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Star Wars Legends: Comics
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison
A traitorous uprising against the fledgling Galactic Empire leaves Emperor Palpatine close to death. Saving the Emperor—and the Empire—appears to be a lost cause . . . unless Vader can uncover the secrets of the Jedi Council and locate the mysterious “Ghost Prison.” Collects the five-issue miniseries.
* Written by The Force Unleashed’s Haden Blackman!
* A beautiful, fully painted graphic novel in hardcover with dust jacket!
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
92 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
About the author
W. Haden Blackman
276 books51 followersW. Haden Blackman is a writer who has long worked in the Star Wars universe. He is also the project lead on the MMO Star Wars: Galaxies and the video game Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 28, 2015
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths Reviews
A long time ago in a galaxy far,
far away . . . .
EPISODE III . . . and a little bit more
THE SITH DEPOSED
The Galactic Republic has been
erased from the pages of history by the Sith.
Palpatine and his apprentice Darth Vader
having destroyed the Jedi Order and
founded the Galactic Empire!
But loyal supporters of Chancellor Palpatine
have become disgusted by his imperial hubris.
These member of his inner circle have conceived
A daring plan to overthrowing the newborn Empire
and restore peace and security to the galaxy.
The Sith are not so easily vanquished however,
especially when their strength attract young people
desperate for their own power.
And if that is not enough, there is always Lord Vader,
the seemingly indestructible henchman of Palpatine
who no one knows how to kill. . .
The story crafted by the Dark Horse Comics team of Haden Blackman (script), Agustin Alessio (art), and Michael Heisler (lettering) begins there: A young imperial cadet Tohm landing on Coruscant with hundreds of his fellow soldiers for a lavish graduation ceremony. Naturally, the crippled and scarred man is an outcast with only a handful of friends, but his social isolation has resulted in him because somewhat obsessed with becoming the finest Imperial officer possible. And his carefully developed skills are soon put to the test when a group of high level Imperial officers use the ceremony as cover for a elaborate assassination attempt on Palpatine and Vader.darth vader and the ghost prison
Quickly, young Tohm is forced to make a difficult decision: Side with his friends who are part of the overthrow attempt or help save Palpatine and Vader?
After reading this comic collection I really have mixed feelings about it.
First off, I have to tip my hat to Agustin Alession on the art in Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison. It is absolutely gorgeous. Viewing this comic collection was like sitting in a movie theater watching a wonderfully filmed Star Wars movie play before my eyes: Every panoramic scene breathtaking, each action sequence heart-stopping, and each close-up full of emotional power. Alession’s art is, honestly, that good here.
As for the story itself, it is well plotted, well scripted, and well executed. And while it is 100% Star Wars, this is a more realistic Star Wars than most I’ve experienced, grounded in political upheaval and group dynamics. When reading it, I couldn’t help but compare it to the movie Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise from some years ago. In that silver screen retelling of history, a group of high ranking Nazis plan an assassination attempt on Hitler and his closest henchmen while also coordinating a simultaneous takeover of the government. And that basic tale is what Haden Blackman emulates in Ghost Prison with Palpatine and Vader attempting to escape assassination and putdown a very legitimate takeover attempt, which – coupled with Star Wars lore and hidden Jedi secrets – makes for enough pulse-pounding entertainment to satisfy any Star Wars fan.
But . . .
Well, you knew there was a “but”, right?
But, the main character Tohm (No, Palpatine and Vader aren’t the narrators here.) is very irritating. He is naive at best and stupid at worst. While his physical condition and his personal history give him a valid reason for his decision making throughout the story, his inability to sense the danger of his situation and his absolute trust in people who are telling him over and over again that they are not trustworthy is really perplexing. I mean, if he is smart enough to have survived Imperial officer training and help root out a palace revolt, shouldn’t he be intelligent enough to sense his own precarious position? But, maybe, that is merely my personal preferences regarding characters coming out.
All in all, though, this is a fine addition to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. (Yeah, I know the EU isn’t canon anymore, but it is for me until I’m convinced the upcoming replacement is better.) Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison has stellar artwork, a complex and exciting Star Wars tale, and a lot of Vader-being-a-bad-ass action scenes. All of which means, it should have earned a four star rating from me, but . . . it didn’t, because of Tohm detracting from what otherwise was a great Star Wars tale. Try it for yourself though, because the positives in this one still outweigh the negatives.
A long time ago in a galaxy far,
far away . . . .
