Darkling takes the spotlight in a one-shot by Kuhn + Borelli

After reappearing in recent issues of Archie’s digest line, Darkling will appear in a new one-shot aimed at older readers this fall.

Writer Sarah Kuhn and artist Carola Borelli will tell the “dark academia” tale of the character, who first appeared in the Mighty Crusaders back in 1983. They’re joined by colorist Ellie Wright and letterer Jack Morelli for a story that “explores the character’s origins and her mysterious powers of teleportation in the sinister halls of Ivy Hollow University.” Darkling’s powers are somewhat dark, to say the least — she can teleport evildoers to another dimension through her cloak.

“Sarah Kuhn’s impressive work on Shadow of the Batgirl and Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story made her a perfect choice to tell the story of Darla Lang,” said Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante. “This one-shot explores more of her life, demystifying the character who was once defined by being cloaked in shadows. And we’re excited to work once again with artist Carola Borelli, who has a wonderful grasp of character designs and setting the right mood to tell a story.”

Here are the details from Archie Comics:

From the outside, Darla Lang looks like a normal college student—save for the peculiar voluminous black cloak she wears everywhere. Her peers and professors chalk this up to Darla’s eccentric, introverted, slightly creepy persona, but Darla is a young woman with a secret… and a mission. Darla’s cloak is actually a mystical artifact that she can use as a melee weapon, trapping her enemies inside and teleporting them away. Darla’s power and connection to the supernatural world have always been a curse, and now she’s enrolled in Ivy Hollow University which harbors some dark secrets of its own. Will Darla find within its hallowed halls the answers to the questions about herself and her powers that she’s been seeking? Darkling mixes superheroics with dark academia from writer Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl, Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story) and artist Carola Borelli (Spider-Woman).  

David Mack provides a wonderful variant cover for the one-shot:

And here’s a look at Borelli’s development art for the character:

Look for the one-shot to arrive Nov. 22.