Marc Silvestri’s ‘The Darkness’ Celebrates 30 Years This December

by Olly MacNamee

Co-created by Image Comics co-founder and CEO of Top Cow Productions Marc Silvestri, as well as Garth Ennis and David Wohl, The Darkness will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. And to mark the occasion Image/Top Cow has two new one-shots coming next month to your local comic book store. The Darkness 30th Anniversary Art Gallery #1 (a special art collection featuring selected imagery that spans the entire 30-year legacy of The Darkness) and The Darkness Vs The Magdalena #1 by Silvestri, with co-writers Matt Hawkins and Ryan Cady and artists Pat Boutin, David Lapham, Zul Kamarrudin, plus a very special limited edition The Darkness 30th Anniversary Blind Bag for The Darkness (2025) #10, with only 1,996 available.

Here’s the lowdown on The Darkness vs. The Magdalena #1:

“In this highly collectible one-shot issue, the Magdalena returns. Like most supernatural do-gooders, the Order of the Magdalena has tangled with Darkness wielders over the centuries … but their histories are more intertwined than most. In this oversized special, witness the Darkness’ influence over the Warriors of the Blood Divine in three different stories, from 0 AD Istanbul all the way up to the grungy, industrial 1990s. This will also feature a chapter showcasing Top Cow’s 2026 Talent Hunt winner Zul Kamarrudin!”

And here’s the synopsis for The Darkness (2025) #10 blind bag:

“And at last, in the upcoming installment of the ongoing series, The Darkness (2025) #10 — by Silvestri with art by Raymond Gay, Agustin Padilla, and Arif Prianto — only the Angelus stands between Sonatine and the ultimate power, and the odds are against her. If there can be any hope for humanity, it comes from Jackie Estacado … but even if he could be resurrected, would he really choose to?”

The blind bags will feature exclusive variant covers exclusive variant by Joe Benitez and Joe Weems from The Darkness vs. Magdalena (line art cover), Marc Silvestri, David Mack, which could be one random The Darkness Top Cow Store Spot Foil Exclusive variant, one rare ratio variant (guaranteed to be at least a 1:25, but could even be a 1:250 incentive ratio variant signed by Marc Silvestri with a Top Cow C.O.A.).

Speaking of this anniversary, Silvestri said:

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since we first introduced Jackie Estacado and The Darkness to the world,” said Silvestri. “What started as an idea for a character who could be both a monster and a hero has grown into something far bigger than any of us imagined. Over the years, some of the most talented creators in comics have helped shape this universe, and the fans have kept it alive through every twist and turn. Thirty years later, we’re still finding new stories to tell, new ways to push the boundaries, and new reasons to love these characters. That’s pretty damn cool.”