EPISODE III . . . and a little bit more
THE SITH DEPOSED
The Galactic Republic has been
erased from the pages of history by the Sith.
Palpatine and his apprentice Darth Vader
having destroyed the Jedi Order and
founded the Galactic Empire!
But loyal supporters of Chancellor Palpatine
have become disgusted by his imperial hubris.
These member of his inner circle have conceived
A daring plan to overthrowing the newborn Empire
and restore peace and security to the galaxy.
The Sith are not so easily vanquished however,
especially when their strength attract young people
desperate for their own power.
And if that is not enough, there is always Lord Vader,
the seemingly indestructible henchman of Palpatine
who no one knows how to kill. . .
The story crafted by the Dark Horse Comics team of Haden Blackman (script), Agustin Alessio (art), and Michael Heisler (lettering) begins there: A young imperial cadet Tohm landing on Coruscant with hundreds of his fellow soldiers for a lavish graduation ceremony. Naturally, the crippled and scarred man is an outcast with only a handful of friends, but his social isolation has resulted in him because somewhat obsessed with becoming the finest Imperial officer possible. And his carefully developed skills are soon put to the test when a group of high level Imperial officers use the ceremony as cover for a elaborate assassination attempt on Palpatine and Vader.darth vader and the ghost prison
Quickly, young Tohm is forced to make a difficult decision: Side with his friends who are part of the overthrow attempt or help save Palpatine and Vader?
After reading this comic collection I really have mixed feelings about it.
First off, I have to tip my hat to Agustin Alession on the art in Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison. It is absolutely gorgeous. Viewing this comic collection was like sitting in a movie theater watching a wonderfully filmed Star Wars movie play before my eyes: Every panoramic scene breathtaking, each action sequence heart-stopping, and each close-up full of emotional power. Alession’s art is, honestly, that good here.
As for the story itself, it is well plotted, well scripted, and well executed. And while it is 100% Star Wars, this is a more realistic Star Wars than most I’ve experienced, grounded in political upheaval and group dynamics. When reading it, I couldn’t help but compare it to the movie Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise from some years ago. In that silver screen retelling of history, a group of high ranking Nazis plan an assassination attempt on Hitler and his closest henchmen while also coordinating a simultaneous takeover of the government. And that basic tale is what Haden Blackman emulates in Ghost Prison with Palpatine and Vader attempting to escape assassination and putdown a very legitimate takeover attempt, which – coupled with Star Wars lore and hidden Jedi secrets – makes for enough pulse-pounding entertainment to satisfy any Star Wars fan.
But . . .
Well, you knew there was a “but”, right?
But, the main character Tohm (No, Palpatine and Vader aren’t the narrators here.) is very irritating. He is naive at best and stupid at worst. While his physical condition and his personal history give him a valid reason for his decision making throughout the story, his inability to sense the danger of his situation and his absolute trust in people who are telling him over and over again that they are not trustworthy is really perplexing. I mean, if he is smart enough to have survived Imperial officer training and help root out a palace revolt, shouldn’t he be intelligent enough to sense his own precarious position? But, maybe, that is merely my personal preferences regarding characters coming out.
All in all, though, this is a fine addition to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. (Yeah, I know the EU isn’t canon anymore, but it is for me until I’m convinced the upcoming replacement is better.) Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison has stellar artwork, a complex and exciting Star Wars tale, and a lot of Vader-being-a-bad-ass action scenes. All of which means, it should have earned a four star rating from me, but . . . it didn’t, because of Tohm detracting from what otherwise was a great Star Wars tale. Try it for yourself though, because the positives in this one still outweigh the negatives.
December 28, 2015
This graphic novel was totally top notch both the story and the art. I wasn't even supposed to read it (I have a lot of other books to read that needs to be finished soon) but I was sucked into the story and could just not quit reading it. The art was really good, the kind that I like, crisp and clean, with easy to read font. Every page was a work of art.
Growing up my favorite character in Star Wars was Darth Vader, and he still is my favorite character. So that is one of the reasons I really liked this graphic novel that and that the story was really good. Also, I didn't see the ending coming, I mean it all made sense, but I was a bit: "wtf?"...I like it when books actually surprise me...
So, I recommend this graphic novel warmly to anyone that likes SW or just likes a very good graphic novel!
Growing up my favorite character in Star Wars was Darth Vader, and he still is my favorite character. So that is one of the reasons I really liked this graphic novel that and that the story was really good. Also, I didn't see the ending coming, I mean it all made sense, but I was a bit: "wtf?"...I like it when books actually surprise me...
