On your 21st birthday you’re endowed the magical legal ability to imbibe alcohol. Jackie Estacado was given a different gift – the Darkness.

Jackie is a mafia hitman, caught in the middle of a mob war. Suddenly he’s given superhuman powers and commands the forces of Hell. Unfortunately, this new power brings down the wrath of beings much more ominous than a rival gang.

This 1,200-page tome collects the first 40 issues of one of Top Cow’s flagship books. Premiering in 1996, it features contributions from writer Garth Ennis and artist Marc Silvestri.

It’s nothing revolutionary, but for those looking for a violent mix of seedy mafia figures and Heaven and Hell clashes, it delivers the goods.

Grade: B

The Darkness (Compendium Edition) is currently available.