Not a crossover with Constantine, this one uses the mythos of another Vertigo comic named The Dreaming to crossover with.

It's a heavier read than Dire Fates, but I don't hold it against it. Like its prequel, Mortal Fates has a handy dandy reader's guide to explain to you the two mythos in the story. No need to worry, though. They're both enjoyable reads and I hope you all have fun with them.