So, I recommend this graphic novel warmly to anyone that likes SW or just likes a very good graphic novel!
September 26, 2016
The Ghost Prison, aka The Prism, was an old Jedi secret prison where they kept force sensitive prisoners who couldn't be held by the Republic's prisons. Ultra-secret and considered a myth. It becomes even more important in the Incident known as the Ghost Prison incident.
Headmaster Gentis of the Imperial Academy decides to overthrow Palpatine and become the new Emperor. In the attack the Emperor is injured and needs to be taken somewhere safe to recuperate. Vader accompanied by Lt. Thom, a recent Cadet who has proven trustworthy seeks the Ghost Prison both as a base of operations and as a place where the Emperor can recuperate.
The story is told from Thom's perspective with his rise from Cadet all the way to Admiral. It also showcases Vader's incredible abilities. The artwork is not great but not awful either. Some of the panels with Vader in them are well done as the painted feel complements this dark story.
The ending is excellent and I won't spoil it for you. But the final scene where Thom is fighting the rebels and is listing off the advantages of the Empire over the rebels is very well done.
A good volume about Vader and those who choose service under him. It shows the intrigues that are central to the Empire and how the power players respond. An all around great Imperial story. If you are a fan of the Empire or Vader this is a great series for you. I certainly enjoyed it.
Headmaster Gentis of the Imperial Academy decides to overthrow Palpatine and become the new Emperor. In the attack the Emperor is injured and needs to be taken somewhere safe to recuperate. Vader accompanied by Lt. Thom, a recent Cadet who has proven trustworthy seeks the Ghost Prison both as a base of operations and as a place where the Emperor can recuperate.
The story is told from Thom's perspective with his rise from Cadet all the way to Admiral. It also showcases Vader's incredible abilities. The artwork is not great but not awful either. Some of the panels with Vader in them are well done as the painted feel complements this dark story.
The ending is excellent and I won't spoil it for you. But the final scene where Thom is fighting the rebels and is listing off the advantages of the Empire over the rebels is very well done.
A good volume about Vader and those who choose service under him. It shows the intrigues that are central to the Empire and how the power players respond. An all around great Imperial story. If you are a fan of the Empire or Vader this is a great series for you. I certainly enjoyed it.
February 6, 2022
This was such a cool read!
This story is told from the perspective of Laurita Tohm a graduating cadet at the Imperial Academy but one day he is locked by his friends and he tries to escape but realizes soon whats happening is their Headmaster Gentis wants to overthrow the emperor Palpatine and takes his place and thus we follow him and Vader to go and stop him but before that rescue the emperor and save him sorts of and they meet Moff Trachta (emperors protector) and then going to Ghost prison, secret prison of the Jedi and their dark secrets, whatever Anakin's past was and the riot in that prison and their final war against Gentis and the insurgent soldiers and Tohm and Vader and all of them taking Coruscant from these enemies!
Its such a cool story and wow its brutal in all the right ways and I loved it, the way the narration takes place and all that and showing this guy who will die for empire, and his unwavering loyalty to Vader and all that but what Vader does in the end is a good twist, I won't spoil but its awesome and will make you love it.
The Prison riot was as brutal as they come and just shows the menace of Vader and well makes you fear him sorta and also delving into Anakin's past was fun and seeing that even Jedi had dark secrets paints a different picture of them. Plus reaffirms Vader's loyalty to the emperor and so yeah its better read for that reason so overall its a good read and the art is great and compliments the story really well.
This story is told from the perspective of Laurita Tohm a graduating cadet at the Imperial Academy but one day he is locked by his friends and he tries to escape but realizes soon whats happening is their Headmaster Gentis wants to overthrow the emperor Palpatine and takes his place and thus we follow him and Vader to go and stop him but before that rescue the emperor and save him sorts of and they meet Moff Trachta (emperors protector) and then going to Ghost prison, secret prison of the Jedi and their dark secrets, whatever Anakin's past was and the riot in that prison and their final war against Gentis and the insurgent soldiers and Tohm and Vader and all of them taking Coruscant from these enemies!
Its such a cool story and wow its brutal in all the right ways and I loved it, the way the narration takes place and all that and showing this guy who will die for empire, and his unwavering loyalty to Vader and all that but what Vader does in the end is a good twist, I won't spoil but its awesome and will make you love it.
