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Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020)
Star Wars Darth Vader #1
STAR WARS DARTH VADER #1 MARVEL COMICS (W) Greg Pak (A) Raffaele Ienco (CA) In-Hyuk Lee "JOIN ME, AND TOGETHER, WE CAN RULE THE GALAXY AS FATHER AND SON!" THE TRAGEDY OF DARTH VADER CONTINUES! In the shattering climax of The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader infamously reveals his true relationship to Luke Skywalker and invites his son to rule the galaxy at his side. But Luke refuses -- plunging into the abyss beneath Cloud City rather than turn to the Dark Side. We all remember Luke's utter horror in this life-altering moment. But what about Vader? In this new epic chapter in the Darth Vader saga, the dark lord grapples with Luke's unthinkable refusal and embarks on a bloody mission of rage-filled revenge against everything and everyone who had a hand in hiding and corrupting his only son. But even as he uncovers the secrets of Luke's origins, Vader must face shocking new challenges from his own dark past.
Comic
First published November 24, 2020
361 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Greg Pak
1,643 books579 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."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
March 14, 2025
It's an awesome book. I was expecting it to be good, but this was great. Great artwork and story. Vader has told Luke he is his father, but Luke escaped.
Now Vader wants revenge on everyone who had a hand in keeping Luke away from him. He begins his investigation on his home planet, then the grave of his dead wife.
I really enjoyed that this comic bridges the gap from the Queens Shadow novel. Vader finds he is not the only one looking for revenge.
Now Vader wants revenge on everyone who had a hand in keeping Luke away from him. He begins his investigation on his home planet, then the grave of his dead wife.
I really enjoyed that this comic bridges the gap from the Queens Shadow novel. Vader finds he is not the only one looking for revenge.
January 29, 2022
This is the story I've always wanted. Darth Vader going back to find out what happened to Padme after discovering Luke was alive. We basically go on a tour with Vader through all the places important to Padme's story. Beautiful flashbacks were interspersed throughout the comic as Vader is visiting his past that's supposed to be dead to him. PADME'S HANDMAIDENS (gasp face emoji). SO GOOD. 100/10
June 8, 2024
This is the beginning of a new comic run that takes place in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. We all know at the end of Episode V Luke said "Screw you Dad! I am going with my friends." Well Vader is pissed and he is going to take it out on anyone that has helped Luke throughout his life.
I liked the beginning of this comic run even though it did leave me feeling a little incomplete. That is because it looks like we are in it for the long haul and nothing in this collection was finished. I will say freely that Disney has done a lot wrong with Star Wars. The one thing they have done right is showing how much of a badass Vader is and that continues in this collection. This collection displays scenes from the movies as we progress thru the story. This is where this collection excelled as even though Vader has a mask on we can feel his pain. This can be attributed to the wonderful artwork in this collection. There are some terrific panels that display the action of the scene. Within pages the artwork can shift tone but not quality as we feel the deep emotions of the characters.
I enjoyed this collection and it definitely entices the reader to continue with the series. It did not totally grab me because there is no end point per se. But the potential is abundant as I love the path that this series is going down and how it leads to how we see Darth Vader in Episode VI. I am looking forward to the next collection.
I liked the beginning of this comic run even though it did leave me feeling a little incomplete. That is because it looks like we are in it for the long haul and nothing in this collection was finished. I will say freely that Disney has done a lot wrong with Star Wars. The one thing they have done right is showing how much of a badass Vader is and that continues in this collection. This collection displays scenes from the movies as we progress thru the story. This is where this collection excelled as even though Vader has a mask on we can feel his pain. This can be attributed to the wonderful artwork in this collection. There are some terrific panels that display the action of the scene. Within pages the artwork can shift tone but not quality as we feel the deep emotions of the characters.
I enjoyed this collection and it definitely entices the reader to continue with the series. It did not totally grab me because there is no end point per se. But the potential is abundant as I love the path that this series is going down and how it leads to how we see Darth Vader in Episode VI. I am looking forward to the next collection.
