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The Complete Darkness #1
The Complete Darkness Volume 1
The criminal underworld of New York City is a dark and brutal place, but it's never seen horror like this...
In the opening salvo of this best-selling series created by industry legends MARC SILVESTRI and GARTH ENNIS, up-and-coming mobster Jackie Estacado discovers a nightmarish new inheritance - the supernatural power known only as the Darkness! Weighing his conscience against the ability to mould the shadows to his will, Jackie finds himself dealing with worse than the usual an ancient cult, an angelic archenemy, and the corrupting consequences of the demonic entity empowering him.
All this and more, gorgeously rendered and painstakingly assembled in the first of a series of absolute collected editions
Collects DARKNESS #1-18, TALES OF THE DARKNESS #1-4 & 1/2, WITCHBLADE #18 & 19
In the opening salvo of this best-selling series created by industry legends MARC SILVESTRI and GARTH ENNIS, up-and-coming mobster Jackie Estacado discovers a nightmarish new inheritance - the supernatural power known only as the Darkness! Weighing his conscience against the ability to mould the shadows to his will, Jackie finds himself dealing with worse than the usual an ancient cult, an angelic archenemy, and the corrupting consequences of the demonic entity empowering him.
All this and more, gorgeously rendered and painstakingly assembled in the first of a series of absolute collected editions
Collects DARKNESS #1-18, TALES OF THE DARKNESS #1-4 & 1/2, WITCHBLADE #18 & 19
632 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2021
33 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Garth Ennis
2,622 books3,173 followersEnnis began his comic-writing career in 1989 with the series Troubled Souls. Appearing in the short-lived but critically-acclaimed British anthology Crisis and illustrated by McCrea, it told the story of a young, apolitical Protestant man caught up by fate in the violence of the Irish 'Troubles'. It spawned a sequel, For a Few Troubles More, a broad Belfast-based comedy featuring two supporting characters from Troubled Souls, Dougie and Ivor, who would later get their own American comics series, Dicks, from Caliber in 1997, and several follow-ups from Avatar.
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
Another series for Crisis was True Faith, a religious satire inspired by his schooldays, this time drawn by Warren Pleece. Ennis shortly after began to write for Crisis' parent publication, 2000 AD. He quickly graduated on to the title's flagship character, Judge Dredd, taking over from original creator John Wagner for a period of several years.
Ennis' first work on an American comic came in 1991 when he took over DC Comics's horror title Hellblazer, which he wrote until 1994, and for which he currently holds the title for most issues written. Steve Dillon became the regular artist during the second half of Ennis's run.
Ennis' landmark work to date is the 66-issue epic Preacher, which he co-created with artist Steve Dillon. Running from 1995 to 2000, it was a tale of a preacher with supernatural powers, searching (literally) for God who has abandoned his creation.
While Preacher was running, Ennis began a series set in the DC universe called Hitman. Despite being lower profile than Preacher, Hitman ran for 60 issues (plus specials) from 1996 to 2001, veering wildly from violent action to humour to an examination of male friendship under fire.
Other comic projects Ennis wrote during this time period include Goddess, Bloody Mary, Unknown Soldier, and Pride & Joy, all for DC/Vertigo, as well as origin stories for The Darkness for Image Comics and Shadowman for Valiant Comics.
After the end of Hitman, Ennis was lured to Marvel Comics with the promise from Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada that he could write The Punisher as long as he cared to. Instead of largely comical tone of these issues, he decided to make a much more serious series, re-launched under Marvel's MAX imprint.
In 2001 he briefly returned to UK comics to write the epic Helter Skelter for Judge Dredd.
Other comics Ennis has written include War Story (with various artists) for DC; The Pro for Image Comics; The Authority for Wildstorm; Just a Pilgrim for Black Bull Press, and 303, Chronicles of Wormwood (a six issue mini-series about the Antichrist), and a western comic book, Streets of Glory for Avatar Press.
In 2008 Ennis ended his five-year run on Punisher MAX to debut a new Marvel title, War Is Hell: The First Flight of the Phantom Eagle.
In June 2008, at Wizard World, Philadelphia, Ennis announced several new projects, including a metaseries of war comics called Battlefields from Dynamite made up of mini-series including Night Witches, Dear Billy and Tankies, another Chronicles of Wormwood mini-series and Crossed both at Avatar, a six-issue miniseries about Butcher (from The Boys) and a Punisher project reuniting him with artist Steve Dillon (subsequently specified to be a weekly mini-series entitled Punisher: War Zone, to be released concurrently with the film of the same name).
Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Ennis
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 27, 2021
The Darkness is an American comic series published by Top Cow Productions. The concept was created by Marc Silvestri, Garth Ennis, and David Wohl in 1996. The main storyline followed Jackie Estacado, a New York Mafia hitman who upon turning 21 years of age inherited the curse of the Darkness. The character first appeared in Witchblade #10 (Nov. 1996).
The son of hitman Danny Estacado and an unnamed prostitute, Jackie was taken in by Saint Gerald's Orphanage. Despite being a mere boy, Jackie protected his friend Jenny from their cruel treatment. At the age of six, Jackie was adopted by upcoming Mob boss Frankie "Kill-The-Children-Too" Franchetti, claiming to be his uncle. This Mobman only did so after being persuaded by one Sonatine of the Brotherhood of Darkness that bringing Jackie into his inner circle would make Frankie powerful.
Life in the Mob provided Jackie both with a home as well as a sense of safety and family, but also made him more violent and and fairly good in illegal activities. Losing his virginity at age fourteen to a female officer during interrogation, he disregarded the law and developed a sex habit. Making his first hit at age sixteen, Jackie soon became Frankie's chief enforcer; skyrocketing the Franchettis into one of the top Mob families in New York City and fulfilling Sonatine's prophecy. Living a playboy lifestyle, Jackie would often visit his remaining friend from the orphanage Jenny's club to keep in touch.
Both the Angelus and Sonatine kept watch over the course of Jackie's life; both of them waiting for him to manifest the Darkness at the time when Jackie turns 21 years old. the Brotherhood wishing to exploit his power for their own ends while the Angelus wished only to annihilate the wielder while at his most vulnerable just after regaining his powers and not yet knowing what is going on.
When he turned 21, his dark powers awakened and he learned of his evil heritage. Jackie spent much of his time escaping from or fighting the Angelus, Sonatine, and the Brotherhood of the Darkness.
This comic was first released 25 years ago and together with the comic "Witchblade" were both given a release in Dutch translation, which I how I first ran into these publications. Their art was rather intriguing and spectacular together with an interesting story they were good fun for comic lover who was looking for something else than the DC/Marvel suspects.
I found Jackie Estacado an interesting character and his troubles with "The Darkness" and its demons very graphic and while his demons do make some delightful banter for the lighter yet dark humour in the comics the whole affair does remain a dark tale nonetheless.
I was interested in this comic with the re-release of this comic in various volumes with the crossovers with the "witchblade"comics being delivered as well even some of the Tales of the Darkness which offered some different Estacado's through time (scifi story and one in the world of Don Quixote) which are splendid fun. Another favorite of mine pops up namely "the Magdalena", ladies who are in service of the church and fight the evil of this earth of course they aim their weapons at this evil manifestation called the Darkness.
This comic is still as much fun as when I encountered it 25 years ago and of course much can be said of the presentation of women and men in these pages but the come from another time when people has less issues or smaller toes to step on.
I am looking forward to the next volume.
The son of hitman Danny Estacado and an unnamed prostitute, Jackie was taken in by Saint Gerald's Orphanage. Despite being a mere boy, Jackie protected his friend Jenny from their cruel treatment. At the age of six, Jackie was adopted by upcoming Mob boss Frankie "Kill-The-Children-Too" Franchetti, claiming to be his uncle. This Mobman only did so after being persuaded by one Sonatine of the Brotherhood of Darkness that bringing Jackie into his inner circle would make Frankie powerful.
Life in the Mob provided Jackie both with a home as well as a sense of safety and family, but also made him more violent and and fairly good in illegal activities. Losing his virginity at age fourteen to a female officer during interrogation, he disregarded the law and developed a sex habit. Making his first hit at age sixteen, Jackie soon became Frankie's chief enforcer; skyrocketing the Franchettis into one of the top Mob families in New York City and fulfilling Sonatine's prophecy. Living a playboy lifestyle, Jackie would often visit his remaining friend from the orphanage Jenny's club to keep in touch.
Both the Angelus and Sonatine kept watch over the course of Jackie's life; both of them waiting for him to manifest the Darkness at the time when Jackie turns 21 years old. the Brotherhood wishing to exploit his power for their own ends while the Angelus wished only to annihilate the wielder while at his most vulnerable just after regaining his powers and not yet knowing what is going on.
