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Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020)
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol. 7: Unbound Force
When the Dark Lord of the Sith loses control of the Force, nothing is safe - not even his own Star Dreadnought! But in the face of total destruction, Commander Sabé finds an opportunity. Does Vader's untrammeled onslaught expose a vulnerability? Or is it just another doorway to the terrifying tyranny of the Sith? According to the Jedi, fear leads to anger and anger leads to hate. But does hate lead to suffering…or power? Caught in a maelstrom, Sabé must finally confront the horrifying consequences of her choice to serve Darth Vader. Will she choose darkness over light? Are things so bad for Vader that he would reach out to his one-time ally Doctor Aphra for help? And where Aphra goes, will the killer droids Triple-Zero and Beetee follow? Collecting STAR WARS: DARTH VADER (2020) #33-36 and DARTH VADER (2015) #3.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2023
14 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pak
1,649 books581 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 6, 2023
The most disappointing volume of Darth Vader I've read in a long while. I understand that Pak is under editorial mandate to have this tie in to Dark Droids but the way the whole Sabé storyline was hurriedly abandoned didn't jibe with me, nor did yet another iteration of Palpatine and Vader conspiring against each other. The impression one gets in ROTJ is that they are pretty much in lockstep until Luke fans Vader's doubts, so old Palpy continuously signing his death warrant is wearing pretty thin this late in the game.
Lastly, the magic shield was goofy.
Lastly, the magic shield was goofy.
June 7, 2024
A very good, fast-paced book. In some cases, a bit too fast paced as some of what happens between panels is missed. Great artwork as well.
Since the force wave hit, Vader has never been more powerful, but he is also out of control. He is not only a danger to himself but anyone around him. The Emperor (also affected but manages to maintain his control), see this as another test gor his apprentice. Why not throw some assassins into the mix? If these are not enough variables, let's add the ultimate wild card, Doctor Aphra.
The only reason I took a star off this book was because I had a few questions. Too much seemed to happen when I turned the page, I had to look back in case I missed something. Where did Cader get that staff? Was there a death in this book that has wasted a chapter who has been built up this whole series? The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.
Since the force wave hit, Vader has never been more powerful, but he is also out of control. He is not only a danger to himself but anyone around him. The Emperor (also affected but manages to maintain his control), see this as another test gor his apprentice. Why not throw some assassins into the mix? If these are not enough variables, let's add the ultimate wild card, Doctor Aphra.
The only reason I took a star off this book was because I had a few questions. Too much seemed to happen when I turned the page, I had to look back in case I missed something. Where did Cader get that staff? Was there a death in this book that has wasted a chapter who has been built up this whole series? The book finishes with a varient cover gallery.
November 22, 2023
I liked this volume, but it was probably the weakest of this run so far. I enjoy the dynamic between Vader and Aphra and I always love seeing the murder droids in action, but this one felt a bit rushed to finish one storyline, quick to start another couple, quick to finish both of those, but then also quick to introduce what will take over Star Wars comics next in the “Dark Droids” event. All that being said, I’m still really enjoying these comics, so I look forward to seeing what’s ahead!
June 15, 2024
4.25
The Aphra-Vader reunion is pretty entertaining. The Aphra-Ochi interactions are pretty hilarious, too.
The Aphra-Vader reunion is pretty entertaining. The Aphra-Ochi interactions are pretty hilarious, too.
November 14, 2023
Vader used to be awesome. He used to be a bad ass who didn’t take shit from anyone and didn’t care about the collateral damage. Authors Jason Aaron and Kieran Gilliam got it. Even Charles Soule got it in his take on the dark lord of the Sith.
Now though? Dear God. Greg Pak has made Vader a sniveling simp who can’t do a single thing right and is in a weird love/hate relationship with Sabe, Padme’s handmaiden. That would be bad enough but now Pak has to somehow throw Dr. Aphra, Ochi of Bestoon, and a bunch of pointless droids into the story, further weakening what is already a series that went down the toilet years ago.
What’s probably the worst is the re-issue of issue 3 of the first Vader comic tacked onto the end of this collection, which further highlights how good this series used to be and how god awful it’s become.
