THE LEGENDARY MARC SILVESTRI WILL RELAUNCH HIS ICONIC THE DARKNESS SERIES THIS DECEMBER

The iconic, long-running The Darkness will return this December with as an all-new ongoing series from original co-creator and Image Comics CEO Marc Silvestri (Cyber Force, Batman and the Joker: The Deadly Duo) and published by Image Comics/Top Cow Productions. Featuring artwork by celebrated artist Ed Benes (Birds of Prey, Justice League of America), The Darkness (2025) #1 will usher in a new era for the genre-defining Top Cow Universe anti-hero, Jackie Estacado.

This new series marks Silvestri’s long-awaited return to the franchise he co-created in 1996, promising a thrilling expansion of The Darkness mythology with fresh twists to surprise even its most devoted fans.

“The Darkness has always been one of my favorite characters, and I’ve wanted to come back to it for a long time,” said Silvestri. “Fans have been asking for years when Jackie would return, and now we get to deliver something truly special. This is going to feel familiar, but it’s going to take you places you’ve never been before.”

The Darkness (2025) #1 will feature pencils by Benes with inks from Matt “Batt!” Banning, Sal Regla, and John Livesay, colors by Arif Prianto, and letters by Troy Peteri.

It will also launch with an eye-popping lineup of variant covers from Silvestri, Benes, and acclaimed artist David Mack, along with blank sketch options, high-ratio incentives, and ultra-rare signed and original art editions for collectors.

Fan-favorite Raymond Gay (Gunslinger Spawn, TMNT) will take up Benes’ mantle on interior pencils for The Darkness (2025) #2.

Originally launched nearly three decades ago, The Darkness quickly became one of Top Cow’s most popular properties, spawning spin-off series, crossovers, and two acclaimed video game adaptations. The title built a loyal following among fans of supernatural thrillers and morally complex anti-heroes, standing alongside genre heavyweights. The new series aims to capture that same energy while pushing its narrative into even darker, more unpredictable territory.

Silvestri added: “This isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a reinvention. We’re going back to what made The Darkness such a hit: its grit, its danger, its sense that power always comes with a price. But this time, we’re turning everything up to eleven. Jackie’s world is going to expand in ways readers never expected.”

The story once again follows Jackie Estacado, a mafia hitman who inherits a terrifying gift on his 21st birthday: an elemental force known as The Darkness, which grants him dominion over creatures from another realm. As supernatural forces wage war over reality itself, Jackie must navigate a brutal conflict where good and evil are anything but clear.

Whether readers have followed Jackie Estacado from the beginning or are entering the shadows for the first time, there’s never been a better moment to embrace The Darkness.

The Darkness (2025) #1 will be available at local comic book shops on Wednesday, December 10:

Cover A by Silvestri & Prianto
Cover B by Benes & Prianto
Cover C by Mack
Cover D Sketch Cover
Cover E 1:10 copy incentive by Benes & Prianto
Cover F 1:25 copy incentive by Mack
Cover G 1:50 copy incentive by Silvestri & Prianto
Cover H 1:100 copy incentive by Benes
Cover I 1:250 copy incentive B&W virgin Silvestri
Cover J 1:500 copy incentive B&W signed virgin Silvestri
Cover K 1:1,000 copy incentive Silvestri original art sketch

The Darkness (2025) #1 will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play.

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!