The Darkness #78 – Review

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’m glad that it looks like Phil Hester is about to get The Darkness back on track. While I’ve enjoyed the re-launch of The Darkness quite a bit, there’s no denying that something has been missing.

The Story: Jackie wants to regain some measure of control and power. To do so he must take out the Sovereign…

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Top Cow Welcomes Nelson Blake II to the Pit

(LOS ANGELES, CA)—April 14, 2009—Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that newcomer artist Nelson Blake II (Broken Trinity: Witchblade, GI Joe: Reloaded) will draw The Darkness #78. The issue, with is scheduled for a June 2009 release, will explore what happens when current Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado becomes fed up with the mysterious Sovereign, who has kept Jackie on a wild goose chase to recover his full power for the past few issues.

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Comic Addiction reviews The Darkness #75

Before we move any further into the review I want to say "thank you" to Top Cow for renumbering this series with the overall numbering that had been sort of been there, but not really there. For those of you not keeping score at home, this is the third volume of Darkness and I'm a bit OCD and hate new volumes and renumbering, so I was so happy to see that Top Cow put the numbering back on track with this milestone issue. OK. Enough of that - let's get into the book!

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Darkness: Lodbrok's Hand artist Michael Avon Oeming signing at Comic Stop

January 21, 2009 – A real triple-header event, The Comic Stop in Lynnwood, WA is hosting a store signing with the creators of MICE TEMPLAR, followed by the debut of the world’s first real comic book band KIRBY KRACKLE and finished off with a party!

First off, the signing with MIKE AVON OEMING and BRYAN GLASS will take place from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, January 31st. A perfect opportunity for you to get your Mice Templar HC signed by both creators, plus Mike will also have his brand new Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand one-shot available as well.

In addition, Mike is celebrating his birthday that day, so make sure to swing by and wish him a Happy Birthday!

Immediately after the signing, KIRBY KRACKLE will hit the stage, playing cuts from their self-titled debut CD. KIRBY KRACKLE is the world’s first comic book band, a unique sound of music with lyrics based off of the best that pop culture has to offer. Their style of music can be called Geek Rock, Nerd Core and/or Comic Rock. Whatever you want to call it, it’s like nothing you’ve ever heard before.

After the show, the festivities don’t end as The Comic Stop hosts an after party with food and drinks, prizes and more!

The Comic Stop is the largest chain of comic book stores in Washington State with three locations to serve you. Visit us at http://www.comicstoponline.com

Kirby Krackle is the world’s first comic book band. Check them out at myspace.com/kirbykracklemusic

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Girls Entertainment Network reviews THE DARKNESS: LODBROK’S HAND

Summary: The unique stylings of superstar artist Michael Avon Oeming (POWERS, MICE TEMPLAR) are a perfect match for a Darkness and Vikings tale by current series writer Phil Hester!

In a barbaric age lost to history, mad kings sacrifice their subjects to strange gods, dragons fill the sky, witches weave their spells, warriors wade through bloodstained snow, and still The Darkness reigns. LODBROK’S HAND is Viking mayhem on an epic scale with an intense twist only The Darkness can provide!

Features a jaw-dropping variant cover by Massimo Carnevale (NORTHLANDERS, Y: THE LAST MAN)!

Review: What do you get when smooth, painted visuals and fine, old-fashioned storytelling come together? Well, in this case, you get The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand. READ MORE.

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The Darkness Lodbrok’s Hand review

By Phil Hester (Writer), Michael Avon Oeming (Artist), and Val Staples (Colorist)

The Story: A one-and-done comic set sometime long ago in The Darkness universe, Lodbrok’s Hand is a cautionary story about a man’s (good-intentioned) strive for power and the cost that it carries. Lodbrok, his sister, and some others are the few that remain of a village following a brutal raid lead by the tyrant Grimur. The group goes off in search of the legendary Forbidden Horn in the hopes of summoning The Black Captain and his twisted crew in order to even the odds against the might of Grimur. As with similar stories, there is a price to be paid for the powers called forth by the Forbidden Horn, regardless of the success or failure they bring.

What’s Good: I consider this one-shot to be such a success because the creative team manages to make a very familiar story feel like something fresh and almost brand new. First off, Phil Hester’s script effectively captures the feeling of a tale being spoken aloud by a master storyteller; something that is crucial to the book considering how the story told in Lodbrok’s Hand is framed. Secondly, the artwork by Michael Avon Oeming (colored by Val Staples) does a great job of capturing the dark, foreboding nature of Lodbrok’s quest. From the blood-drenched action scenes to the bizarre, supernatural nature of The Black Captain and his ship, Lodbrok’s Hand is a visual treat. READ MORE.

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Inked reviews LODBROK’S HAND

Whenever you have Michael Avon Oeming involved in a tale about Vikings you’re sure to have a quality title on your hands. Teaming up with writer Phil Hester for this one-shot, The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand transports us to the Northlands as we’re treated to a tale of one Vikings struggle with the Darkness as they battle fellow Northlanders.

The story opens with Lodbrok, a Viking longship captain, searching for something lost to him long ago. The story is narrated by one of the ships superiors who tells of how Lodbrok lost his hand. We’re transported back to a youthful Lodbrok who’s leading a rag tag band of fighters against a powerful warlord. Lodbrok is searching for The Black Captain, the Darkness wielder of that time, who can help him defeat the armies of the mad king. The Darkness agrees to help Lodbrok defeat his foes, but it exacts a price. The Black Captain will take the bravest warrior to be his shipmate and fellow warrior.

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