The Prison riot was as brutal as they come and just shows the menace of Vader and well makes you fear him sorta and also delving into Anakin's past was fun and seeing that even Jedi had dark secrets paints a different picture of them. Plus reaffirms Vader's loyalty to the emperor and so yeah its better read for that reason so overall its a good read and the art is great and compliments the story really well.
August 31, 2014
WOW! Darth Vader and the Lost Command didn't really impress me - it's basically the same story as Dark Lord: Star Wars: The Rise of Darth Vader), but this comic series blew me out of the water!
Lieutenant Laurita Tohm is a very relatable, likeable, smart character. Darth Vader is marvelously portrayed. And while the Empire does appear ruthless, I also felt it wasn't so overdone and blatant as is typically shown.
And the ending! TOTALLY didn't see that coming!
One of the best recent Star Wars comic series I've read this year and definitely making me more excited for new Darth Vader comics.
Lieutenant Laurita Tohm is a very relatable, likeable, smart character. Darth Vader is marvelously portrayed. And while the Empire does appear ruthless, I also felt it wasn't so overdone and blatant as is typically shown.
And the ending! TOTALLY didn't see that coming!
One of the best recent Star Wars comic series I've read this year and definitely making me more excited for new Darth Vader comics.
June 14, 2021
Una de las mejores historias de Star Wars realizadas en comics, así ya os lo digo. Técnicamente es una relectura pero la leí hace tantos años que no me acordaba de casi nada.
Son los primeros años del Imperio Galáctico en formación, y el centro imperial de Coruscant se prepara para una celebración de espectáculos en su afán propagandístico. Uno de ellos es una reunión de la primera clase de cadetes imperiales recién salidos de sus academias. El protagonista de esta historia, un joven cadete llamado Laurita Tohm (vaya nombrecito), desfigurado cual Dos Caras por culpa de un incidente ocurrido durante las Guerras Clon contra su familia donde él fue el único superviviente. Uno de tantos jóvenes que tienen fe ciega en el Imperio y son víctimas de las Guerras Clon que asolaron la Galaxia y creyeron la propaganda del Emperador sobre la culpabilidad de los Jedi.
Pero no sabe que no saldrá todo como habrán previsto, puesto que en el mismo corazón del Imperio, un golpe de estado se prepara promovido por el director Gentis y su tropa de cadetes, para acabar con el reinado del terror del Emperador Palpatine.
Oscura, adictiva, adulta. Todo eso y mucho más. Realmente aunque en el título de la historia venga Darth Vader como enganche publicitario y si, tiene un gran protagonismo en la historia, no está totalmente protagonizada por el Señor Oscuro de los Sith, si no que se mantiene como co-protagonista. Era algo habitual en estas miniseries que salieron antes del cancelamiento del Universo Expandido con el título de Darth Vader, a diferencia de las series de Darth Vader de la Marvel del Canon Disney, donde si observamos que el lleva la batuta de la historia. Pero eso no es ningún problema puesto que Tohm hace perfectamente de narrador de la historia a través de sus ojos, y así observamos a Vader como un ser aterrador, letal, y silencioso con su máscara de respiración. Y las pocas veces que habla suelta frases lapidarias.
Me encanto lo bien que estaba conectada al resto del universo y las menciones a otras historias y personajes. Si no recuerdo mal fue en la serie de comics de Tiempos Oscuros donde se mencionaba este golpe de estado, puesto que sucedían casi al mismo tiempo. También se nos introduce un personaje llamado Trachta, un ciborg también víctima de las Guerras Clon que tiene una lealtad inquebrantable al Imperio, y que ayudara a Vader y Tohm a acabar con el intento de golpe. Este personaje es reutilizado de la serie Star Wars Imperio: Traición donde en ese caso el que intentaba realizar un nuevo golpe de estado contra los Sith era este Trachta, convertido en Gran Moff. Curioso verdad, las vueltas que da la vida. Puesto que este comic se realizó años después se le podría considerar precuela de esa historia, y veremos como Trachta consiguió su título de Gran Moff.
