The Darkness: Close Your Eyes (One-Shot) Review

After a hiatus this brand is getting a one-shot, but should fans even bother picking it up? Read on to find out.

The official description from Image:

ALES KOT (ZERO, WILD CHILDREN) joins MARO OLEKSICKI (Judge Dredd, Predator, Books of Magick) to deliver this special Darkness one-shot! Los Angeles more than a hundred years ago: a different place, yet the sun still burns down the ground and the oilfields flow. This is a story of another Estacado. This is a story of love. This is a story of death.

Maybe it’s because it’s been so long since this I’ve gotten to enjoy some new material from this dark corner of the Top Cow line-up, but I have to say that this was easily a rewarding journey. The creative team stumbled slightly with the finish but the ultimate goal of the narrative path and worthwhile nature of this release more than made up for it.

Ales Kot pens a chilling but honest portrayal of a time and lifestyle that I’m willing to bet that many comic enthusiasts are unfamiliar with. It speaks to the core of what makes this entire family unique, as Adelmo Estacado represents his bloodline and circumstances in a wholly believable way. The description is spot on as the author grabs his audience and ushers them into a tale of love and death that may come off as a bit of a tangent but manages to become a welcome extension for the currently absent monthly series.

The art to me is what honestly made this endeavor, as Marek Oleksicki proved instantly that he was up to the task. Using thick and thin details lines to convey mood, substance and the right amount of detail this talent proves his worth with an array of panels that are largely complimentary. Further cementing the visuals are the colors done by Sloan Leong, which offer an even more in-depth exploration of this narrative.

The Darkness: Close Your Eyes (One-Shot) is a compelling story with a abrupt ending. Even so it ushers in more legacy for the property while earning praise. Highly recommended.