“The Darkness” reaches milestone

cover to Top Cow comic book Darkness 75

WORD BALLOONS 

A hitman with supernatural abilities celebrates an anniversary – and invites some old friends.

Top Cow’s “The Darkness” celebrates its 75th issue on Wednesday, with an oversized issue featuring art from former series artists Dale Keown, Joe Benitez, and co-creator Marc Silvestri.

“There are not many characters that are independently created characters that have had 75 issues come out,” said Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. “We wanted to celebrate that fact. It’s a big deal for us. We think on some level, it’s a big deal for comics.”

The Darkness series stars mob hit man Jackie Estacado. On Estacado’s 21st birthday, the terrible powers of the Darkness awaken within him and put him in the midst of a supernatural war.

“The Darkness is one of my favorite properties that we’ve ever created at Top Cow,” Silvestri told The Oklahoman in a 2006 interview. “Not only just in concept, but quite frankly to draw. … Jackie’s kind of an alter-ego for me and a lot of other guys. We get to act out our frustrations through this guy; it’s a lot of fun.”