When he turned 21, his dark powers awakened and he learned of his evil heritage. Jackie spent much of his time escaping from or fighting the Angelus, Sonatine, and the Brotherhood of the Darkness.
This comic was first released 25 years ago and together with the comic "Witchblade" were both given a release in Dutch translation, which I how I first ran into these publications. Their art was rather intriguing and spectacular together with an interesting story they were good fun for comic lover who was looking for something else than the DC/Marvel suspects.
I found Jackie Estacado an interesting character and his troubles with "The Darkness" and its demons very graphic and while his demons do make some delightful banter for the lighter yet dark humour in the comics the whole affair does remain a dark tale nonetheless.
I was interested in this comic with the re-release of this comic in various volumes with the crossovers with the "witchblade"comics being delivered as well even some of the Tales of the Darkness which offered some different Estacado's through time (scifi story and one in the world of Don Quixote) which are splendid fun. Another favorite of mine pops up namely "the Magdalena", ladies who are in service of the church and fight the evil of this earth of course they aim their weapons at this evil manifestation called the Darkness.
This comic is still as much fun as when I encountered it 25 years ago and of course much can be said of the presentation of women and men in these pages but the come from another time when people has less issues or smaller toes to step on.
I am looking forward to the next volume.
August 7, 2021
{3.5 rounded up} This was a fascinating read, more thanks to the highly detailed blazing artwork rather than the story. It was a bit strange reading the story, while being against the main protagonist and hoping for it to lose. The collection had a few crossover with the likes of The Witchblade along with various time jumps both into the past as well as to the future, which were an interesting surprise.
November 9, 2024
Listen, if you're expecting high quality writing look elsewhere.
Jackie is a selfish, asshole, mobster, murderer, womanizer, but also fun and over the top macho makes this feel like I'm back in grade school reading "edgy badass comics. But also the art is mostly great, the darklings are funny as hell, the fights can be brutal and fun, and while there's alot to be desired in the fighting department, this is still a really fun comic.
I'm excited to read volume 2 down the line.
Jackie is a selfish, asshole, mobster, murderer, womanizer, but also fun and over the top macho makes this feel like I'm back in grade school reading "edgy badass comics. But also the art is mostly great, the darklings are funny as hell, the fights can be brutal and fun, and while there's alot to be desired in the fighting department, this is still a really fun comic.
I'm excited to read volume 2 down the line.
July 4, 2021
Збірка історій про персонажа Darkness, спіноф серії коміксів Witchblade.
Було цікаво познайомитись із першоджерелом ігор Darkness та Darkness 2. Сам комікс виходив у 1997 році. Тут аж віє духом серіалів 90-х, головний герой Джекі Естокадо - кримінальний авторитет, його оточують жінки, автомобілі та постійні кримінальні війни. Що казати, тут навіть є жарти типу Думаєш Баз Лайтер врятує тебе? Чи кого б ти поцілувала Метта Леблана чи Девіда Швіммера (персонажі телесеріалу Друзі).
Комікси зазвичай розказують про боротьбу сил темряви та світла, боротьба з таємним культом темряви, ну і розбірки чий кримінальний клан кримінальний клан кращий.
Ще дуже здивувало, що у цьому омніку вкраплюються синглові історії поміж сюжетних. Напевно це все ж пов'язано з тим що це антологія розповідей. Міньйони, які були фішкою у грі тут не дуже добре розкрито.
P.S. Чого у коміксу не віднімеш, так це жінок. Цицьки є, обладунки що ледь щось трохи прикривають є, неймовірні пози як у якогось Валеджо теж є. Особливо, коли у тебе ангел з цицьками на розвороті. І таких розворотів тут дуже багато.
Було цікаво познайомитись із першоджерелом ігор Darkness та Darkness 2. Сам комікс виходив у 1997 році. Тут аж віє духом серіалів 90-х, головний герой Джекі Естокадо - кримінальний авторитет, його оточують жінки, автомобілі та постійні кримінальні війни. Що казати, тут навіть є жарти типу Думаєш Баз Лайтер врятує тебе? Чи кого б ти поцілувала Метта Леблана чи Девіда Швіммера (персонажі телесеріалу Друзі).
Комікси зазвичай розказують про боротьбу сил темряви та світла, боротьба з таємним культом темряви, ну і розбірки чий кримінальний клан кримінальний клан кращий.
Ще дуже здивувало, що у цьому омніку вкраплюються синглові історії поміж сюжетних. Напевно це все ж пов'язано з тим що це антологія розповідей. Міньйони, які були фішкою у грі тут не дуже добре розкрито.