También me gusta como al ser los Tiempos Oscuros donde los Jedi acababan de ser erradicados y el Emperador había cambiado la historia, la mayoría de personas creen realmente que los Jedi eran unos traidores que intentaron provocar un golpe contra el Senado. Muy buen momento fue ese donde Vader y Tohm entran en el Templo Jedi abandonado y destrozado (en el canon Disney, el Templo Jedi se convierte en el Palacio Imperial), y Vader descubre un secreto que el Alto Consejo Jedi mantenía guardado para todos incluso para Anakin, la prisión secreta del Prisma, o la Prisión Fantasma, donde guardaban a la mayoría de criminales de guerra y psicópatas usuarios de la Fuerza seguidores de Dooku que en su mayoría de las veces capturaba el ya extinto Anakin, para acabar en esa prisión Jedi al ser tan peligrosos para ser juzgados. Le da otro matiz a los Jedi, realmente siguieron un camino oscuro a consecuencia de la guerra, todo orquestado como ya sabemos por la mente maestra de Sidius, la trampa perfecta para los Jedi.
En conclusión, una historia muy entretenida, bellamente dibujada por Agustin Alessio, donde un dibujo realista, nos acompaña en esta oscura historia de Star Wars protagonizada en su mayoría por villanos y que tiene un final… de vértigo (otro de mis chistes malos xd, quien lo lea lo entenderá).
Son los primeros años del Imperio Galáctico en formación, y el centro imperial de Coruscant se prepara para una celebración de espectáculos en su afán propagandístico. Uno de ellos es una reunión de la primera clase de cadetes imperiales recién salidos de sus academias. El protagonista de esta historia, un joven cadete llamado Laurita Tohm (vaya nombrecito), desfigurado cual Dos Caras por culpa de un incidente ocurrido durante las Guerras Clon contra su familia donde él fue el único superviviente. Uno de tantos jóvenes que tienen fe ciega en el Imperio y son víctimas de las Guerras Clon que asolaron la Galaxia y creyeron la propaganda del Emperador sobre la culpabilidad de los Jedi.
Pero recuerde siempre lo que ha oído aquí. Los Jedi creían en tonos de gris cuando solo hay lo que beneficia al Imperio y lo que no.
Pero no sabe que no saldrá todo como habrán previsto, puesto que en el mismo corazón del Imperio, un golpe de estado se prepara promovido por el director Gentis y su tropa de cadetes, para acabar con el reinado del terror del Emperador Palpatine.
Oscura, adictiva, adulta. Todo eso y mucho más. Realmente aunque en el título de la historia venga Darth Vader como enganche publicitario y si, tiene un gran protagonismo en la historia, no está totalmente protagonizada por el Señor Oscuro de los Sith, si no que se mantiene como co-protagonista. Era algo habitual en estas miniseries que salieron antes del cancelamiento del Universo Expandido con el título de Darth Vader, a diferencia de las series de Darth Vader de la Marvel del Canon Disney, donde si observamos que el lleva la batuta de la historia. Pero eso no es ningún problema puesto que Tohm hace perfectamente de narrador de la historia a través de sus ojos, y así observamos a Vader como un ser aterrador, letal, y silencioso con su máscara de respiración. Y las pocas veces que habla suelta frases lapidarias.
Me encanto lo bien que estaba conectada al resto del universo y las menciones a otras historias y personajes. Si no recuerdo mal fue en la serie de comics de Tiempos Oscuros donde se mencionaba este golpe de estado, puesto que sucedían casi al mismo tiempo. También se nos introduce un personaje llamado Trachta, un ciborg también víctima de las Guerras Clon que tiene una lealtad inquebrantable al Imperio, y que ayudara a Vader y Tohm a acabar con el intento de golpe. Este personaje es reutilizado de la serie Star Wars Imperio: Traición donde en ese caso el que intentaba realizar un nuevo golpe de estado contra los Sith era este Trachta, convertido en Gran Moff. Curioso verdad, las vueltas que da la vida. Puesto que este comic se realizó años después se le podría considerar precuela de esa historia, y veremos como Trachta consiguió su título de Gran Moff.
-Los informes son correctos. Skywalker era uno de los generales más hábiles de la Orden Jedi.
-¿Que fue de él?
-Lo mate.
También me gusta como al ser los Tiempos Oscuros donde los Jedi acababan de ser erradicados y el Emperador había cambiado la historia, la mayoría de personas creen realmente que los Jedi eran unos traidores que intentaron provocar un golpe contra el Senado. Muy buen momento fue ese donde Vader y Tohm entran en el Templo Jedi abandonado y destrozado (en el canon Disney, el Templo Jedi se convierte en el Palacio Imperial), y Vader descubre un secreto que el Alto Consejo Jedi mantenía guardado para todos incluso para Anakin, la prisión secreta del Prisma, o la Prisión Fantasma, donde guardaban a la mayoría de criminales de guerra y psicópatas usuarios de la Fuerza seguidores de Dooku que en su mayoría de las veces capturaba el ya extinto Anakin, para acabar en esa prisión Jedi al ser tan peligrosos para ser juzgados. Le da otro matiz a los Jedi, realmente siguieron un camino oscuro a consecuencia de la guerra, todo orquestado como ya sabemos por la mente maestra de Sidius, la trampa perfecta para los Jedi.
