Review: Darkhold #1

Darkhold is a fun, character driven event book with a solid focus on Scarlet Witch. The event book highlights what might become to very important elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Book of Darkhold seen in WandaVision and the devilish Chthon who many have theorized is the next big bad in the Spiderverse.

This issue is made even stronger by incredible art by Cian Tormey and color work by Jesus Aburtov which makes each page a treat while balancing superheroics with horror elements. Add to that the very welcome inclusion of Dr Doom and this book feels like a complete meal.

The story begins with the discovery of the Darkhold. Wanda feels it’s return through a monstrous nightmare of the Marvel Universe falling under the thrall of Chthon. Victorious has found Darkhold for Dr Doom. Through the technology of his Doombots, Doom is able to read the book without becoming demonic. Wanda arrives to try and stop them.

Doom alludes to the respect he has for Wanda after their prior encounter in Heinberg’s Childrens Crusade book. Wanda reveals that Doom’s actions have freed Chthon and entreats Doom to use what he has gained to stop him. Doom reveals the five who might be able to stop Chthon: The Dreamer, The Fool, The Stoic, The Hunter and The Artist. In the Marvel Universe this lines up with Iron Man, Spider-Man, Black Bolt, Blade and Wasp.

Even while Doom foolishly tries to take down Chthon on his own, Wanda gathers these heroes. After a debate with Black Bolt that seems fairly unnecessary to the story, and some brainless quips by Spidey which feel out of character, the heroes agree to help. Doom returns near destroyed but still refuses to work with Wanda and the heroes. Worse when the heroes glance at the book of Darkhold rather than simply becoming empowered, they become the monstrous Darkhold Defiled.

This issue sets up an interesting conflict and the art is great, especially with the designs of the Defiled. Smaller event series are clearly the way to go for Marvel right now and Steve Orlando has crafted a fun one.

Writing: 4.0 of 5 stars
Art: 4.3 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.3 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.2 of 5 stars

Writer: Steve Orlando
Art: Cian Tormey
Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.