P.S. Чого у коміксу не віднімеш, так це жінок. Цицьки є, обладунки що ледь щось трохи прикривають є, неймовірні пози як у якогось Валеджо теж є. Особливо, коли у тебе ангел з цицьками на розвороті. І таких розворотів тут дуже багато.
June 27, 2021
(Zero spoiler review)
A few pages in, and I honestly thought this might be a little better than Witchblade. A few more pages, however, and I quickly changed my mind. This is basically boy Witchblade, and I, rather unfortunately didn't enjoy the Witchblade series, despite buying and reading both complete volumes currently available. All the major criticisms I had with that series carry over here, seeing as how it was basically the same creative team, there really is little to be surprised about. What was surprising however, was just how impotent and toothless Ennis' opening was. Confession time, I only made it to the end of Ennis' 8 issue opening before giving up on this. Having only recently forced my way through Witchblade two, and seeing all the same nonsense here, wasn't about to force another 4-500 pages of this. Bland characters and dialogue rule the day here. I mentioned that your average 14 year old was likely all over this in the 90's, and likely that nostalgia will kick in, and it would be those fans of yesteryear who want to pick this up. This really is TnA without anything of substance or style to back it up. If that's your biscuit, than that's fine. But there is an whole world of attractive ladies out there to look at. I don't need to read rubbish stories in the process. For fans only. 2/5
OmniBen.
A few pages in, and I honestly thought this might be a little better than Witchblade. A few more pages, however, and I quickly changed my mind. This is basically boy Witchblade, and I, rather unfortunately didn't enjoy the Witchblade series, despite buying and reading both complete volumes currently available. All the major criticisms I had with that series carry over here, seeing as how it was basically the same creative team, there really is little to be surprised about. What was surprising however, was just how impotent and toothless Ennis' opening was. Confession time, I only made it to the end of Ennis' 8 issue opening before giving up on this. Having only recently forced my way through Witchblade two, and seeing all the same nonsense here, wasn't about to force another 4-500 pages of this. Bland characters and dialogue rule the day here. I mentioned that your average 14 year old was likely all over this in the 90's, and likely that nostalgia will kick in, and it would be those fans of yesteryear who want to pick this up. This really is TnA without anything of substance or style to back it up. If that's your biscuit, than that's fine. But there is an whole world of attractive ladies out there to look at. I don't need to read rubbish stories in the process. For fans only. 2/5
OmniBen.
July 12, 2021
Started reading this a long time ago when I was into Witchblade. Now I remember why I decided to drop it. First off, the art is incredible. The detail of the Darkness and the demons and such was quite impressive. However, it was male Witchblade, with not much of a personality. I didn’t really care about him, didn’t feel any sympathy with his “plight” that for the most part he seemed to enjoy. 2.5
September 6, 2022
I slowly picked away at this for 5 months in between other books. This was enjoyable but it's just very obvious that it was never intended to be read so many issues right in a row like this. A lot of it ends up being samey after a while. The main character character only tell you what a badass he is so many times before it doesn't work.. Also the mapping is pretty weird. Overall it's enjoyable like a mindless action movie but it should be read in chunks.
April 12, 2021
This is a fun representation of nineties comics from a strong team of Garth Ennis, Mark Silvestri and others to name a few creators. I was drawn to the collection after getting back into the Darkness universe via the xbox 360 games. This isn't a complicated story by any stretch and is a pretty quick read. I'm looking forward to volume 2 and also want to collect Witchblade as well.
March 3, 2022
Excellent comic book series, especially for the artwork. The story of Jackie Estacado, aka the Darkness, as well as some Tales of the Darkness stories and a few Witchblade tie-ins. A "superhero/supervillain" tale of murder and mayhem with luscious looking ladies and handsome men. The illustrations are detailed and beautifully constructed. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
Great fun reading these again after so many years.
February 15, 2022
Gosh, the '90s were a rough time for comics.
March 18, 2022
Cool art, nonsensical story, inconsistencies and plotholes between issues, and too much male gaze. Play the games instead.
August 19, 2023
if i had my clothes destroyed everytime i transformed i would rather b vanquished
August 1, 2025
Its so bad, but so good. I love the darkness
January 27, 2024
Pretty good collection of late 90's comics. I seem to remember hearing that this series was not that good. I think it's just the usual suspects, you know that think everything is problematic. I swear we are regressing a society.
Also the inspiration to the great game series.
Also the inspiration to the great game series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews