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Hellblazer Vol 1 7

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"Ghost in the Machine"

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Appearing in "Ghost in the Machine"

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Synopsis for "Ghost in the Machine"

John Constantine visits his friend Ritchie Simpson, a former member of the Newcastle Crew and current computer hacker. He asks him about the Resurrection Crusade and Ritchie agrees to find out what he can about them. Ritchie has developed a means to insert his consciousness into computer programs whereby he can search through all of cyber-space. Ritchie attaches two cables into his head and then downloads his consciousness into the computer.

Meanwhile, Ray Monde entertains Zed back at his home. He tells her that he is dying from AIDS and that he has already lost his life partner Bill. Bill was a soldier who perished in the Falklands War. Suddenly, Elder Martin and three members of the Resurrection Crusade break into Ray's home and accost him. While the three men beat up on Monde, Elder Martin grabs hold of his daughter Zed.

Back at Richie's place, John lets his friend do his work while he in turn steps out to get a cup of coffee. After feuding with a stubborn coffee machine, John returns and hears Ritchie broadcasting to him about a splinter group called the Tongues of Fire Network. Something goes wrong however, and Ritchie's machines begin to overload. Ritchie tries to retrieve his consciousness back inside his body, but he is too late. His corporeal form bursts into flame right before John's eyes. Constantine is powerless to help him. Ritchie's brain waves are still broadcasting from inside his computer, and he doesn't realize yet what has happened. John knows that Ritchie's mind is trapped inside the computer and that he can never return to true life. As a mercy killing, John unplugs the machine. Guilt overwhelms him, and the ghosts of the other members of the late Newcastle Crew appear before his eyes.

Elsewhere, Elder Martin and the Resurrection Crusaders bring Zed to a darkened medical facility. The Crusaders would have preferred a virginal subject, but so long as her mental state is sound, she will prove to be an apt candidate for intensive re-education.

Notes

  • Ritchie Simpson calls the internal virtual reality of computers the Fifth Dimension. What, if any connection this version of the Fifth Dimension has to the reality occupied by Mister Mxyzptlk remains unknown.


Trivia

  • This issue includes case file letters written by John Constantine during his time spent at the Ravenscar Institute following the botched Newcastle exorcism 1978. One of the letters makes reference to John's sister Cheryl. Cheryl Constantine-Masters made her first appearance in Hellblazer #4. The collected letters are counter-signed by Ravenscar administrator Dr. Roger Huntoon.
  • Constantine makes reference to once witnessing spontaneous human combustion at Baron Winters' mansion. The individual he is referring to is John Zatara who lost his life in Swamp Thing (Volume 2) #50.

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