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The Darkness returns with Marc Silvestri Writing

Posted on September 20, 2025 by Graphic Policy Team

Top Cow Productions and Image Comics are set to relaunch one of their most iconic titles this December as The Darkness returns in an all-new ongoing series from original co-creator Marc Silvestri. The new series kicks off with The Darkness (2025) #1, featuring artwork from celebrated artist Ed Benes and a new era for Jackie Estacado, the anti-hero who helped define Top Cow’s universe.

This new series marks Silvestri’s highly anticipated return to the franchise he helped create in 1996. For longtime fans, the relaunch promises a bold expansion of the mythology that made The Darkness a cult phenomenon while introducing fresh twists designed to surprise even its most devoted readers. “The Darkness has always been one of my favorite characters, and I’ve wanted to come back to it for a long time,” says 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 Ed Benes with inks from Matt “Batt!” Banning, Sal Regla, and John Livesay, colors by Arif Prianto, and letters by Troy Peteri. Benes will handle the first issue, while fan-favorite Raymond Gay will join the series starting with issue #2.

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.

The Darkness (2025) #1 arrives in comic shops on December 10, 2025. The issue will launch with an extensive 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.

In a world consumed by shadows…one man becomes The Darkness. Jackie Estacado is back! Thrust into a supernatural war between the dark and the light in a no-holds-barred adventure where the edge of our reality grinds against supernatural forces grappling for control over each other and the waking world.

Mafia Hitman Jackie Estacado was both blessed and cursed on his 21st birthday when he became the bearer of The Darkness, an elemental force that allows those who wield it access to an otherworldly dimension and control over the demons who dwell there. Forces in the world rise up to face Jackie and the evil his gift represents. There is one small problem in this story…evil is good.

Review – Cyber Force #1

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Brett

Really in the end, no matter what I say in this interview you have no excuse not to pick up Top Cow‘s relaunch of Cyber Force. That’s because it should be free. That’s right, digitally, physical copies, it’s free. A full page comic, for free. This audacious and ballsy move is a brilliant (maybe a bit mad) move by Top Cow to use the crowdfunding site Kickstarter to help get this comic series in the hands of folks.

This is the 20th Anniversary of Top Cow and Image Comics and through Kickstarter the first five issues (the first story arc) will be available for free to anyone who wants a copy. Before I get to the review, lets look at how this happened. Top Cow put a project up with a goal of $75,000. 1,419 backers (myself included) chipped in, raising $117,134. It was a great idea and I fully support it, but I felt like I needed to mention this to be totally honest, transparent and open for the review. I went with the $50 limited edition hardcover if anyone cares. And now, onto that review…

Cyber Force #1 co-written by Marc Silvestri and Matt Hawkins with pencils by Khoi Pham, inks by Sal Regla, colors by Sunny Gho and lettering by Troy Peteri is a re-imagining of the Cyber Force we knew. I remember reading the series when it first came out so long ago and was reintroduced when I started up again reading Top Cow comics. Forget what you knew, this is a new direction, a new story, with familiar characters.

The story is all set up, a lot of set up. It’s cool for comic book fans, leaving enough mystery to want to come back for. But, if the goal was to hook non-comic readers, I’m not sure it succeeds, but we’ll get back to that. The first issue has Carin Taylor running from Shoc Troops, teched up cops from what I can tell. She’s running, we’re not quite sure why, but she’s definitely looking for Morgan Stryker, again, we don’t know why. Along that running she runs into Cyber Force, Heatwave, Cyblade, Impact, Ares Prime and Ripclaw, former troops who are now dubbed terrorists. It’s the future, the world looks like it’s gone to shit, but again, we don’t know the details. The teaser text doesn’t shed much more as far as details.

Carin Taylor, codenamed Velocity, has escaped from the CDI-controlled Millennium City and is desperately trying to find the one man she believes can help her prevent the end of the world. When she runs (into) a group of other CDI escapees, will they help her… or turn their backs?

And that’s what works and what doesn’t in this first issue. The set up and way the story is told is engaging to me. The art matches the kinetic story telling, it’s a style I really dig and you see often in Top Cow comics.

