Speaking of cakes.... As I mentioned in another thread, our son is one of the most decorated chefs in the military. He is also a decorated combat veteran and is currently with the 5th Special Forces Group. His last assignment was a 3-year tour at the Pentagon. While there, he was asked to put together a crew who could assist him baking a "cake". The first one is above. That was for the Army's birthday in 2011. The "cake" is 4 FT X 8 FT X 6" high. They fed something like 700 from the cake.
The next year, they again asked him to do the Army's birthday cake. That is the cake below. Also pictured is the "cutting ceremony". You will probably recognize some of the dignitaries... Hagel, Odinero, etc. Our son was asked to "guard" the cake and is the "hairless" soldier in full dress uniform, just to the right of the soldier in fatigues. This second cake is also 4' X 8'. I thought he did a pretty good job on the decorating of both cakes.
Your son did great work on all that fondue, Grumpy Ol' Man. It's my understanding pure black like that is not easy to achieve.
Having said that, all of these cakes are covered with fondue and while I might enjoy looking at it, I don't enjoy eating it. Give me a real buttercream (without Crisco), Swiss or regular, and I'm happy.