I don’t solely blame Pak (I have a very good feeling he was contractually obligated to pen a story involving droids and Aphra to tie into the upcoming “Dark Droids” storyline…which I have no doubts will be absolute dog turds), but man, it’s a sad descent into total garbage with “Unbound Force” and I’m pretty convinced this series is on life support at this point.
Now though? Dear God. Greg Pak has made Vader a sniveling simp who can’t do a single thing right and is in a weird love/hate relationship with Sabe, Padme’s handmaiden. That would be bad enough but now Pak has to somehow throw Dr. Aphra, Ochi of Bestoon, and a bunch of pointless droids into the story, further weakening what is already a series that went down the toilet years ago.
What’s probably the worst is the re-issue of issue 3 of the first Vader comic tacked onto the end of this collection, which further highlights how good this series used to be and how god awful it’s become.
I don’t solely blame Pak (I have a very good feeling he was contractually obligated to pen a story involving droids and Aphra to tie into the upcoming “Dark Droids” storyline…which I have no doubts will be absolute dog turds), but man, it’s a sad descent into total garbage with “Unbound Force” and I’m pretty convinced this series is on life support at this point.
June 17, 2024
Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 7 Unbound Force collects issues 33-36 of the Marvel Comics series written by Greg Pak, art by Adam Gorham and Raffaele Ienco, and colors by Federico Blee.
Set after the events of Hidden Empire, the force wave that was released when the Fermatta Cage was turned on is wreaking havoc among force sensitive beings across the galaxy, and Darth Vader is no exception. Alternating between uncontrollable power to barely being able to connect to the Force, Vader turns to the one person in the galaxy who may know of a way around it, Doctor Aphra.
I loved seeing Doctor Aphra back working for Vader. This is Aphra at her best, and she also gets to play off Ochi of Bestoon’s character traits. This volume is fast paced putting together two two-issue arcs, but it’s a great one: tons of action, intrigue, plot building, and humor all rolled into one. This also seems to be a set up for the Dark Droid event which I am intrigued about, even if I am a little tired of all the events post-ESB.
Set after the events of Hidden Empire, the force wave that was released when the Fermatta Cage was turned on is wreaking havoc among force sensitive beings across the galaxy, and Darth Vader is no exception. Alternating between uncontrollable power to barely being able to connect to the Force, Vader turns to the one person in the galaxy who may know of a way around it, Doctor Aphra.
I loved seeing Doctor Aphra back working for Vader. This is Aphra at her best, and she also gets to play off Ochi of Bestoon’s character traits. This volume is fast paced putting together two two-issue arcs, but it’s a great one: tons of action, intrigue, plot building, and humor all rolled into one. This also seems to be a set up for the Dark Droid event which I am intrigued about, even if I am a little tired of all the events post-ESB.
October 6, 2025
Greg Pak's run continues with its pulpy, comical, fast-paced tone filled with plot twists. The artwork aligns well with the story.
In this volume, we experience two stories: one that delves into the ongoing complex dynamic between Vader and Sabé, and another that involves the return of our favorite rogue archaeologist, usetting the stage to the upcoming event, Dark Droids.
Packed with action and entertaining moments, Greg Pak continues to introduce stories that justify the extension of this run, bringing interesting development and also introspective moments of Vader, consistent with the character we see in Return of the Jedi.
P.S: I urgently need a comic run featuring Ochi and Aphra, just the two of them. Please. Thank you.
In this volume, we experience two stories: one that delves into the ongoing complex dynamic between Vader and Sabé, and another that involves the return of our favorite rogue archaeologist, usetting the stage to the upcoming event, Dark Droids.
Packed with action and entertaining moments, Greg Pak continues to introduce stories that justify the extension of this run, bringing interesting development and also introspective moments of Vader, consistent with the character we see in Return of the Jedi.
P.S: I urgently need a comic run featuring Ochi and Aphra, just the two of them. Please. Thank you.
September 2, 2023
This was an okayish volume and there are primarily 2 stories, one where Vader loses control of the force and Sabe has to save him and takes her below to a planet but Vader makes her see visions which lets say are dark and she realizes this is not her and she lets go of sorts and Vader throws her in the sea, so is it the writer sort of saying Sabe and Vader are done, or like one of those parts where he is setting her aside and maybe will bring her back in future stories?