I, as a regular comic book reader, don’t mind being teased in the first issue and being forced to come back for more issues to get that first story arc, the expected decompressed story telling of modern comics. But, for folks not used to comic books, there might not be enough there to really hook them, or they may be too frustrated not knowing enough about this world, but I’m not sure that’s who this is intended for. For other comic fans, the comic is free, the next four issues are free. There’s no excuse not to get it when you stop by your shop this week or get it online.

There’s no excuse not to get it no matter what us reviewers think. Here’s a perfect opportunity to check out a comic on your own and make up your own opinion with no risk to your wallet.

Story: Marc Sivestri and Matt Hawkins Art: Khoi Pham

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Preview – Magdalena #12

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Brett

Magdalena #12

story RON MARZ, art NELSON BLAKE II, DAVID MARQUEZ, SAL REGLA & DAVE McCAIG, cover NELSON BLAKE II, SAL REGLA & DAVE McCAIG
Price: $3.99

GUEST-STARRING WITCHBLADE!
Patience, Kristof, and Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini race to retrieve the piece of the One True Cross, before it is once again lost to the world. Will Patience be able to recover the relic or will she share the fate of her ancestor? RON MARZ (ARTIFACTS, WITCHBLADE), NELSON BLAKE II (PILOT SEASON: MURDERER) and DAVID MARQUEZ (Secret Warriors, Days Missing) continue the fan favorite series!

Catch Up On the Event of the Year with the Artifacts Volume 1 Trade Paperback

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

CATCH UP ON THE EVENT OF THE YEAR WITH THE ARTIFACTS VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK

LOS ANGELES, Calif., January 6, 2011 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that fans can catch up on 2010’s event series ARTIFACTS with the ARTIFACTS VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK, which collects the early issues as well as recently sold-out ARTIFACTS #4, out at the end of this month.

With an introductory price of $9.99, readers can discover the series that has everyone buzzing. The paperback collection’s release will coincide with the beginning of the second chapter of the yearlong event.

Separately, thirteen mystical Artifacts will guide the fate of the Universe. Together, thirteen Artifacts will end the Universe. When a mysterious antagonist kidnaps, Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado, Armageddon is put into motion. Starring virtually every character in the Top Cow Universe, this is a series for diehard fans and new readers alike.

Written by Top Cow Universe architect Ron Marz (WITCHBLADE, MAGDALENA) with the art team of Michael Broussard (THE DARKNESS), Rick Basaldua (THE DARKNESS), Sal Regla (MAGDALENA) and Sunny Gho of IFS (VELOCITY), this volume collects ARTIFACTS #1-#4 along with the Free Comic Book Day #0 issue and a beautiful cover gallery, behind-the-scenes extras, and much more!

ARTIFACTS VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK (SEP100528), a 160-page full color comic trade, will be in stores January 26, the same day as ARTIFACTS #5 (Cover A by Klein: OCT100528, Cover B by Christopher: OCT100529, Cover C by Keown: OCT100530).

“ It’s loud, widescreen comic book mayhem that sticks to the roof of your brain” – 4 out 5 stars – Comic Book Resources

“…dramatic and heavy…visually striking…” – Newsarama

“…great writing and great art are in perfect tandem.” – Crave Online

“‘Artifacts’ is a masterful event that presents world-changing stakes while keeping the story grounded with a human center.” – MTV Splashpage

“Top Cow took Marvel and DC to school on how to innovate the event comic with the release of Artifacts.” – IGN

Artifacts #2 Sold Out At Distributor Level; Goes Back for Second Printing

Posted on October 27, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

ARTIFACTS RACE CONTINUES TO HEAT UP

ARTIFACTS #2 SOLD OUT AT DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL; GOES BACK FOR SECOND PRINTING

LOS ANGELES, Calif., October 26, 2010 – Artifacts, Top Cow’s latest Universe event series by writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) with the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity), experienced another sell out at the distributor level for its second issue. A second printing of Artifacts #2 has been sent to Diamond Comics Distributors to meet the demand and will be available in local comic stores tomorrow.

“The reception for Artifacts has been tremendously gratifying,” said Marz. “I feel like Artifacts #1 going back for a third printing was a pretty good indication that if you put together an event storyline that’s accessible to new readers, people will give it a try.”

“So seems like Artifacts #2 selling out is an indication that those people are sticking with the series, which is hugely appreciated. I hope everyone is in for the long haul, because there’s a lot more to come,” added Marz.

