Other meanings of Dark matter
Comics
Dark Matter is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics, created by writer Cullen Bunn and artist Brian Hurtt. It debuted in 2015 and ran for 12 issues, telling a supernatural western tale set in the late 19th century. The series follows a group of outlaws who become embroiled in a conflict involving a mysterious force known as the Dark Matter, which grants supernatural powers.
The series is set in the American West during the 1880s, a period of frontier expansion and lawlessness. The story centers on a group of outlaws who, after a botched train robbery, stumble upon a mysterious artifact that unleashes a malevolent force called the Dark Matter. This force grants them supernatural abilities but also attracts the attention of a secretive organization known as the Agency, which seeks to contain it. The narrative blends elements of western, horror, and supernatural genres, creating a unique tone that distinguishes it from conventional western comics.
The protagonist is a former gunslinger named Samuel, who becomes the reluctant leader of the group. Other key characters include a sharpshooter named Annie, a medicine man named Elias, and a young outlaw named Caleb. Each character is affected by the Dark Matter in different ways, leading to internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. The antagonist is a figure known as the Collector, who seeks to harness the Dark Matter for his own ends. The character development is a central focus, with each member of the group grappling with their newfound powers and the consequences of their past actions.1
Dark Matter was published by Dark Horse Comics from May 2015 to April 2016, totaling 12 issues. The series was written by Cullen Bunn, known for his work on The Sixth Gun and Harrow County, and illustrated by Brian Hurtt, who also collaborated with Bunn on The Sixth Gun. The series was well-received for its atmospheric art and gripping storytelling. It was later collected into three trade paperbacks: Reunion, Rebirth, and Revelation. The series concluded with a definitive ending, though it left some elements open for potential future stories.2
Dark Matter explores themes of redemption, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between good and evil. Critics praised the series for its original take on the western genre, with particular acclaim for its character-driven narrative and the atmospheric artwork by Hurtt. The series was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Limited Series in 2016. It has been compared to other supernatural westerns like Preacher and The Sixth Gun, but it stands out for its focus on the internal struggles of its characters rather than just action.
One lesser-known aspect is that the series was originally conceived as a spin-off of The Sixth Gun, but it evolved into a standalone story. Another is that the character of the Collector was inspired by the historical figure of John Wilkes Booth, who was rumored to have survived his capture. The series also features a cameo appearance by a character from The Sixth Gun, linking the two universes. Additionally, the series was one of the first to use a digital-first release strategy, with issues being released digitally before their print counterparts. The series has a dedicated fan following, and there have been discussions about a potential film adaptation, though none have materialized.3
This article is about the comic book series. For the cosmological concept, see Dark matter.
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