En conclusión, una historia muy entretenida, bellamente dibujada por Agustin Alessio, donde un dibujo realista, nos acompaña en esta oscura historia de Star Wars protagonizada en su mayoría por villanos y que tiene un final… de vértigo (otro de mis chistes malos xd, quien lo lea lo entenderá).
December 10, 2015
Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison is a fine Star Wars story with an original idea and many well-written characters (especially Moff Trachta who is like Darth Vader but with guns instead of lightsaber). Also this is finally a story that Darth Vader acts as the evil ruthless bastard he really is. It reminds us why the fearsome Dark Lord of the Sith is considered one of the greatest fictional villains in history.
February 14, 2015
This was so awesome. Very strong read and probably one of my favourite Star Wars graphic novels. Not one to be missed, even if it's no longer canon.
January 7, 2022
Darth Vader's characterization in these Darkhorse Darth Vader books are much more interesting than how he's depicted in the movie. Darth Vader here is exactly how we all want him to be: ruthless, self-centered, and badass.
The story concerns a captain in the emperors army who hated the republic (the good guys) and is completely faithful to the empire. He ends up being getting involved in a conflict and has the opportunity to fight with Darth Vader. The story is all told from the captains point-of-view, so the reader experiences his delusional devotion.
The story concerns a captain in the emperors army who hated the republic (the good guys) and is completely faithful to the empire. He ends up being getting involved in a conflict and has the opportunity to fight with Darth Vader. The story is all told from the captains point-of-view, so the reader experiences his delusional devotion.
January 13, 2013
After reading a couple disappointing graphic novels, Dark Horse delivers a jewel in the Star Wars crown. Fantastic art mixed with a tense story line makes this a buy for anyone interested even remotely in Star Wars or science fiction. Blackman keeps his plot simply and easy to follow and while there are a few holes in the story they are so small it doesn't take away from the story at all.
The art is very clean and straight forward which helps to carry the story along without making the art the focus, which is what I have come to expect from Dark Horse. Overall, this is a wonderful work and I consider this one of my favorite graphic novels of 2013.
*I received this as a digital ARC from Net Galley.*
The art is very clean and straight forward which helps to carry the story along without making the art the focus, which is what I have come to expect from Dark Horse. Overall, this is a wonderful work and I consider this one of my favorite graphic novels of 2013.
*I received this as a digital ARC from Net Galley.*
June 16, 2013
This was a surprisingly good story. Told entirely from an imperial's point of view, a few months after the events of Episode 3, and detailing a coup attempt on the Emperor. That everyone in it is on the 'evil' side of the spectrum, it's amazing how deeply the characters are drawn. Vader is prominent, but other characters like Moff Trachta and Grand Moff Tarkin also play out well. And the central character, Laurita Tohm, is a fascinatingly loyal man to whom the question 'what are you loyal to' becomes central. Really well done story, clear and well told, with a couple surprises that play out well too.
October 23, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 4.25/5
Boom, finally a Star Wars story that engrossed me from the out and carried it all the way to the final page. I had been critical of the overt reliance on OT characters, (Darth Vader most of all) throughout my time reading The Empire omnibus, of which this story ends that collection. His rather generic 'big bad' over saturation up till that point had taken a beloved character and, in the hands of some rather average writing, made him nothing more than an OP plot device. I was really getting rather sick of the sight of him. Knowing his inclusion in any story meant he would inevitably overcome whatever fairly uninteresting task he was thrown up against without too much effort or narrative nouse. That all changed with Ghost Prison.
Vader isn't the soul focus here, but rather a bit player in a fairly well executed story about betrayal and loyalty. Vader isn't simply a bland and unstoppable force here, with other more nuanced characters who were relatively well set up, allowed to shine alongside him. A good story, well told with some absolutely gorgeous art. I thought Douglas Wheatley was untouchable on his arcs in this collection, but damn me if Agustin Alessio didn't go and put his own indelible stamp on what was an exceedingly good looking collection of stories, with this undoubtedly being a highlight. Talk about finishing on a high. The best Star Wars story I've read that wasn't an adaptation of the original trilogy. Hell, it may be even better than those. 4.25/5
OmniBen.
Boom, finally a Star Wars story that engrossed me from the out and carried it all the way to the final page. I had been critical of the overt reliance on OT characters, (Darth Vader most of all) throughout my time reading The Empire omnibus, of which this story ends that collection. His rather generic 'big bad' over saturation up till that point had taken a beloved character and, in the hands of some rather average writing, made him nothing more than an OP plot device. I was really getting rather sick of the sight of him. Knowing his inclusion in any story meant he would inevitably overcome whatever fairly uninteresting task he was thrown up against without too much effort or narrative nouse. That all changed with Ghost Prison.
Vader isn't the soul focus here, but rather a bit player in a fairly well executed story about betrayal and loyalty. Vader isn't simply a bland and unstoppable force here, with other more nuanced characters who were relatively well set up, allowed to shine alongside him. A good story, well told with some absolutely gorgeous art. I thought Douglas Wheatley was untouchable on his arcs in this collection, but damn me if Agustin Alessio didn't go and put his own indelible stamp on what was an exceedingly good looking collection of stories, with this undoubtedly being a highlight. Talk about finishing on a high. The best Star Wars story I've read that wasn't an adaptation of the original trilogy. Hell, it may be even better than those. 4.25/5
OmniBen.
November 25, 2018
Star Wars Legends Project #177
Background: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison was released in April 2013, collecting the 5-issue series of the same title (May-September 2012). It was written by W. Haden Blackman and drawn by Agustín Alessio. Blackman has written quite a few other Star Wars comics and been significantly involved with a few Star Wars video games. This is Alessio's only Star Wars work aside from several covers for the Legacy series.
The story takes place 2 or 3 months after Order 66 (19 years before the Battle of Yavin). The main character is Darth Vader, with major roles for Emperor Palpatine, Grand Moff Tarkin, and Moff Trachta. Most of the story takes place on Coruscant and at the Ghost Prison.
Summary: Laurita Tohm is the Empire's newest lieutenant, graduating at the top of the fledgling Empire's first class of cadets, but his real test has just begun. A group of traitors have engineered a well-organized coup to overthrow the Emperor and his inner circle, and Tohm finds himself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Darth Vader himself in a desperate bid to save the Emperor's life, and his power.
Review: This is the Darth Vader story I've been hoping for since Revenge of the Sith. The leash is off, and Vader is answering to no one and fighting for everything that matters to him anymore. But at the same time, I think it was a brilliant move to have the story narrated from Tohm's perspective rather than Vader's. It reminded me of "The Tyrant's Fist," by far the best of the stories from Purge. The distance allows him that additional air of cold menace that is so key to his character.
The story is really well-written and you never quite feel like you know where it's going to go next. I didn't read anything about it beforehand, so I had no idea what it would be about, but even if I had that would only have prepared me for the first of its five issues. It's full of surprises, and lot of them pack a serious emotional punch, as well. I also really liked all the characters and the way the story made it hard to know who you wanted to root for. There are at least 3 different factions of characters at different points in the story, and you feel torn between all of them at one point or another, or at least between individuals within each faction. But Tohm is just a fantastic narrator and POV character.
I could honestly rave about this a lot more, but I wouldn't want to risk spoiling it. Definitely check this one out!
A+
Background: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison was released in April 2013, collecting the 5-issue series of the same title (May-September 2012). It was written by W. Haden Blackman and drawn by Agustín Alessio. Blackman has written quite a few other Star Wars comics and been significantly involved with a few Star Wars video games. This is Alessio's only Star Wars work aside from several covers for the Legacy series.
The story takes place 2 or 3 months after Order 66 (19 years before the Battle of Yavin). The main character is Darth Vader, with major roles for Emperor Palpatine, Grand Moff Tarkin, and Moff Trachta. Most of the story takes place on Coruscant and at the Ghost Prison.
Summary: Laurita Tohm is the Empire's newest lieutenant, graduating at the top of the fledgling Empire's first class of cadets, but his real test has just begun. A group of traitors have engineered a well-organized coup to overthrow the Emperor and his inner circle, and Tohm finds himself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Darth Vader himself in a desperate bid to save the Emperor's life, and his power.