Its an intriguing volume in that regards and there's a lot of stuff going on and the writer is playing the long game and I love it. And the other story is Vader finding Aphra finally but wants her help to find something that will help him control his force powers which are going havok and how it resolves itself is awesome, the introduction of "Zaly Shield" and how it helps the users to sort of focus the force.
And its fun seeing Vader use it and then take on droid assassins/army and its also the return of 000 and BT-1 and some others and yeah its just Vader being badass lol, and expected double twists but the thing is its all setting groundwork for the "DARK DROIDS" event happening atm or rather tie in to it and set its own storyline which is awesome!
So yeah a volume with 2 fun stories tying into the wider stories being told atm and also exploring Vader during this period and bringing in Dr. Aphra which is always fun to see her! And a good ending maybe too for Sabe until or if she returns. Also the vision Dr Aphra has about Padme and Luke and Vader and Idk if it will connect overall but it will be fun to see!
I highly recommend this volume, it was great to read it, its got a lot of things working for it and truly becoming my favorite DV run!
Its an intriguing volume in that regards and there's a lot of stuff going on and the writer is playing the long game and I love it. And the other story is Vader finding Aphra finally but wants her help to find something that will help him control his force powers which are going havok and how it resolves itself is awesome, the introduction of "Zaly Shield" and how it helps the users to sort of focus the force.
And its fun seeing Vader use it and then take on droid assassins/army and its also the return of 000 and BT-1 and some others and yeah its just Vader being badass lol, and expected double twists but the thing is its all setting groundwork for the "DARK DROIDS" event happening atm or rather tie in to it and set its own storyline which is awesome!
So yeah a volume with 2 fun stories tying into the wider stories being told atm and also exploring Vader during this period and bringing in Dr. Aphra which is always fun to see her! And a good ending maybe too for Sabe until or if she returns. Also the vision Dr Aphra has about Padme and Luke and Vader and Idk if it will connect overall but it will be fun to see!
I highly recommend this volume, it was great to read it, its got a lot of things working for it and truly becoming my favorite DV run!
December 25, 2023
Book 7.
The main story here has Vader struggling with uncontrolled outbursts of the Force, causing him to seek the aid of Doctor Aphra. We're also given a reprint of Aphra's first appearance, and first encounter with Vader, in which they discover the murderous droids 0-0-0 and BT-1.
I genuinely don't understand what Greg Pak is trying to do with Vader's character in his run with the Sith Lord's story, post-ESB.
We've already been given a Vader who's still crying over things that happened to him as a child, then we got a Vader who's okay with having comedy sidekicks, then a Vader's who goes all gooey over someone who looks like his ex-wife and now we get a Vader who has lost all self-control and just smashes everything around him. Did Pak forget that he's writing Star Wars here and not the Incredible Hulk?
There is quite simply nothing interesting or engaging done with the character in Pak's story and that's a huge disappointment.
As for the bonus reprint of Gillen's run on Vader from 2015, it's not a bad story but it doesn't feel like the sort of 'classic' that deserves a reprise just yet. As such, it's presence here feels entirely superfluous and a little bit too much like padding.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
The main story here has Vader struggling with uncontrolled outbursts of the Force, causing him to seek the aid of Doctor Aphra. We're also given a reprint of Aphra's first appearance, and first encounter with Vader, in which they discover the murderous droids 0-0-0 and BT-1.
I genuinely don't understand what Greg Pak is trying to do with Vader's character in his run with the Sith Lord's story, post-ESB.
We've already been given a Vader who's still crying over things that happened to him as a child, then we got a Vader who's okay with having comedy sidekicks, then a Vader's who goes all gooey over someone who looks like his ex-wife and now we get a Vader who has lost all self-control and just smashes everything around him. Did Pak forget that he's writing Star Wars here and not the Incredible Hulk?
There is quite simply nothing interesting or engaging done with the character in Pak's story and that's a huge disappointment.
As for the bonus reprint of Gillen's run on Vader from 2015, it's not a bad story but it doesn't feel like the sort of 'classic' that deserves a reprise just yet. As such, it's presence here feels entirely superfluous and a little bit too much like padding.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
October 9, 2023
After the opening of the Fermata Cage, the Force is...wobbly, and so is Darth Vader's control of it. To regain his greatest weapon, Vader turns to his one-time ally, Doctor Aphra!