September 24, 2024
Anakin's saga is still the best storyline being told in Marvel comics, and Dark Heart of the Sith was another fine addition to the story, with a lot of powerful moments. It's so satisfying to read a story written by someone who gets Star Wars and not just their own idea of it.
February 8, 2021
Vader is still reeling from the events at the end of The Empire Strikes Back and embarks on a series of journeys that will bring him mask-to-face with his past as Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and those who knew him as Padme's protector.
The results are predictably messy, and riveting. So glad I finally got around to reading this one.
The results are predictably messy, and riveting. So glad I finally got around to reading this one.
June 12, 2022
Taking place right after the end of The Empire Strikes Back, Darth Vader revisits all of his old haunts as he tries to haunt down those who helped Luke Skywalker grow up. He then gets immediately sidetracked into learning about Padme's death and meets up with all of the old Naboo crew. The art shifts back and forth between now and Padme and Anakin's greatest hits from the prequels. The art is actually really good. The story revisits a lot that we've already seen.
September 1, 2023
Reread: 01/09/2023
This was another great reread I will say.
After having quite a few SW novels and rewatching animated series and all I love this book even more as it literally delves into Vader trying to investigating the situations regarding Padme's death and what happened to her, and finding more about his son. We see him going to Tattooine and his former home, then to Naboo, finding her handmaiden Sabe and other Amidalans and whats going on there, investigating stuff, fighting random monsters and villains that show up and its fun just him slicing his enemies and at last learning of "Polis Massa" where Luke was born and what happened there and how it reaffirms his learnings and also I love visiting past of Anakin through Vader's memories and I love the use of red colors there showing far Anakin is gone, its dark and surprisingly so character focused but then an interesting face off with the emperor as we delve into the next volume!
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So this was really good, I really like how Greg just focuses on action and if he has to give the reader any exposition he does it through the droid and then focusing on Vader's mindset after episode 5 and then showing how he finds what happened to Padme and kind of reconciling with having lost his love and something with Kenobi but mostly encountering Padme's confidantes and some great surprises and challenges for Vader to go against, just a terrific book and an even better read! Plus with epic art. Best star wars book atm! <3
This was another great reread I will say.
After having quite a few SW novels and rewatching animated series and all I love this book even more as it literally delves into Vader trying to investigating the situations regarding Padme's death and what happened to her, and finding more about his son. We see him going to Tattooine and his former home, then to Naboo, finding her handmaiden Sabe and other Amidalans and whats going on there, investigating stuff, fighting random monsters and villains that show up and its fun just him slicing his enemies and at last learning of "Polis Massa" where Luke was born and what happened there and how it reaffirms his learnings and also I love visiting past of Anakin through Vader's memories and I love the use of red colors there showing far Anakin is gone, its dark and surprisingly so character focused but then an interesting face off with the emperor as we delve into the next volume!
__________________________________________________________________________________
So this was really good, I really like how Greg just focuses on action and if he has to give the reader any exposition he does it through the droid and then focusing on Vader's mindset after episode 5 and then showing how he finds what happened to Padme and kind of reconciling with having lost his love and something with Kenobi but mostly encountering Padme's confidantes and some great surprises and challenges for Vader to go against, just a terrific book and an even better read! Plus with epic art. Best star wars book atm! <3
March 11, 2025
Really good volume!
June 29, 2023
Este cómic está escrito por Greg Pak, quien también escribió la lírica "Phoenix Endsong" de los X-Men que es un número muy sentimental, algo así hará para la historia de Anakin y Padme en este volumen.
