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Controlling the Darkness
Talking About Top Cow's The Darkness Writer Phil Hester

by Eric Ratcliffe

Welcome to another edition of Controlling the Darkness where I, Eric Ratcliffe, and writer/artist extraordinaire Phil Hester talk all things Darkness. This issue had our "hero" come face to face with the Bog and the Scab in a very interesting fight that no one came out unscathed from. So let's jump right in!

Eric: So I guess as he revealed at the beginning, the Scab isn't a complete monster? Or was he being sarcastic about getting his feelings hurt?

Phil: Probably a little of both. I wrote that "you hurt my feelings" bit as an homage to the great scene in Fistful of Dollars when Clint tells the Baxters he doesn't "think it's nice, you laughin'".

Eric: I like how throughout the entire issue Jackie seems more annoyed than pissed off due to the first few pages. Do you think that's the case?

Phil: Oh, most definitely. Especially the way the whole caper ends leaves him with a pronounced sense of annoyance.

Eric: So I'm confused about the scab in general...is that hand of his going to regrow? Does he need to find a replacement part to attach? What's the deal with that?

Phil: Nope. It's like he explained to the two hoods in the car. He just simply doesn't feel pain, making him fearless. He has no special regenerative powers. When next we see him he will be either handless of have a prosthetic.

Eric: Can the Bog speak at all? Or is it more a creature than a man?

Phil: No. At some point in the distant past before he was cursed he could speak, but now he's a big mess.

Eric: Why would Jackie care so much over a tiny version of the Sovereign?

Phil: He wouldn't. That's the ironic twist of the story. He knows from The Sovereign's list (from when Jackie took over his HQ in issues 78-79) that a statue is secured in that temple, but has no idea of its size, etc. So, after all the bloodshed and heartache we find it's nothing more than a decayed figurine now worn as a pendant.

Eric: So our lead character was on maybe a total of 6 pages this issue. was it fun focusing on the supporting cast and all the chaos instead of Jackie?

Phil: That was the point of the mini-arc, to sort of show how Jackie's violent world ripples out from him at the epicenter, even when he's off panel. We feature the team in 82-3 to show just how capable they are on their own, although Jackie is definitely at center stage.

Eric: How has the reception to the bog and scab been so far?

Phil: Pretty positive, especially toward Scab, who seems to hit all the right, disgusting notes Darkness fans crave!

Eric: I also really love the fact that the Darkness has backmatter - who's idea was that? I mean the cool little history lessons in the back as well as the letters page.

Phil: That's completely from editorial. I love it, too. Filip and Phillip really do their best to make sure Top Cow readers are getting a decent bang for their buck and this backmatter is just another example.

Eric: Is this it for you artwise on the series, Phil? I have to say that seeing you back on art on anything definitely made me smile.

Phil: Probably. I mean, it was fun, but I think my style falls outside of normal Top Cow/Darkness parameters. That's not to say I'll never draw anything at Top Cow again, I probably will, but it will more likely be a book built for my style, like a creator owned pitch.

Eric: You mean after the stuff you've done with The Darkness you'd still have to pitch? ;)

Phil: Hey, man. Alan Moore and Stan Lee still have to pitch.

Eric: I really have to say that I haven't enjoyed The Darkness as much as when you've been on it. you've really changed Jackie and his world for the better Phil!

Phil: Thanks, man! It's been a real blast, and we finally get into fourth gear between 85-100. Hang in there.

Eric: So both the Bog and Scab leave the issue in pieces, was that just a gag you enjoyed a lot?

Phil: You might notice I'd been setting them up as parallel monsters through the story. The scene in which Scab complains about not having physical sensations is meant to mirror the scene at the beginning of the issue where Bog laments his lack of sensations. Both characters are driven to the point of obsession, and like you mentioned, they both wind up in pieces... but not dead.

Eric: That's definitely something I didn't pick up on through my first read, kind of the flip side of the coin both characters. Hell the fight they had was pretty awesome. It adds a unique level to the story as well. Did scab ever get that drink by the way?

Phil: You'll have to petition Top Cow for the all-new ongoing Scab monthly to find out.

Eric: So what can readers expect from the next issue Phil?

Phil: #82 reveals an as yet unseen facet of the Angelus' power, an attack on the British Museum, an assault on Fort Knox, and the return of a character we haven't seen since the Empire arc.

Well that's it for this month readers! Join us here next month for discussion of all things related to The Darkness!

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Eric Ratcliffe is a young writer/pop culture journalist/interviewer currently working on pitching a project named the Hunter chronicles. When not reading his weekly stack Eric can be found watching DVDs, playing on his 360 (gamertag: Zack Hunter) or just surfing online trying to find a scoop or two. Brand new to the Comic Related family, Eric is a fun new voice. Eric shops at TJ's Collectibles. Visit them on the web at www.tjcollect.com!