This isn't my favourite arc of the series, that's for sure. It's decent, and the implications are neat - it's nice to see Hidden Empire having an impact, that's for sure, and it does mix things up for Vader, who is usually presented as this unbeatable killing machine, so giving him some vulnerabilities without taking away from his badassery is a good balancing act.
The artwork is split between Adam Gorham and series artist Rafaelle Ienco; Gorham's an odd choice for this book, but he fits in well enough, and Ienco's already made this book his own many times over.
Also collected here, because a four issue trade was apparently not on the cards, is issue #3 of the original Darth Vader book (the Gillen one), because that's the first appearance of Doctor Aphra, as well as Triple-Zero and Bee-Tee-1, everyone's favourite murder droids, in case you haven't read that.
Not bad, not great, but still fun. Anything with Aphra in is automatically fun, let's be fair.
This isn't my favourite arc of the series, that's for sure. It's decent, and the implications are neat - it's nice to see Hidden Empire having an impact, that's for sure, and it does mix things up for Vader, who is usually presented as this unbeatable killing machine, so giving him some vulnerabilities without taking away from his badassery is a good balancing act.
The artwork is split between Adam Gorham and series artist Rafaelle Ienco; Gorham's an odd choice for this book, but he fits in well enough, and Ienco's already made this book his own many times over.
Also collected here, because a four issue trade was apparently not on the cards, is issue #3 of the original Darth Vader book (the Gillen one), because that's the first appearance of Doctor Aphra, as well as Triple-Zero and Bee-Tee-1, everyone's favourite murder droids, in case you haven't read that.
Not bad, not great, but still fun. Anything with Aphra in is automatically fun, let's be fair.
November 20, 2023
Finishing one story and leading into another... This comic is always so good!
Highlights:
- With the ebb and flow of the Force thrown onto what amounts to a roller coaster, Vader is having a lot of trouble controlling his Force Abilites. Sabe, takes him to a planet where there is not much life, so he can focus and try to regain control.
- Sabe, now an official Imperial Commander, has to made the final choice as to whether or not she believes there is still good in Anakin. Trying to make him better, he continues to revolt and eventually kills her.
- Needing help from Doctor Aphra, Vader needs to find a Force artifact to help him focus. She brings him to a Kyberite Shield, which pairs well with a staff he crafted.
- The droids who worked with or were owned by Jul Tambor, rise up and declare war of Vader. With his new powers and focused items, he is able to take them down.
- Having Ochi repair them, Vader takes over and leads them into battle (and the upcoming "Dark Droids" storyline)
Overall, a pretty good Volume, but the lost of Sabe was rough. We know that she's not around for RoTJ, but still.
Recommend. The Vader books are always good.
Highlights:
- With the ebb and flow of the Force thrown onto what amounts to a roller coaster, Vader is having a lot of trouble controlling his Force Abilites. Sabe, takes him to a planet where there is not much life, so he can focus and try to regain control.
- Sabe, now an official Imperial Commander, has to made the final choice as to whether or not she believes there is still good in Anakin. Trying to make him better, he continues to revolt and eventually kills her.
- Needing help from Doctor Aphra, Vader needs to find a Force artifact to help him focus. She brings him to a Kyberite Shield, which pairs well with a staff he crafted.
- The droids who worked with or were owned by Jul Tambor, rise up and declare war of Vader. With his new powers and focused items, he is able to take them down.
- Having Ochi repair them, Vader takes over and leads them into battle (and the upcoming "Dark Droids" storyline)
Overall, a pretty good Volume, but the lost of Sabe was rough. We know that she's not around for RoTJ, but still.
Recommend. The Vader books are always good.
January 8, 2024
3-4 ABY
This graphic novel is the seventh collected volume of Darth Vader (2020). It contains issues 33-36: "Unbound Force" Parts 1+2, and "Target Aphra" Parts 1+2. It also includes Darth Vader #3 (2015) in which Aphra is introduced as a nice reminder of her initial connection to Darth Vader. In "Unbound Force," as the title conveys, Darth Vader's Force powers are uncontrollable because of the Force eruption from the device mentioned in previous volumes. He uses the Force to show Sabe visions of Luke and Padme, stating that they are actually Sabe's visions, and that she sees what she wants with power in her future. Following that, Vader needs to do something about his unbound Force. His solution: Doctor Aphra. As an archeologist, she would know what artifacts may be out there to help supress the uncontrollable power.