Separately, thirteen mystical artifacts guide the fate of the Universe. Together, thirteen Artifacts will end the Universe. When a mysterious antagonist kidnaps, Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado, Armageddon is put into motion. Artifacts brings together a number of plot threads from all over the Top Cow Universe the past few years.

Artifacts #2 2^nd Printing, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores tomorrow, October 27, 2010. The saga continues with Artifacts #3 arriving in stores on November 17.

About Top Cow Productions Inc.

Top Cow Productions, Inc. (www.topcow.com), a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, was founded in December of 1992 by artist Marc Silvestri, who also co-founded Image Comics earlier that same year. Top Cow currently publishes its line of comic books in 21 languages in over 55 different countries. The company has launched 20 franchises (18 original and two licensed) in the industry’s Top 10, seven at #1, a feat accomplished by no other publisher in the last two decades. Its flagship franchise, WITCHBLADE, was TNT’s #1 original film of 2000 and the subsequent TV series was released on DVD on July 29, 2008. WITCHBLADE is also the first American property to be fully adapted in Japan as an original anime and manga by Studio GONZO in 2006. Top Cow’s other flagship property, THE DARKNESS, was developed into a major next-generation video game release by Starbreeze and 2K Games and achieved platinum sales status. WANTED, an Eisner-nominated miniseries published by Top Cow from 2003-2005, is now a major motion picture from Universal Pictures starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman. Virtually all of Top Cow’s other properties are in development as feature films, live-action television, animation or video games. Top Cow has also successfully licensed and merchandised its franchises into toys, statues, clothing, lithographs, puppets, posters, magnets, shot glasses, lighters, lunch pails, wall scrolls, mouse pads, die-cast cars, calendars, Christmas ornaments, Halloween masks, trading cards, standees, video games and roleplaying games.

Preview – Top Cow First Look Trade Paperback – Mysterious Ways #1

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

TOP COW FIRST LOOK VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK

(W) Christos Gage, Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman, Jason Rubin, B. Clay Moore, Joshua Hale Fialkov, John Mahoney and Filip Sablik
(A) Jorge Lucas, Afua Richardson, Tyler Kirkham, Nelson Blake II and Thomas Nachlik
(Cov) Top Cow’s Finest

Six New #1 Issues for only Five Bucks!
In an unparalleled publishing initiative, Top Cow proudly presents a collection of six never-before-seen first issues of upcoming series bound in a single collection. Sunset by Christos Gage (Avengers Academy) and Jorge Lucas (The Darkness) tells the tale of an old Vegas enforcer on a quest for revenge in his twilight years. The Pilot Season 2008 winning team of Marc Bernardin & Adam Freeman (The Authority) and Afua Richardson (Cyblade) returns with Genius—a story of a young African-American military genius taking over LA’s gangs. Jason Rubin (The Iron Saint) and Tyler Kirkham (Green Lantern Corps) unveil the supernatural murder-mystery Mysterious Ways. B. Clay Moore (Hawaiian Dick) and Nelson Blake II (Magdalena) take you deep into space horror with Black Vault. And reintroducing Top Cow’s Minotaur imprint come two dark series: Joshua Hale Fialkov & Rahsan Ekedal’s (The Cleaners) generational serial killer Echoes, and Last Mortal, a supernatural noir adventure from Filip Sablik, John Mahoney, and Thomas Nachlik.

160 PAGES / Full Color / TRADE PAPERBACK / $4.99

Review – Top Cow First Look

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Brett

I’ll just cut to the chase when it comes to Top Cow First Look, this is a must buy. Six fantastic stories for $4.99. Less than $1 an issue, this is a no brainer. So, where do I begin with each tale, I guess it’s easiest to take them one at a time and just praise each of them in their own little way with a modified review.

