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Top Cow Productions CEO Marc Silvestri has assembled a team-up with DC Comics' Superman and Image Comics' Darkness, to the curious delight of comic book fans. The story is an explosive and intriguing mob turf war set in the city of Metropolis.

Jackie Estacado (a.k.a. Darkness) is a hit man and is in Metropolis to move in on another gangster named Mr. Grasso. While Estacado dines at a restaurant, a lone figure comes in to confront Estacado about returning to New York, or else. Estacado replies with a warning of his own, at which point the room is surrounded by a horde of menacing demons that attack the lone figure.

Jimmy Olson, on a tip from a coworker, hears about a shipment of drugs arriving at the marina that night. A showdown with Grasso and Estacado at the marina may happen. At the meeting both men assert themselves as wanting to be in charge of the family business and the territory in Metropolis. The words are sharp; no compromise is met and the bullets start flying.

Enter Superman, who confronts the one and only man standing in the fray, Jackie Estacado. Superman tells Estacado to leave his city and he means now! Estacado tells Superman to let him run his mafia organization in Metropolis and turn his ear and eyes or suffer the consequences of Darkness.

Superman is ready for the onslaught of Darkness’ evil minions, but starts to falter and weaken, not by the demons but from the maniacal Metallo's Kryptonite-encased heart. Metallo taunts the man of steel by holding the one thing he cherishes most of all, Lois Lane. The close of issue #2 defines what issue #1 had set up: an extravaganza of action and an explosive ending.

Darkness and Superman must make a truce and try to get what each wants. Superman wants the safe return of Lois, and Darkness needs to rule Metropolis’s crime underworld.

Who will prevail? And who will suffer a bitter defeat?

Ron Marz writes an intriguing story of mixed emotions and loyalties (protecting a city vs. ruling a mafia family). Tyler Kirkham did a remarkable job with the pencils, especially regarding his expressions and the depictions of action. Matt Banning's inking was great; the detail given to the characters was top notch. John Starr's colors were true to all color schemes of the uniforms and the atmosphere of the demons (dark and brooding) was good.

The panels just pop right at you; the battle scene spread pages in issue #2 were outstanding, and the spread pages in both issues were abundant. Both issues were quite interesting to read, with the buildup of who is going to face whom. It was what they used to call (back in the day) an all-out donnybrook for the control of Metropolis. So the battle royal was Superman, Darkness, and Metallo with Lois Lane caught in the fray. This two issue classic is one for the ages. With a great storyline and explosive artwork that rocks.

Also included:

Hunter / Killer preview

Mark Waid and Marc Silvestri, give the reader a preview of this new series. This four-page preview (eight pages total with both issues) is really just a teaser and it does just that: tease, tease, tease. The story involves a succubus (demon) who is also an assassin, fighting another assassin. In the segment in Darkness / Superman #2, the events pick up after the issue H/K #0 and are a preview to H/K #1. [Note: as of this posting, Hunter / Killer #0 can be read online at Top Cow's web site. —Ed.]

Kudos to Image comics, DC Comics and Top Cow Productions for bringing this mega team-up to comic book fans. I give this comic book series issues 1 and 2 together a 5.0 rating. Fantastic artwork, great story, and a preview of Hunter / Killer with each issue! What more can a reader ask for?