Another brilliant installment. Vader looks amazing on every page. Bringing back Aphra and Vader together is always an exciting aspect to the plot. It will be interesting to see if Aphra can remain alive in Vader's presence. There is a nice setup to a crossover arc coming up called Dark Droids, of which Triple Zero and BT-1.
This graphic novel is the seventh collected volume of Darth Vader (2020). It contains issues 33-36: "Unbound Force" Parts 1+2, and "Target Aphra" Parts 1+2. It also includes Darth Vader #3 (2015) in which Aphra is introduced as a nice reminder of her initial connection to Darth Vader. In "Unbound Force," as the title conveys, Darth Vader's Force powers are uncontrollable because of the Force eruption from the device mentioned in previous volumes. He uses the Force to show Sabe visions of Luke and Padme, stating that they are actually Sabe's visions, and that she sees what she wants with power in her future. Following that, Vader needs to do something about his unbound Force. His solution: Doctor Aphra. As an archeologist, she would know what artifacts may be out there to help supress the uncontrollable power.
Another brilliant installment. Vader looks amazing on every page. Bringing back Aphra and Vader together is always an exciting aspect to the plot. It will be interesting to see if Aphra can remain alive in Vader's presence. There is a nice setup to a crossover arc coming up called Dark Droids, of which Triple Zero and BT-1.
February 26, 2024
Greg Pak's Darth Vader run either really works for me or really does not. Unfortunately, Unbound Force is one of the ones where the wheels come off.
Darth Vader (and all Force users) have been blasted by the Force wave from the Fermata Cage, making their Force powers all out of wack. For Vader in particular, this means any time he tries to use the Force, shit blows up. It's fun, at first, to see him obliterate a Star Destroyer by accident, but then we get bland flashback-y issues as Sabe attempts to fix him (and fails? She totally disappears in the back half of the book). Also, Palpatine apparently puts out a bounty on Vader while he's weakened? Why?? Just to be a dick?
Vader then turns to Doctor Aphra for help. Her cameo is mercifully brief as she helps him find a Force-focusing shield (cool!) that Vader uses to defeat a band of rogue droids (lame!). An old Kieron Gillen issue is tacked on to the end of this volume and it makes Greg Pak's narrative pale in comparison. Not a great look.
Darth Vader (and all Force users) have been blasted by the Force wave from the Fermata Cage, making their Force powers all out of wack. For Vader in particular, this means any time he tries to use the Force, shit blows up. It's fun, at first, to see him obliterate a Star Destroyer by accident, but then we get bland flashback-y issues as Sabe attempts to fix him (and fails? She totally disappears in the back half of the book). Also, Palpatine apparently puts out a bounty on Vader while he's weakened? Why?? Just to be a dick?
Vader then turns to Doctor Aphra for help. Her cameo is mercifully brief as she helps him find a Force-focusing shield (cool!) that Vader uses to defeat a band of rogue droids (lame!). An old Kieron Gillen issue is tacked on to the end of this volume and it makes Greg Pak's narrative pale in comparison. Not a great look.
December 6, 2023
The volume starts out with a power surge that makes Darth Vader's powers unstable. Thus begins his quest to find a way to control himself and not remain weak / vulnerable while Darth Sidious throws his forces at him in an attempt to kill him.
Sabe attempts to help Vader, and instead he abandons her on an uninhabited island and forces her to confront her own dark side. Perhaps Vader felt that she was getting to close to him and it was time to cut her loose? Based on how these chapters have been going so far, I'm not sure that we will see her again before the end of Darth Vader's story.
When the story starts to move onto the droids more, the back and forth of from the past to the present of the droids planning was a little disjointed. But I know that it is building up to the next arch of Vader's story.
Can't wait to see Darth Vader and his army of droids take on their enemies.