El número empieza cuando Vader luego de decirle a Luke que es su hijo trata de averiguar la verdad de cómo la existencia de su hijo le fue ocultada. Para eso con ayuda del droide Zed 67 busca primero en Tatooine, en la casa de Cliegg Lars se entera que éste adoptó a Luke. Muchos recuerdos de toda la vida de Anakin en el planeta pasando por los recuerdos de su madre y Padme ocurren. Posteriormente visita el apartamento de Padme en Coruscant. Sabé (amiga y guardiana de Padme) había permanecido en las habitaciones selladas de Amidala a la espera de venganza y Vader rápidamente logra afinidad (aunque extraña) con ella. El número está lleno de flashbacks y paralelismos con las acciones actuales, eso me gustó. Luego van a Naboo donde encuentran al capitán Gregar Thypho , es que en realidad todos están unidos luego de tantos años con el único deseo de vengar a Padme. Ellos recuerdan también a Anakin. La historia termina en Polis Massa. Se puede decir que Vader obtiene todas sus respuestas.
El número empieza cuando Vader luego de decirle a Luke que es su hijo trata de averiguar la verdad de cómo la existencia de su hijo le fue ocultada. Para eso con ayuda del droide Zed 67 busca primero en Tatooine, en la casa de Cliegg Lars se entera que éste adoptó a Luke. Muchos recuerdos de toda la vida de Anakin en el planeta pasando por los recuerdos de su madre y Padme ocurren. Posteriormente visita el apartamento de Padme en Coruscant. Sabé (amiga y guardiana de Padme) había permanecido en las habitaciones selladas de Amidala a la espera de venganza y Vader rápidamente logra afinidad (aunque extraña) con ella. El número está lleno de flashbacks y paralelismos con las acciones actuales, eso me gustó. Luego van a Naboo donde encuentran al capitán Gregar Thypho , es que en realidad todos están unidos luego de tantos años con el único deseo de vengar a Padme. Ellos recuerdan también a Anakin. La historia termina en Polis Massa. Se puede decir que Vader obtiene todas sus respuestas.
November 24, 2022
I love a good Darth Vader story. This volume was quite good. Superb art and a good story combine to make a very good Vader story.
Vader, an intrepid Imperial forensics droid, and a squad of Dark Troopers seek to resolve a mystery. Vader runs into someone he thinks is Padme. It turns out to be a coven of Padem's Handmaidens. This is a journey into Vader's past, when he was Anakin. From Naboo to Tatooiene, vader travels his old haunts seeking information. Along the way, we see flashbacks to his time as Anakin.
A good, stand alone story, especially for any fan of Vader.
Vader, an intrepid Imperial forensics droid, and a squad of Dark Troopers seek to resolve a mystery. Vader runs into someone he thinks is Padme. It turns out to be a coven of Padem's Handmaidens. This is a journey into Vader's past, when he was Anakin. From Naboo to Tatooiene, vader travels his old haunts seeking information. Along the way, we see flashbacks to his time as Anakin.
A good, stand alone story, especially for any fan of Vader.
November 16, 2020
Good premise which suffered from some meh storytelling. The art was great though with the Vader action being very well done. It was also nice to see many old familiar characters and locations. Loved the ending to issue #6, can’t wait to see what happens.
December 19, 2020
I read all the vader comics. Always good. This one is no different. Except for Vader: Dark Visions. That book sucks. This one is good. 4 stars.
July 6, 2021
While I may despise Disney's celluloid treatment of Star Wars, especially the garbage that was The Last Jedi, Marvel's recent comic book stories set in a galaxy far, far away have mostly been winners...including this one. Fans of old-school space opera should give this a try.
December 1, 2020
Darth Vader's encounter with Luke Skywalker during The Empire Strikes Back is fresh in his mind, and he is out for blood - all those that made his son weak must perish, but his quest for vengeance becomes something else entirely when a face from his past makes themselves known.
We've had a lot of exploration of Darth Vader's character in terms of who he is and how he got to where he is - both Kieron Gillen and Charles Soule had him come face to face with metaphorical demons from his past, including himself and the ghost of Padme. Greg Pak goes one step further and throws loads of familiar (ish) faces at Vader so that he has no choice but to confront his past literally head on.
It's a twist on a tried and true story, and it also gives us lots of characters to focus on aside from Vader himself who is never the most compelling protagonist given his penchant for not saying very much. That said, the Forensics Droid is a maybe a little too talkative - I think Pak was trying to create the newest incarnation of the evil droids from Doctor Aphra's series, but he falls short unfortunately.
