The Darkness presents the stand-alone issue, Lobrok’s Hand.
The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand
Writer: Phil Hester
Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
Covers: Michael Avon Oeming (A) and Massimo Carnevale (B, below)
Summary: The unique stylings of superstar artist Michael Avon Oeming (POWERS, MICE TEMPLAR) are a perfect match for a Darkness and Vikings tale by current series writer Phil Hester!
In a barbaric age lost to history, mad kings sacrifice their subjects to strange gods, dragons fill the sky, witches weave their spells, warriors wade through bloodstained snow, and still The Darkness reigns. LODBROK’S HAND is Viking mayhem on an epic scale with an intense twist only The Darkness can provide!
Features a jaw-dropping variant cover by Massimo Carnevale (NORTHLANDERS, Y: THE LAST MAN)!
Review: What do you get when smooth, painted visuals and fine, old-fashioned storytelling come together? Well, in this case, you get The Darkness: Lodbrok’s Hand.
This one-shot was a fun romp away from the modern adventures of Jackie Estacado, exploring instead a fantasy Viking tale that serves as an alternate, almost mythological approach to the legend of the Darkness.
Rest assured—this issue is definitely worth picking up and also returning to from time to time. The comic begins when members of the crew of a Viking ship inquire about their captain Lodbrok, who is always perched on the prow day or night and only has one hand. Their reply is in the style of an old campfire or bedtime story, so count in all the good stuff like magic, battle, loss, and trickery.
Going back to when Lodbrok was a youth, the tale is set when he, his sister Freydis, and a few other survivors decide to save the people of their village from the terror of the vicious, murderous King Grimur. Their steely determination leads them down an unsafe path—one that brings the Darkness, otherwise called the Black Captain, to them. But of course, the price for the Black Captain’s unearthly aid is high—and we all know messing with dark and unnatural forces never ends well. 
But I won’t spoil the adventure for you, because it’s very much worth checking out for yourself.
Lodbrok’s Hand is a real treat—heavy on the blood but light on the eyes thanks to Michael Avon Oeming, with a great story as company. So pick this one up and sit back, relax, and enjoy.