Sabe attempts to help Vader, and instead he abandons her on an uninhabited island and forces her to confront her own dark side. Perhaps Vader felt that she was getting to close to him and it was time to cut her loose? Based on how these chapters have been going so far, I'm not sure that we will see her again before the end of Darth Vader's story.
When the story starts to move onto the droids more, the back and forth of from the past to the present of the droids planning was a little disjointed. But I know that it is building up to the next arch of Vader's story.
Can't wait to see Darth Vader and his army of droids take on their enemies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star Wars: Darth Vader: Entfesselte Macht
„Ihr vergesst. Trotz allem bin ich Vader. Ich brauche nur Hass.“
~ Darth Vader
Die Handlung:
Eine Erschütterung der Macht beraubt Vader der Kontrolle über seine Fähigkeiten. Ein Zeichen zuzuschlagen für seine Feinde - sowohl innerhalb als auch außerhalb des Imperiums. Wäre da nur eine begabte Archäologin, die umfassendes Wissen über Machtartefakte und ihre illegale Nutzung besitzt und von Vader zu Rate gezogen werden könnte...
Meine Meinung:
Es ist einfach schön Vader und Aphra wieder zusammen zu sehen. Grade dieser Teil des Bandes sorgt für Unterhaltung und Action. Dazu passend gibt es am Ende auch einen Rückblick auf die Vader-Reihe von 2015. Sehr gut gefallen hat mir auch der Beginn, wo die Beziehung zwischen Vader und Sabé nochmal sinnvoll vertieft wird. Leider bietet der Autor Greg Pak auch dieses Mal keinen frischen Storyrahmen fernab des dauerhaften Kampfes zwischen Vader und Palpatine. Die fehlende Kontrolle über die Macht hat vorrangig Actionpotenzial (was auch gut genutzt wird), hier dürfte aber gerne mal eine neue Grundidee her. Die Zeichnungen von Raffaele Ienco überzeugen auf ganzer Linie und schaffen vor allem herrliche Rückblendeszenen.
Fazit:
Ausgewogene Action-Story-Abwechslung mit dem dynamischen Duo aus der weit weit entfernten Galaxis.
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an Panini für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
Star Wars: Darth Vader: Entfesselte Macht
„Ihr vergesst. Trotz allem bin ich Vader. Ich brauche nur Hass.“
~ Darth Vader
Die Handlung:
Eine Erschütterung der Macht beraubt Vader der Kontrolle über seine Fähigkeiten. Ein Zeichen zuzuschlagen für seine Feinde - sowohl innerhalb als auch außerhalb des Imperiums. Wäre da nur eine begabte Archäologin, die umfassendes Wissen über Machtartefakte und ihre illegale Nutzung besitzt und von Vader zu Rate gezogen werden könnte...
Meine Meinung:
Es ist einfach schön Vader und Aphra wieder zusammen zu sehen. Grade dieser Teil des Bandes sorgt für Unterhaltung und Action. Dazu passend gibt es am Ende auch einen Rückblick auf die Vader-Reihe von 2015. Sehr gut gefallen hat mir auch der Beginn, wo die Beziehung zwischen Vader und Sabé nochmal sinnvoll vertieft wird. Leider bietet der Autor Greg Pak auch dieses Mal keinen frischen Storyrahmen fernab des dauerhaften Kampfes zwischen Vader und Palpatine. Die fehlende Kontrolle über die Macht hat vorrangig Actionpotenzial (was auch gut genutzt wird), hier dürfte aber gerne mal eine neue Grundidee her. Die Zeichnungen von Raffaele Ienco überzeugen auf ganzer Linie und schaffen vor allem herrliche Rückblendeszenen.
Fazit:
Ausgewogene Action-Story-Abwechslung mit dem dynamischen Duo aus der weit weit entfernten Galaxis.
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an Panini für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
August 12, 2024
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol. 7: Unbound Force. Greg Pak, Adam Gorham
Awesome ongoing series! ****
#33- UNBOUND FORCE part 1 - "Lord Vader's LOST CONTROL of his POWERS!"
