I last read the Darkness after Garth Ennis' run initially launched the character. I never expected to be reading this series ever again! But after discovering and listening to the back episodes of the 11 O'Clock Comics podcast, I learned that host Vince B is a big fan of this series. I gave it a shot and I am glad I did.
Phil Hester has explored and deepened the whole premise behind the Darkness, in a manner akin to Alan Moore's take on the Swamp Thing with "Anatomy Lesson". In the initial six-issue story arc, Jackie Estacado has become the dictator of small South American country. In flashbacks, we learn that Jackie has been aided by Professor Kirchner, who has taught him how to use the Darkness power in ways that Jackie never dreamed of before. Jackie can create creatures and structures out of the Darkness that can exist after he walks away from them. He can manipulate the elements to create a new mind-bending drug, which allows him to overthrow that country in South America. And he can also create a woman, Elle, out of the Darkness with a full blown personality (since his curse states that if fathers a kid, he's in big trouble).
It looks like Jackie is on top of the world, but the you-know-what hits the fan right as the series begins. Rebels want to overthrow Jackie for poisoning their kids with the Darkness drug called Nightfall. Elle becomes pregnant and Jackie made a mistake in trusting Professor Kirchner, because he understands the Darkness so thoroughly that he can turn it against Jackie.
Issues #7-9 take Jackie along a completely different path. He's lost his connection to the Darkness, he's on the run in a few stand alone horror stories. Then he meets the Sovereign, an agent of Hell who needs a hitman to snare some escaped souls. These horror stories are terrific, Hester has a real knack for creating these twisted little characters that Jackie has to kill. Funny thing, I almost prefer Jackie de-powered. I can't imagine what will happen when he regains the Darkness...the Sovereign states that Jackie could rip him into bits.
You can try the Darkness #1 over on Top Cow's website. There is also the trade collection of 1-6 for a ridiculously low price of $5.
Phil Hester has become one of my favorite writers with this series. He's been around forever, but he joins the pack of hot new writers, up there with Jason Aaron. Marvel/DC should give him a series to write. Nuff said.
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