Image Comics Review: The Darkness #1 25th Anniversary

Review: The Darkness #1 – 25th Anniversary

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Garth Ennis

Artist: Marc Silvestri

Inker: BATT

Colorist: Steve Firchow

Letterer: Dennis Heisler

Review By: Kendra Hale

What The Hell. Kill Him.

The Darkness #1 25th Anniversary…it is hard to believe that The Darkness is 25 years old. The story of Jackie Estacado and The Darkness is well known to fans of many genres. My own introduction was through the pages of another character named Witchblade, of which a continuing crossover would happen. This cynical yet carefree character caught my intrigue and the art was enough to keep me hooked. I am sure this was the story for fans who have met Jackie throughout the years and watched as his battle against Angelus kept all on edge struggling to stay on the side of a guy who would just as soon shoot you in the face as smile at you. 

This year is the 25th anniversary of The Darkness and to commemorate, Image has re-released the issue that began it all. The Darkness #1 helped set a standard not only for storytelling and art, but for many aspiring creators it became a muse and a place to come back to as a source of comfort. The Darkness has left its mark on the industry and in this review we get a chance to look back at the first issue as well as some treats for fans of the series. Also, bit of a side note but a variant cover for this issue is by Stjepan Sejic soo… 

Not What You’d Call A Good Guy

Jackie Estacado is most certainly living his best life. The nephew of a mob boss and an enforcer of his uncle’s will, Jackie definitely enjoys the perks of all the power he has been given. Jackie tends to live his life going with his own flow, fast cars and fast women, but don’t let the charm fool you. Jackie is a certified killer and sleeps quite well after, or bar hops…whichever calls. 

However, amidst the turf wars and uprising that Jackie is facing with his uncle, there are eyes on Jackie that have nothing to do with normal. The light have their chosen warrior, Angelus, and it is time for The Darkness to make Jackie aware of him being their choice. Jackie is about to learn there is far more out there than he ever imagined. 

Embracing The Darkness

I am sure that fans of this series can name one, if not several, of their favorite moments with Jackie. Maybe even tell you where they were when they reading it for the first time.  For me, it was 14 years old, and I was fascinating by the interaction of Jackie and The Darkness. The way that The Darkness spoke to Jackie and bade him to embrace what already came naturally to him. 

The world that Garth Ennis, Marc Silvestri, BATT, Steve Firchow, and  Dennis Heisler gave us in this issue is as striking now as it was 25 years ago. The iconic artwork and storytelling definitely stands up and commands your attention and it is easy to see the notes that have followed in numerous worlds by hundreds…if not thousands of creators that span different mediums. It is easy to see The Darkness’s touch still relevant today.

Verdict

The Darkness #1 25th Anniversary Edition was never going to get anything less than 5 full marks from me. Not only is it a revisit to the history of milestone comics, it is a nice stroll back through memory lane with bonus features. The interviews and memorable art covers are wonderful. It is always a joy to hear the creators discuss a creation with passion. This is a must get for fans and for newcomers as well. Let The Darkness call you in and strap in, it is a ride worth embracing!

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