#34- UNBOUND FORCE part 2 - "HATE leads to SUFFERING .. or POWER. WHICH do you CHOOSE...?" - Vader
#35- TARGET APHRA part 1 - ".. You're a FAMOUS ARCHAEOLOGIST who sells off JEDI ARTIFACTS.." - Ochi to Aphra
#36- TARGET APHRA part 2 - "Hey, Boss! The MURDER DROIDS and the LIBRARIAN ran off!" - Ochi to Vader. "She's an ARCHAEOLOGIST, actually." - Zed. "Whatever." - Ochi.
concludes the volume with:
DARTH VADER (2015) #3 - “There's a REASON why the Triple-Zero matrix has been quarantined for CENTURIES.” - Utani Xane.
“Yes. Because of people like YOU. Small minds who just want to hide beautiful things in storage or a museum. IT SHOULD BE IN AN ARMORY!” - Dr Aphra
Awesome ongoing series! ****
#33- UNBOUND FORCE part 1 - "Lord Vader's LOST CONTROL of his POWERS!"
#34- UNBOUND FORCE part 2 - "HATE leads to SUFFERING .. or POWER. WHICH do you CHOOSE...?" - Vader
#35- TARGET APHRA part 1 - ".. You're a FAMOUS ARCHAEOLOGIST who sells off JEDI ARTIFACTS.." - Ochi to Aphra
#36- TARGET APHRA part 2 - "Hey, Boss! The MURDER DROIDS and the LIBRARIAN ran off!" - Ochi to Vader. "She's an ARCHAEOLOGIST, actually." - Zed. "Whatever." - Ochi.
concludes the volume with:
DARTH VADER (2015) #3 - “There's a REASON why the Triple-Zero matrix has been quarantined for CENTURIES.” - Utani Xane.
“Yes. Because of people like YOU. Small minds who just want to hide beautiful things in storage or a museum. IT SHOULD BE IN AN ARMORY!” - Dr Aphra
January 26, 2024
I don’t think this volume was great but I did earnestly like it for several reasons. Sabé is out of the narrative now after a run of 3 or 4 volumes, and it feels like a wet fart of an ending. The ongoing effects of the force wave are so goofy and a reminder of how lame Crimson Dawn’s ending was too, but I love that it leads to a campy scenario where a broken Vader is now roaming the galaxy reassembling his droid army and wielding a staff and a shield. Love to get a bit of classic Aphra and Ochi in the mix, and the droid shenanigans were mildly amusing. I didn’t think I’d like the throwback 2015 Aphra issue being added in but as context and given the beautiful art and solid visual humor, I actually really think it was an effective and thoughtful choice!
November 2, 2023
The end of the Sabe plotline, probably. Which I'm more than fine with, since she was starting to wear out her welcome. What does actually happen to her is ambiguous, and I'm not sure if that's just because Pak wants her out of the way without closing the door on his future self or any later writers. Then Aphra is back, which I'm less enthused about. I thought that character had run her course with Vader, but she's back again doing much the same stuff as before. I'm also not terribly interested in this Force wave storyline that's taking over all of the Star Wars books. Still well written, I'm just feeling less and less invested.
February 17, 2025
The first two issues are really strong and ask some interesting questions about Vader as his redemption in Episode 6 looms ever closer. The return of everyone's fave Doctor Aphra is also an exciting prospect, although we don't get any additional depth to the Aphra-Vader dynamic. The droid-centric storyline to the second half of the volume lost me, though. It's hard to make a droid storyline come across in a serious way, and I assume this was all in the service of the upcoming Dark Droid crossover. Fingers crossed that Pak finds something worthwhile to do with that. I had been quite enjoying the freedom from crossovers that the last several volumes have experienced.
December 2, 2023
The second half is the star, but that's because I'm a Doctor Aphra fan, and this story melds her into a plot that focuses on the droids in Vader's wake. Double-crosses and triple-crosses are the norm, and seeing Aphra and Ochi interact is a highlight.
The first half lets the book down a lot, though. The resolution of the Sabe/Handmaidens story is unfulfilling, and I'm hoping it's actually not resolved, just delayed until the next event can be tied up, and then picked up again to give the multi-volume arc an actual resolution, rather than just the hook.
The first half lets the book down a lot, though. The resolution of the Sabe/Handmaidens story is unfulfilling, and I'm hoping it's actually not resolved, just delayed until the next event can be tied up, and then picked up again to give the multi-volume arc an actual resolution, rather than just the hook.