I'm not overly familiar with Raffaelle Ienco's art, aside from some truly heinous fill-in work he did on Fantastic Four a long time ago, but this is a marked improvement. He still has some awful faces at times, and the lightsaber combat feels a little limp, like he's not quite sure where the blade is meant to go once its done its job, but he manages to evoke a lot of emotion out of Vader's stoic face through subtle use of lighting, and the varied locales that the story visits across these five issues are all well rendered.
Yet another Darth Vader solo series could get a little grating, but the new setting, the new quest, and the new supporting characters make this opening arc surprisingly solid. It's still similar to what we've seen before, but different enough to keep things interesting. Bravo.
We've had a lot of exploration of Darth Vader's character in terms of who he is and how he got to where he is - both Kieron Gillen and Charles Soule had him come face to face with metaphorical demons from his past, including himself and the ghost of Padme. Greg Pak goes one step further and throws loads of familiar (ish) faces at Vader so that he has no choice but to confront his past literally head on.
It's a twist on a tried and true story, and it also gives us lots of characters to focus on aside from Vader himself who is never the most compelling protagonist given his penchant for not saying very much. That said, the Forensics Droid is a maybe a little too talkative - I think Pak was trying to create the newest incarnation of the evil droids from Doctor Aphra's series, but he falls short unfortunately.
I'm not overly familiar with Raffaelle Ienco's art, aside from some truly heinous fill-in work he did on Fantastic Four a long time ago, but this is a marked improvement. He still has some awful faces at times, and the lightsaber combat feels a little limp, like he's not quite sure where the blade is meant to go once its done its job, but he manages to evoke a lot of emotion out of Vader's stoic face through subtle use of lighting, and the varied locales that the story visits across these five issues are all well rendered.
Yet another Darth Vader solo series could get a little grating, but the new setting, the new quest, and the new supporting characters make this opening arc surprisingly solid. It's still similar to what we've seen before, but different enough to keep things interesting. Bravo.
January 29, 2021
Another slice out of the old trilogy, filling in the gaps, with more Vader violence. Yet once again another vader #1, what is that like 3 or 4 vader series in that past few years? They know what fans want and I cant argue.
This time its all about Padme and Vader's relationship. I like that Marvel is expanding on Vader and how much his emotions STILL control him. It is also sad to see how manipulative the emperor is in all this. I do think it is funny that they have to introduce another droid for comic relief. The action is the bread and butter, Vader doing his amazingly evil dark side powers, defying everyone and taking names. The art is very good, with bright panels and awesome action.
This time its all about Padme and Vader's relationship. I like that Marvel is expanding on Vader and how much his emotions STILL control him. It is also sad to see how manipulative the emperor is in all this. I do think it is funny that they have to introduce another droid for comic relief. The action is the bread and butter, Vader doing his amazingly evil dark side powers, defying everyone and taking names. The art is very good, with bright panels and awesome action.
May 1, 2024
Ever since Disney gained control of Star Wars and Marvel, there have been amazing Darth Vader books. Greg Pak, the writer of some of my favorite Hulk issues, continues this trend with his first collection. It takes place after Empire, and now that Vader knows that he's been lied to about Padme, he's working to discover the truth. You can see the beginnings of the cracks forming between Vader and the Emperor.
The Marvel run of Vader books is essential reading to any fan of the character or the Star Wars world. They offer you an in-depth look at one of the greatest characters ever created and make up for the poor handling of the character in the first 3 movies.
The Marvel run of Vader books is essential reading to any fan of the character or the Star Wars world. They offer you an in-depth look at one of the greatest characters ever created and make up for the poor handling of the character in the first 3 movies.
February 21, 2021
One of the better SW comics I've read this year. The overall story was good but the major strength is how Darth Vader's memories of his previous life are tangled into the narrative. I could go for a few more volumes to see where Darth's head is at leading into episode 6
July 16, 2021
It's not terrible, but, really, nothing much happens here. It's Darth Vader revisiting old haunts, coupled with flashbacks to scenes from the movies. What's the point?
October 28, 2022
This volume details the events after Vader confronts Luke in the Empire Strikes Back. Coming to terms that he does in fact have a son made him go on a journey to investigate Padmé’s death. He meets some people along the way who used to serve Padmé and it triggers a lot of memories of his past which was handled very well and easy to follow. It also ties in very well to the Padmé trilogy by E.K. Johnston. Probably my favourite volume of all the Vader comics runs in canon. Vader’s pain is at its peak and it’s just fantastic.
5 stars, BRAVO!!!
5 stars, BRAVO!!!
August 2, 2024
why vader, the vilest of the vilest seems adorable in this comic book
December 6, 2021
<3
I am far too obsessed with Star Wars comics.
I've had this one on my list for ages until my library finally purchased it. And oh man - I had such, such a time.
"Purist" definitely isn't the right word, because I love practically everything Star Wars, but I really love SW content that takes a lot from the movies. This comic about Vader, set between ESB and RotJ, has SO much movie content in it that I adored. The use of it was absolutely spectacular - my one critique would be that I would've liked a little more stuff about Obi-Wan, but I can wait.
This comic is about Vader seeking out what happened to Padme, given that he now knows Luke exists, and it's such a trip. There were also some really great Queen's Shadow tie-ins that I wasn't expecting at all, and they were so well done. I loved seeing the public's response to Padme's (and Anakin's!!) murders. gave me chills.
I went into this comic thinking it would be more about Vader being more human, since this is before RotJ, but he was still pretty intense in here. "I made this for you." So I'm assuming more stuff will be to come in this series; I can't wait for the lead-in to RotJ! 5/5 stars.
I am far too obsessed with Star Wars comics.
I've had this one on my list for ages until my library finally purchased it. And oh man - I had such, such a time.
"Purist" definitely isn't the right word, because I love practically everything Star Wars, but I really love SW content that takes a lot from the movies. This comic about Vader, set between ESB and RotJ, has SO much movie content in it that I adored. The use of it was absolutely spectacular - my one critique would be that I would've liked a little more stuff about Obi-Wan, but I can wait.
This comic is about Vader seeking out what happened to Padme, given that he now knows Luke exists, and it's such a trip. There were also some really great Queen's Shadow tie-ins that I wasn't expecting at all, and they were so well done. I loved seeing the public's response to Padme's (and Anakin's!!) murders. gave me chills.
I went into this comic thinking it would be more about Vader being more human, since this is before RotJ, but he was still pretty intense in here. "I made this for you." So I'm assuming more stuff will be to come in this series; I can't wait for the lead-in to RotJ! 5/5 stars.
January 26, 2021
Pretty good. Despite the fact that Star Wars has lost a bit of its luster since the sequel trilogy divided fans there are still writers and artists putting out quality Star Wars content. The Vader books have been remarkable. Greg Pak showcases like many writers on Vader that he gets the appeal of the character. In this new volume of the Vader saga, we get to see a different Dark Lord who is coming to terms with the past and future that haunts him. Taking place after the Empire Strikes Back Vader begins his search for the conspirators that hid the existence of his son from him. Without a doubt, Pak and the artist team did a great job of conveying the wrath and menace of a Vader that is out for revenge. There are few surprises that happen in this book that not only enhance the original trilogy plot threads but the prequels as well. I thought the artwork was good and the colors were well done as well. This volume ended with a deliciously dark set up with Palpatine. This book just did a great job conveying the tortured spirit of Anakin Skywalker. If you are looking for happy endings you will not find them here as Vader teaches us the true cost of giving into our dark desires. Once again another great Vader story from the folks at Marvel that proves why the character remains probably one of the greatest villains ever created.
January 15, 2021
This is the Star Wars story we’ve been waiting for: finally, finally, we get a story featuring one of the greatest of all SW characters, beloved by all fans. What kind of leader has he become? What has motivated him all these years? How does he create wartime strategies? Will he get the revenge he has contemplated for so long?
I’m speaking, of course, about Ric “You catch on pretty quick” Olié.
I won’t spoil who emerges triumphant when Ric and Darth Vader (oh—I should mention that he also appears in some scenes in this book) come face to face (helmet) in pitched battle. It may surprise you (but it may not).
Is this book hinting at a not-yet-announced Ric Olié series on Disney+? We don’t know yet, but certainly there’s plenty of his history yet to be covered in any medium. Someone once said, “Ric Olié is built on hope” (something like that, more or less). Our hopes are rewarded for now.
I’m speaking, of course, about Ric “You catch on pretty quick” Olié.
I won’t spoil who emerges triumphant when Ric and Darth Vader (oh—I should mention that he also appears in some scenes in this book) come face to face (helmet) in pitched battle. It may surprise you (but it may not).
Is this book hinting at a not-yet-announced Ric Olié series on Disney+? We don’t know yet, but certainly there’s plenty of his history yet to be covered in any medium. Someone once said, “Ric Olié is built on hope” (something like that, more or less). Our hopes are rewarded for now.
March 19, 2021
Greg Pak takes over the Darth Vader series and doesn't really do anything new or exciting with it. Whereas the previous series plumbed the depths of Sith lore, this first volume, Dark Heart of the Sith, plumbs Vader's previous life as Anakin. The Dark Lord searches for Padme's killers, taking him to all your favorite settings from the prequel trilogy, with older versions of all your favorite Nabooians. Nabooites. Naboos?
Sith lore is a lot more exciting than revisiting scenes from the movies. Still, it's Darth Vader, and Greg Pak is a seasoned writer, so it's an involving read that keeps you turning the pages. There are just zero surprises - unless you consider the appearance of someone like Ric Olie to be a surprise. And I sure do hope you like talkative droids! (I did not) We more or less end where we started, so I guess the next Darth Vader book can be volume one again.
Sith lore is a lot more exciting than revisiting scenes from the movies. Still, it's Darth Vader, and Greg Pak is a seasoned writer, so it's an involving read that keeps you turning the pages. There are just zero surprises - unless you consider the appearance of someone like Ric Olie to be a surprise. And I sure do hope you like talkative droids! (I did not) We more or less end where we started, so I guess the next Darth Vader book can be volume one again.
April 17, 2023
*john williams' across the stars playing softly in the background while i'm crying over anakin and padme*
January 2, 2021
Decent in terms of DV, bizarre in terms of the cult that has risen around the corpse of Padme.
January 19, 2021
Stále nejlepší současný Star Wars titul, plný silných momentů pro fanoušky prequelů.
January 23, 2021
Why would I want to watch Darth Vader murder all of Padme’s friends? 🤨🤨🤨 and yet I read this. Huge regrets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
Easily one of the best things I've read by Greg Pak. Such a simple story but hits hard on the nostalgia and the tragic story of Anakin Skywalker.
March 1, 2021
Tady budu hrozně neobjektivní ale vážně jsem se bavil. Ačkoliv je příběh v určitém směru jen tupé pomrkávání na fanoušky prequelů přišlo mi to dostatečně zábavné na to abych to celý prakticky ihned dočetl. Ovšem dvě naprosto zásadní chyby mi vadí - Vader se až po epizodě 5 rozhodne zjistit co se stalo s Padmé? Vždyť už v Gillenově sérii se dozvěděl, že má syna tak proč až teď?
A proč musí být Vader přehnaně akční v každým issue? Na většině míst si to mohl Pak odpustit.
Tak či tak ujížděl jsem si na kresbě která mi přišlo boží i s flashbacky, to je ohromné plus oproti zmíněné Gillenově řadě.
A proč musí být Vader přehnaně akční v každým issue? Na většině míst si to mohl Pak odpustit.
Tak či tak ujížděl jsem si na kresbě která mi přišlo boží i s flashbacky, to je ohromné plus oproti zmíněné Gillenově řadě.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews