“That… that was the first time I died” – Jackie Estacado

Throughout the series, Jackie uses his powers to rip, break, slaughter, mutilate and end thousands of humans, demons, demon like angels and other spawns of Holy and Unholy alike. Unlike traditional superheroes, Jackie (and other Image comic characters) don’t think twice about making things personal. When they see the bloodied, chopped bodies of their loved ones, they don’t hesitate to do some chopping of their own. Jackie uses the darkness to create one of the best creatures I have ever come across “The Darklings”. These little impish creatures wreck havoc with their spastic streaks of ultra-violence and their first instinct is to eat anything or screw anything that moves. Interestingly the shape and form of these darklings are often modelled on popular cultural icons and symbols thus giving them a whole new dimension. Jacky has been seen to create other entities as well like tendrils with jaws, dinosaurs and even flying zombie-dragons (against superman). But it is his darklings that get most of the attention and for obvious reasons.

As we read along, we get to know about his childhood, the incidents that shaped the man that Jackie turned out to be, his issues. The best part about this character is the strong “Human element” or Human Nature that is present inspite of the super powers. He makes mistakes, reacts in anger, seeks vengeance and has a messed up love life. The Darkness truly provide a completely different perspective on the lives of individuals wielding superhuman abilities and is a fresh new breeze (well, that also carries the stench of blood, tears and burning flesh) to those who are bored with the typical super-hero-serve the justice cliche. The Darkness is thus a comic series that is dark and gory but is one that I would also call a truly “Human”  series.

“When I was little, we used to jump in and out of the tracks here in the subway. Those of us who survived, we really loved that game.” – Jacky Estacado