The Darkness #`12
Top Cow/Image Comics
Writer: Ron Marz
Penciller: Martin Monteil
Inker: Matt ?Batt? Banning
Colorist: Matt Milla
Price: $2.99

Rating: 3 ? stars

The Darkness comic book went through a period of time where bearer Jackie Estacado got a conscience. Those were, well, dark days for an anti-hero being forced into a role his creators never intended. Now, in this second coming of the series, Jackie is back in his original role of killer, and things have never looked so good.

Issue 12 finds Jackie in Hong Kong confronting crime lords who have had recent conflicts with his mafia. Alone and stuck in the sunlight, Jackie must rethink his methods and take out the supernaturally powered Mr. Kuo before he can resolve his business issues. Part three of a four issue arc, Jackie also learns more about the nature of the darklings that aid his adventures. The conclusion next issue is sure to be laden with violence and drama, and as a reader, I wouldn?t have it any other way.

Veteran writer Ron Marz has done his homework on the character, and his use of the darklings is some of the best since Darkness creator Garth Ennis was on the title. Marz, recently coming off a long stint at Cross Gen, has a chance to flex his writing chops here in a stretch away from fantasy into a more horror oriented title. I have always liked the fact that Marz has a certain style that gravitates around the character?s inner monologue, and especially enjoy the way his utilizes it here with Jackie.

The artistic team of Martin Monteil and Batt do a nice job of filling Dale Keown?s shoes. Not quite as gruesome as Keown, Monteil brings a great sense of shadow to the art while not shirking on the violence. Batt, a veteran in his own right, holds down the inks with a solid, sure inking job that works as well with Monteil?s pencils as any artist I have seen. Colorist Matt Milla holds down the bottom with muted colors that reflect the character?s dynamics.

Fans of the original Darkness by Ennis and penciled Marc Silvestri need to give this book a look. Back in spades is the horrific, dark tone of the character, and his unapologetic attitude. I liked how Paul Jenkins and Keown started this series, taking down the old guard in the mafia, and I am especially pleased with Marz? arc on this title. I plan to follow this title as long as it maintains the high quality and great writing of the current teams. Fans of the new Swamp Thing title should give this book a look, as well as readers looking for a mature feel of horror.

Comic Reviews