August 28, 2024
Story 1: Vader has uncontrollable Force hiccups, which he parlays into a test of Sabé's loyalty.
Story 2: A conspiracy of droids who have all at one point been destroyed by Vader, meaning to get robot vengeance on the dark lord.
The robot vengeance storyline really pushes the comedy buttons a lot, but it's so cartoony that it made me laugh. The killer droids are essentially Daffy and Donald popping out of the nightclub pianos with big mallets in Roger Rabbit. This arc also maximizes Ochi being hurt for comedy value like he's Joe Pesci in Home Alone.
Story 2: A conspiracy of droids who have all at one point been destroyed by Vader, meaning to get robot vengeance on the dark lord.
The robot vengeance storyline really pushes the comedy buttons a lot, but it's so cartoony that it made me laugh. The killer droids are essentially Daffy and Donald popping out of the nightclub pianos with big mallets in Roger Rabbit. This arc also maximizes Ochi being hurt for comedy value like he's Joe Pesci in Home Alone.
January 31, 2024
Pretty inconsequential all around. The whole Handmaidens story ends with a whimper and then Vader seeks out Dr. Aphra again for help with controlling his force powers, following the debacle with the Fermata Cage. Very little actually happens in these four issues, so Marvel kindly throws in a flashback to Aphra's first appearance. Seems to be setting the stage for the Dark Droids storyline more than anything else.
May 17, 2024
This was rather fun after the whole Handmaidens bit because now we have the strangeness of everyone's Force abilities going crazy with Darth Vader becoming even more dangerous than normal. He has always been strong in the Force - what more when he can barely contain his powers?
It was an interesting enough twist, and as the cover implies his "malady" results in him seeking out the likes of Doctor Aphra to find some sort of a solution.
It was an interesting enough twist, and as the cover implies his "malady" results in him seeking out the likes of Doctor Aphra to find some sort of a solution.
July 13, 2023
This is the best place to be if you want to see how this force ripple has been affecting force users. Vader’s connection to the force has made him the strongest he’s ever been but he’s uncontrolled and let loose as the Galaxy takes his lack of connection as a sign of weakness and take the green light to attack. I’m very excited to see this Dark Droids story that’s starting next month.
October 15, 2023
Really not good.
I hate the “Force wave” plot point leftover from Hidden Empire.
I hate how many times since Empire Palpatine openly has turned on Vader and ordered Imperials to hunt him down.
The Sabe drama is so stale at this point.
And what would a Greg Pak Vader volume be without a nonsensical battle and double-cross?
Awful. The comics these days are bumming me out more than a little.
I hate the “Force wave” plot point leftover from Hidden Empire.
I hate how many times since Empire Palpatine openly has turned on Vader and ordered Imperials to hunt him down.
The Sabe drama is so stale at this point.
And what would a Greg Pak Vader volume be without a nonsensical battle and double-cross?
Awful. The comics these days are bumming me out more than a little.
October 15, 2023
Greg Pak's Vader/Anakin run is still awesome and really carves out the choices he will make in Return of the Jedi. It's a pity this volume is so thin that they had to add a old Doctor Aprha comic from 2015 (already collected in Doctor Aphra vol 1: Aphra by Kieron Gillon from 2016). So it's four stars for the story but a minus one for the lenght.
April 12, 2024
Not my favorite of this run. The first two issues were fine, as I like the story with Sabe. I wasn't a huge fan of the mini-arc with Aphra. To me it is weird that Vader would be willing to work with her and tolerate her any longer at this point. I did like the whole ripple-in-the-force from the breaking of the Fermata cage affecting Vader's abilities, though.
June 16, 2025
Thoroughly disappointing. This volume is comprised of orphaned parts of larger storylines and a reprint of an earlier issue from the previous Darth Vader series (which I already own… it’s meant to pad out the page count so of course I’m annoyed). And Sabe was yeeted unceremoniously out of relevance. I mean, I’m glad she’s gone but that was graceless.
October 24, 2023
Vader can't control The Force so everyone thinks it's a good time to do him in. It's nice to see Doctor Aphra where she belongs... I don't think anyone tempers her like Vader. Also always love seeing the murder twins: Triple Zero and BeeTee. Wonder what they'll be like during Dark Droids...
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