Genius is written by Marc Bernardin and Adam Freeman with art by Troy Peteri. Someone’s united all of the gangs in Los Angeles. One cop believes this person exists and the LAPD is dealing with a very bright individual. But would anyone believe that leader is a woman? The story is original, the art is great and I wanted more and more. This kick ass story starts off this steal. Rating: 9

Sunset, takes on a man who has a mysterious past. Written by Christos Gage and the art by Jorge Lucas, this is a mix of Dirty Harry or Gran Torino. A revenge tale with a lot of ass kicking. The entire issue is a build, and ends just as it’s getting good. Great story, and great art. Rating: 9

Mysterious Ways is the weakest of the bunch, but still really good. Written by Jason Rubin with pencils by Tyler Kirkham and inks by Sal Regla is the story of a gruesome murder and some spiritual things behind it. My biggest issue with this story is it’s a bit choppy and part just don’t make sense. Still the art is tight, and it’s entertaining. Rating: 8

Black Vault is something I didn’t see coming. To say why it’s so good is to reveal the twist at the end. This story written by B. Clay Moore and art by Nelson Blake II takes place on the International Space Station and involves a very mysterious crew who arrive with a cargo that’s not quite what it seems. This has tons of potential and I want to see where it goes. Rating: 9.5

The final two entries are from Minotaur Press who are being picked up by Top Cow.

Echoes by the brilliant Joshua Hale Fialkov with art by Rashan Ekedal is so beyond twisted and so freaking good. This a psycological thriller along with the likes of Silence of the Lambs. You know where this is going, and the pacing and build up are perfect. I love the black and white art (it’s a perfect fit) and can’t imagine what comes next. This is so good I hope folks are seriously taking a look at it for the big or small screen. Rating: 10

The final story of the bunch is Last Mortal, written by John Mahoney and Filip Sablik with art by Thomas Nachlik. A very interesting tale that doesn’t reveal what’s going on until the very last panel. It’s one story that crosses over into something totally different. Again this is a black and white comic, which works for it. A very creative and engaging beginning that sucks you right in. Rating: 9

Check out our extended thoughts below.

Top Cow First Look Volume 1 Trade Paperback

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

SIX NEW #1 TOP COW ISSUES FOR ONLY FIVE BUCKS

TOP COW FIRST LOOK VOLUME 1 TRADE PAPERBACK

LOS ANGELES, Calif., September 2, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that the publisher will be releasing six new #1 issues in the upcoming Top Cow First Look Volume 1 trade paperback. Scheduled to be in stores October 6, 2010, the Top Cow First Look is a new publishing initiative that will allow readers to sample new titles from six dramatically different creative teams in a single collection at a reasonable price point.

For readers new to Top Cow, the Top Cow First Look trade will provide an exclusive “first look” at the publisher’s latest creation in the crime noir, suspense, urban action, space horror, supernatural mystery and revenge genres. The follow titles are collected in the first volume:

One of the winners of the 2008 Top Cow Pilot Season, Marc Bernardin, Adam Freeman and Afua Richardson present the first issue in their upcoming miniseries, Genius centers on the story of a young African-American military genius taking over Los Angeles’ gangs.

Written by Christos Gage (Avengers Academy) with by the art team of Jorge Lucas (The Darkness) and Felix Serrano, Sunset tells the tale of an old Vegas enforcer on a quest for revenge in his twilight years.

Writer Jason Rubin (The Iron Saint), penciler Tyler Kirkham (Green Lantern Corps), inker Sal Regla and colorist Arif Prianto of IFS, unveils the supernatural murder-mystery Mysterious Ways.

B. Clay Moore, Nelson Blake II and Dave McCaig take you deep into space horror with Black Vault.

Kicking off the newly relaunched Minotaur Press line, Joshua Hale Fialkov and Rahsan Ekedal bring you a haunting generational serial killer tale with Echoes.

Written by John Mahoney and Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik with art by Thomas Nachlik present you a supernatural noir adventure about a small time criminal who discovers he cannot die with Last Mortal.

Artifacts #1 Goes to Third Printing Plus Artifacts #0 In Its Entirety

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

TOP COW CELEBRATES A FIRST WITH ARTIFACTS

ARTIFACTS #1 GOES TO THIRD PRINTING

LOS ANGELES, Calif., August 31, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. is proud to announce that the first issue from their mega-event series, Artifacts, has sold out for a second time at Diamond and will head back to the printers for a third printing to meet demand, a first in Top Cow history.

The dynamic pairing of writer Ron Marz (Witchblade) with the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity) delivers one of the most accessible and engaging event series to date.

”The rapid sales velocity on Artifacts #1 has been incredibly gratifying and a testament to the fantastic work that the entire creative team of Ron Marz, Michael Broussard, Rick Basaldua, Sal Regla, and Sunny Gho have been doing,” commented Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, “We’ve never gone to a third printing, but this is our biggest event to date and we want our retail partners to know that we are fully behind it.”

