One of Top Cow‘s most enigmatic heroes is on the brink of a significant revival with an upcoming comic book series.
According to a press release from Top Cow Productions and Image Comics, the iconic indie antihero returns in a new ongoing series of The Darkness. The story will be penned by co-creator Marc Silvestri, exploring deeper into the lore of its title character and the powers he possesses. The inaugural issue will be illustrated by Ed Benes, with inks by Matt Banning, Sal Regla, and John Livesay, colors by Aric Prianto, and letters by Troy Preteri. Starting with The Darkness #2, Raymond Gay will assume the illustration duties for the series. The first issue will boast a selection of variant covers, featuring artwork from Marc Silvestri & Arif Prianto, Ed Benes & Arif Prianto, David Mack, as well as unique original sketch variants by Silvestri himself. Fans can also enjoy a sneak peek at several preview pages below.
First introduced in 1996’s Witchblade #10 by Silvestri, Garth Ennis, and David Wohl, the antihero known as The Darkness, born Jackie Estacado, emerged as the child of a mobster, enduring a harrowing childhood in a neglectful orphanage after being abandoned. Ultimately, he found refuge under the wing of mob boss Frankie Franchetti, who trained him to become a ruthless assassin. Upon turning 21, Jackie inherited his family’s ancient curse, becoming the latest vessel of the primordial force known as The Darkness. Over the years, Jackie’s narrative was further expanded through numerous comic series, tie-in titles, and two successful video games.
Commenting on the new The Darkness series, Silvestri stated, “This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a reinvention.” He elaborated, “We’re revisiting what made The Darkness such a phenomenon – its grit, danger, and the understanding that power always comes at a cost. However, we are turning everything up to eleven. Jackie’s universe is set to expand in ways that readers will find astonishing.”
The official solicitation synopsis for The Darkness #1 from Top Cow and Image Comics explains, “In a world engulfed by shadows… one man becomes The Darkness. Jackie Estacado is back! He is thrust into a supernatural conflict between dark and light in an unrestrained adventure where the boundaries of our reality clash with supernatural forces fighting for dominance over one another and the material world.” The solicitation continues, “Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman, was both blessed and burdened on his 21st birthday when he became the bearer of The Darkness, an elemental force granting access to an otherworldly dimension and control over the demons residing there. As various factions rise to confront Jackie and the malevolence his gift embodies, the narrative poses a unique dilemma… evil is good.”
The Darkness #1 is set for release on December 10 from Top Cow Productions and Image Comics, with pre-orders opening on September 19.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR’s coverage of The Darkness revival.