There are a lot of comics out there, but some stand out head and shoulders above the pack. With “Don’t Miss This,” we want to spotlight those series we think need to be on your pull list. This week, we’re taking a look at a long time ago in a galaxy far far away and the Sith Lord who keeps the empire together in “Darth Vader,” published by Marvel Studios and created by Greg Pak and Raffaele Ienco. After failing to turn his son to the Dark Side, Vader goes on more quests to learn about his betrayal and to try and fight against his master. If you like exploring the force, political intrigue, or epic space battles, then this is the comic for you. Join us as we tell you why you should be checking out the newest adventures of the dark lord of the force!
Who is this by?
“Darth Vader” is written by Greg Pak (“Planet Hulk,” “Ronan Island,” “The Incredible Hercules,” “Star Wars”) and like the other two series before it does an impressive job of filling in the gaps between the stories of the original trilogy. Pak also utilizes elements of the prequel trilogy to show the tragedy of Darth Vader’s inner world, creating a fuller picture of the nuanced villain eventually responsible for destroying his former master and bringing balance to the force.
While Pak is responsible for the script, the world is brought to life by Raffaele Ienco (“Fantastic Four,” “Web Witch”) who creates some dynamic and compelling action sequences while also reveling in some of the weirdness of the Dark Side with creatures like the Eye of the Webbish Bog. Rounding out the art team is Neeraj Menon (“Dawn of X,” “Star Wars,” “X-Factor”) on colors and VC’s Joe Caramanga on letters. Like other Star Wars books from Marvel, this art team creates visuals and action setpieces that feel straight from the movies.
What’s it all about?
Much like the two solo series preceding it, “Darth Vader” follows Vader as he seeks to learn more about his past while also trying to learn more about the plans of the Emperor. Each arc of Pak’s arcs explores the struggle Vader has with the Emperor and the internal struggle he feels as the light continues to struggle and break free. The series also follows the political intrigue of those closest to the Emperor. Vader confronts threats from all sides of the Emperor’s administration, each trying to gain favor as they fight against the rebellious apprentice.
In ‘Dark Heart of the Sith,’ Vader seeks to expose the conspiracy that denied his knowledge of Luke while confronting the ghosts of his past and learning more about the fate of Padme and her protector, Anakin Skywalker. Similarly, ‘Into the Fire’ puts Vader at his lowest point as he struggles to regain the favor of the Emperor by defying death and fighting off enemies, all while forbidden to use the Force as an aid. In both cases, “Darth Vader” shows not only the power of the Sith Lord but his ingenuity and tenacity in staying alive.
What makes it so great?
While all three of the solo series following Darth Vader have been compelling, they all have one thing in common, utilizing and enhancing themes and concepts introduced in the prequel trilogy that either felt underdeveloped or outright ignored. In the first story of “Darth Vader,” Pak specifically explores Vader’s relationship with Padme and the fate of Naboo, once a great and important planet, now seemingly a forgotten relic of a forgotten world. Pak does an excellent job of using scenes of Padme and Anakin’s relationship to show Vader’s struggle as he works with a rebel cell of former handmaidens and Naboo security close to Padme to avenge the death of their former queen and senator. Pak writes Vader with a particular vulnerability, specifically as he remembers moments of his past and questions not only his role in the death of Padme but his impact on the universe at large. Pak anD Ienco also works to incorporate concepts from the sequel trilogy like Ochi the Assassin and Exogol. However, Pak does not explore these story elements to the same extent as those ideas borrowed from the prequel trilogy.
Continued belowWhile other Vader comics have questioned Vader’s loyalty to the Emperor, Pak’s “Darth Vader” has him directly confronted by the Emperor. Pak does an impressive job of showing just how powerful Vader is, even when he is denied the armor that allows him to function or the power of the force to aid him. These sequences also give Ienco a chance to have some fun with the iconic look of Lord Vader, as he fixes himself with discarded droid parts and scrap left on the planet’s surface. It reminds us of the resourcefulness of a kid from Tatooine and shows that Vader is just as powerful without the Force.
It’s also just awesome to see him down and out but still fighting.
While we have seen Vader be “the hunted” before, learning that nothing remarkable about his suit or tools makes him that much more imposing. He is a pain and anger and will utilize that to survive, no longer how long it takes, to become even more powerful. Pak and Ienco make Vader an immovable object, a single-minded being of revenge who has turned that ire on the very person responsible for his existence. “Darth Vader” continues to build upon the legacy of the character as well as the excellent two series that came before it. Each adds new layers to the character and showcases the power, menace, and conflict that made the character a memorable villain. Pak and Ienco have created another must-read Vader series by successfully incorporating Vader’s past elements in new and narratively compelling ways.
How can you read it?
“Darth Vader” is published monthly by Marvel Comics, and the 15th issue will be available this Wednesday at your local comic shop or on digital platforms like Comixology and Marvel Unlimited. If you want to catch up on “Darth Vader,” the first two arcs, ‘Dark Heart of the Sith’ and ‘Into the Fire,’ are collected in trade paperback and can be purchased at your local comic shop.