“Obviously I’m thrilled we’re going go to a third printing of Artifacts #1,” said Marz. “Huge thanks to the readers and retailers for supporting the book. The most gratifying aspect to the whole thing is that a lot of new readers are trying out Artifacts, finding it absolutely accessible, and using it as their gateway into the Top Cow Universe.”

Bringing together a number of plot threads from all over the Top Cow Universe the past few years, Top Cow’s first foray into a universe-tying event has been well-received across comic book and pop culture communities, including Comic Book Resources, Newsarama, Comic Vine, iFanboy, Techland, USA Today and many, many more taking notice.

Artifacts #1 3^rd Printing, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.99, will be in stores September 22, 2010. The saga continues with Artifacts #2 arriving in stores the same day.

About Top Cow Productions Inc.

Top Cow Celebrates Artifacts’ Launch & Sell-Out at Two Release Parties

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Brett

Official Press Release

TOP COW CELEBRATES ARTIFACTS’ LAUNCH & SELL-OUT AT TWO RELEASE PARTIES

ARTIFACTS #1 BY TOP COW HAS SOLD OUT; REPRINTS OF ARTIFACTS #1 ON ITS WAY

LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 28, 2010 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that copies of Artifacts #1, have sold out at the distributor level. A second printing of Artifacts #1 is being sent to Diamond Comics Distributors to meet the demand for the publisher’s 13-issue mega-event series and will be available in upcoming weeks.

Written by Ron Marz (Witchblade, Green Lantern) and featuring the art team of Michael Broussard (The Darkness), Rick Basaldua (The Darkness), Sal Regla (Magdalena) and Sunny Gho of IFS (Velocity), the Artifacts event series promises to be Top Cow’s most ambitious art series to date and will weave together story lines from a number of Top Cow titles. The first issue kicks off with the abduction of Hope, the daughter of Sara Pezzini and Jackie Estacado and quickly spirals into a conspiracy, which threatens to destroy the entire Top Cow Universe.

”We have been working on Artifacts for almost two years and nothing has been more gratifying than hearing and seeing the reaction from reviewers and fans alike,” commented Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik. “Ron, Michael, Rick, Sal, Sunny, and Marc have delivered a breath-taking, show-stopping first issue and let me assure you, we are just getting warmed up.”

“We’ve been talking about Artifacts being a chance to put our best foot forward, so to speak, in terms of introducing the entire Top Cow Universe to readers,” added Marz. “So I’m absolutely thrilled with the response we’ve received, especially going to a second printing so quickly. I’m proud of what Michael and I and everyone else on the creative and editorial teams has produced, and I want to get it into as many hands as possible.”

On Saturday, July 31^st, Top Cow will co-host two bi-coastal launch parties to celebrate the release of this momentous first issue. The Los Angeles release party will be held at Collector’s Paradise from 7-10pm PST. Broussard, Basaldua, and Publisher Filip Sablik will be at the event signing copies of the Collector’s Paradise exclusive variant cover of Artifacts #1, as well as an exclusive limited edition print featuring art from Broussard. Collector’s Paradise is located at 7131 Winnetka Ave in Canoga Park. Additional information can be found at the store’s website at http://comicsandcards.net.

The New York release party will be held at Midtown Comics at Times Square from 3-5pm EST. Marz will be at the event signing copies of the Midtown Comics’ exclusive variant cover of Artifacts #1. Midtown Comics is located at 200 W 40^th Street (Corner of 7^th Avenue) in New York. Additional information can be found at the store’s website at http://www.midtowncomics.com/.

Momentum for the race to Artifacts began after the publisher released an Artifacts guide as part of the Top Cow Artifacts #0 Free Comic Book Day issue. Artifacts #1 is the perfect place for faithful readers to see their loyalty pay off, and for new readers to enter the Top Cow Universe.

Artifacts #1’s success joins other recent sold-out Top Cow titles – The Darkness/Pitt #1, The Darkness/Pitt #2, Tracker #1, Pilot Season: Murderer #1, Pilot Season: Demonic #1, Angelus #1, Angelus #2 and Magdalena #1.

Artifacts #1 Second Printing will be in stores August 18^th, 2010.

Artifacts #2 will arrive in stores August 25^th, 2010.

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