The Darkness Vol. 3: 1 & 2
Jackie Estacado: Darkness Holder, Mafia Goon and Now Dictator
The Darkness Vol. 3: First Look
February 26th, 2008 - During a panel at the Baltimore Comicon, Top Cow announced their newest addition to the team. A young man named Michael Broussard, who has also signed a three year contract with the well, established Top Cow. Broussard wasn’t recruited by merely being an avid Top Cow fanatic; he actually possesses phenomenal skill which has put him in his current, excellent, position with Top Cow. Broussard’s previous work includes Unholy Union (Top Cow) and the Civil War: The Initiative (Marvel). Top Cow’s vice president Rob Levin was so impressed by Broussard that he’s was given the opportunity to work on one of Top Cow’s biggest cash cow projects, The Darkness. Needless to say, this guy must really be talented for Top Cow to make such a move for a new person.
For anyone, like me, whose trying to get into the challenging world of comic book creation the chances of being discovered by a publisher are seemingly astronomical. From finding a reliable staff of workers, budgeting your project, book signings, and to cornering Marc Silvestri at the local comic book convention, the road to being discovered is long and arduous. As you can imagine it is not unusual for the weak to surrender their dreams to the fickle beast that is failure. So as an independent comic book creator myself I am personally amazed by Michael Broussard’s great opportunity.
Aside from Broussard being taken on by Top Cow, there is another very strong reason why I admire him and his joyous occasion. Broussard is working on a uniquely established comic known as The Darkness. Why am I amazed by that simple fact you may ask yourselves. I am a strong believer in African American works that are both “unique” and “creative.” My biggest concern is that I believe the aforementioned is extremely lacking in the “black creative community.” It wasn’t long ago, around the 70’s, when black exploitation was a strong source of black media culture. The heroes were often depicted as thug like pimps constantly thwarting the malicious plans of , “The Man.” Considering the horrendous struggles blacks were going through at the time via racism and civil rights movements, it is only understandable that art truly imitated life back then. Yet, now we live in different times and in a more open society where an African American should be able to truly express unique creativity and open new doors for black expression. To touch the hearts of all the viewers/readers and to make sure that everyone feels equally moved at the end of the work should be the goal of a writer. Now at a pivotal moment in his life, I believe Michael Broussard is in a strong situation to be that African American to bring unique black concepts to the comic world.
Broussard isn’t entirely alone in the creative pool of colored talents. He shares the field with talented creators like Aaron McGruder, of The Boondocks, Dwayne McDuffie of Static Shock, and other black creators. It is people like the aforementioned who create unique moments in an era that make me proud to be a black indie creator.
Now, we the readers find ourselves with the newest version of Jackie Estacado and all his new exploits, and it looks like Broussard is well up to the task. In the newest issues of the Darkness we’re told of the Darkness’ origin and its birth into the very creation of the universe, which dates back before time itself. Bathed in vengeance and loath, the Darkness anxiously lusts for a day it can destroy the light which condemns it. Through countless generations, and men, the Darkness has been passed on from one era to the next by the seeds of man, thus killing its previous owner.
Now centuries later the Darkness finds itself in the body Jackie Estacado, mafia goon, killer, and a man who has lost all he loved. Not that Jackie ever had it good in the first place, but the few things he considered family, friends, and love have long been erased from his life, which is why we now find dear Estacado in the far land of Sierra Munoz. Of course with the Darkness constantly chattering in your ear, Jackie hasn’t been idle. In fact he’s the new dictator of Sierra Munoz and has a hidden lair/mansion that would make Batman blush. This is about as peaceful as Jackie’s had it as of late, while he sits on his throne as the semi-peaceful dictator. As you can imagine not all the natives of Sierra Munoz are taking kindly to Jackie’s presence and small factions of guerrilla groups have formed to destroy him. Meanwhile we also learn more about the connection between Jackie and Dr. Kirchner. Apparently Dr. Kirchner has helped Jackie, not only by creating a satisfying drug that eases the minds of the natives but also with something very satisfying for Jackie; a woman. This woman is actually created purely from the Darkness and with that said she obviously lacks the organic equipment necessary to give birth, which definitely plays into Jackie’s favor. You can only imagine how things can go wrong from this point of the story on though. Besides has anyone ever been able to completely trust a mad scientist? Jackie’s dictatorship isn’t going unnoticed either as the United States has picked up on Jackie’s peculiar scent.
The artwork in the Darkness is excellent, from the cover drawn by Silvestri, Keown, Sejic, Weems, and D’armata, to the interior art by Broussard himself. Colorist, Matt Milla does an excellent job of displaying both light and dark effects. When Jackie launches attacks from the shadows the dark grim coloring really matches the ominous look and feel of the series. As an independent comic creator myself, it is also very inspiring and uplifting to see someone like Broussard make it into this challenging industry. I suggest you go out and get your copy of issues 1 and 2 of the Darkness today, you won’t be disappointed.
Additional information regarding The Darkness can be found at www.topcow.com/darkness as well as www.topcow.com
Image Gallery:
