Star Wars: Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection, Vol. 1: Shadows and Secrets

Star Wars: Darth Vader Modern Era Epic Collection

by Kieron Gillen

One of the greatest antagonists in all of fiction returns to Marvel in his very first solo ongoing series!

Fresh from a stinging defeat at the hands of the Rebel Alliance, Darth Vader must rise again to reassert the Empire's iron grip on the galaxy. But will his personal desire for vengeance against the young Jedi who destroyed the Death Star distract from Vader's duty to the Emperor? As a fateful quest begins, the Dark Lord of the Sith will face a fresh threat to his power. And as other villains old and new play their parts -- from Boba Fett and Jabba the Hutt to diabolical debutant Aphra, as well as the killer droids Triple Zero and Bee Tee -- how long until Vader's dangerous alliances blow up in his face? Join Darth Vader and feel the power of the dark side!

COLLECTING: Darth Vader (2015) 1-12, 1 Director's Cut; Darth Vader Annual (2015) 1

Genres: Comics, Star Wars, Graphic Novels, Marvel, Science Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 26, 2024

About the author

Kieron Gillen is a comic book writer and former media journalist.

Reviews

[FrontalNerdaty]

Typically these ‘what happened between Movie A and Movie B’ sort of tie in stories are a bit rubbish. Typically a crash grab. But a combination of a safe, but interesting, story mixed with extremely good art and you’re on to a winner.

[Job Maas]

Fun story. Classic filler of what happens in between movies

[Derek]

Maybe a little closer to a 3.5 than a 4, but overall I really liked it. The artwork was a bit inconsistent, especially compared to Soule’s Vader run. We’re introduced to multiple new characters. I loved the inspector, liked the two assassin droids. Doctor Aphra is interesting but doesn’t fit 100% with the tone of the Original Trilogy, which is happening concurrently in the timeline. Same with the evil twins and the squid-Grievous. Interesting concepts but imagining these characters in The Empire Strikes Back feels a little strange.

But who am I to complain about a new cast of Glup Shittos? One thing done really well here is the exploration of Vader’s diminishing standing with the Emperor, especially after the Death Star was destroyed. I also love seeing Vader learn that he has a son since that occurred offscreen in the films. Overall, fun for Star Wars fans!

(I also liked seeing Geonosis again. A queen maintaining her hive using droid parts is another interesting concept.)

[Jamie]

Pretty good story, but a bit of a slow burn while we get to know some new and intriguing characters. I didn't love the art, but I think that was more the colouring than the pencils themselves, and it was good enough to keep me going and to make me get the next volume.

[Mariano]

The best of the Marvel relaunch series

[Kallen Ruddle]

A story I never thought I needed, but it was definitely a fun read and worth it.

[Mark Liberfarb]

I remain unimpressed with Kieron Gillen

[Alexander Henderson]

I enjoyed the characters of Dr Aphra, BT and 000, some of Trip’s lines are quite funny. Reading Vader fall out of favour with the Emperor for the failures of the Death Star, be overshadowed by non-force welders and be required to fulfil his duties under Grand General Tagge of all people was quite demeaning but interesting. Some lines of dialogue from Vader & the Emperor was a bit out of character but overall enjoyed it.