The Darkness #1
The Darkness #1 (2002) introduces a brutal, emotionally charged origin where Jackie, haunted by his past, returns to his mob family only to face suspicion after his uncle's death. When new boss Paulie destroys the orphanage that shaped him as a twisted lesson, Jackie retaliates with fury—only to unleash the ancient, monstrous force known as the Darkness in the dark. Written by Paul Jenkins and illustrated by Dale Keown, with bold cover art by Keown, this first issue sets a violent, personal tone that defines the series.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Cast · 3 characters
Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Jackie returns home where his mob family has quite a few questions and concerns about his part in the death of his uncle, mob boss Jimmy Franchetti. As an object lesson to put Jackie in his place, new boss Paulie blows up the orphanage where Jackie was raised. Jackie invades Paulie's lair with guns blazing and, once someone turns out the lights, the demons of the Darkness emerge and kill everyone in the room.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).