Review: This is the Darth Vader story I've been hoping for since Revenge of the Sith. The leash is off, and Vader is answering to no one and fighting for everything that matters to him anymore. But at the same time, I think it was a brilliant move to have the story narrated from Tohm's perspective rather than Vader's. It reminded me of "The Tyrant's Fist," by far the best of the stories from Purge. The distance allows him that additional air of cold menace that is so key to his character.
The story is really well-written and you never quite feel like you know where it's going to go next. I didn't read anything about it beforehand, so I had no idea what it would be about, but even if I had that would only have prepared me for the first of its five issues. It's full of surprises, and lot of them pack a serious emotional punch, as well. I also really liked all the characters and the way the story made it hard to know who you wanted to root for. There are at least 3 different factions of characters at different points in the story, and you feel torn between all of them at one point or another, or at least between individuals within each faction. But Tohm is just a fantastic narrator and POV character.
I could honestly rave about this a lot more, but I wouldn't want to risk spoiling it. Definitely check this one out!
A+
August 23, 2013
I have a love/hate relationship with the Star Wars Expanded Universe. A lot of it reads like it was written by disillusioned middle-aged fans trying to make something "edgy" out of the thing they loved as a kid. That, or it's generic sci-fi, too far removed from the saga's iconic mythology to be recognizable as Star Wars. But! For every handful of stories that fail to grasp the essentials, there are worthy tales like Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison. Thank the Maker.
Haden Blackman gets it. He understands Anakin/Vader as a character (rarer than you'd think), delivering a note-perfect glimpse of what his mental and emotional state must've been like so soon after his transformation. Not only that: he provides one of the more creative and believable depictions of the galaxy's reaction to its new Emperor. The Empire is still a volatile, unstable entity at the time this story takes place; it's recruiting new Imperials at an alarming rate, but so many of them are dying so quickly for the Emperor's cause that mutiny has already begun in the ranks. Everybody wants to usurp Palpatine. I love that we're given a reason why he's always in hiding during the original trilogy.
Besides the outstanding art by Agustin Alessio (and that truly is an understatement), there are so many great details to latch onto. The subtle implication that Vader trusts Tohm because of his disfiguration. The scene at the empty Jedi Temple, where Vader finds another excuse to hate his former friends. The references to all the prisoners in the Prism that Anakin beat senseless or maimed before arresting them as war criminals (ever the reckless, too-passionate Jedi). The way the Empire feeds on the angry, everyday people who were harmed by the corruption in the Senate and the blindness of the Jedi Council.
I loved Captain Volta, the female leader of the prisoners. I completely understood why she would want to fight against the Republic and the Jedi, which just goes to show you how well Blackman wrote this. Even though the Empire is built on blatant lies about the Jedi, you empathize with the people who have become collateral damage in the mess. You can't blame them for feeling the way they do, based on what they've been told and what they've experienced.
I did think the ending was a bit too convenient, but maybe that's because I felt like this story could have run a lot longer. I honestly wish Dark Horse had made an extended series out of it. Ah well. Overall: the best post-EPIII story I've read yet.
Haden Blackman gets it. He understands Anakin/Vader as a character (rarer than you'd think), delivering a note-perfect glimpse of what his mental and emotional state must've been like so soon after his transformation. Not only that: he provides one of the more creative and believable depictions of the galaxy's reaction to its new Emperor. The Empire is still a volatile, unstable entity at the time this story takes place; it's recruiting new Imperials at an alarming rate, but so many of them are dying so quickly for the Emperor's cause that mutiny has already begun in the ranks. Everybody wants to usurp Palpatine. I love that we're given a reason why he's always in hiding during the original trilogy.
Besides the outstanding art by Agustin Alessio (and that truly is an understatement), there are so many great details to latch onto. The subtle implication that Vader trusts Tohm because of his disfiguration. The scene at the empty Jedi Temple, where Vader finds another excuse to hate his former friends. The references to all the prisoners in the Prism that Anakin beat senseless or maimed before arresting them as war criminals (ever the reckless, too-passionate Jedi). The way the Empire feeds on the angry, everyday people who were harmed by the corruption in the Senate and the blindness of the Jedi Council.
I loved Captain Volta, the female leader of the prisoners. I completely understood why she would want to fight against the Republic and the Jedi, which just goes to show you how well Blackman wrote this. Even though the Empire is built on blatant lies about the Jedi, you empathize with the people who have become collateral damage in the mess. You can't blame them for feeling the way they do, based on what they've been told and what they've experienced.
I did think the ending was a bit too convenient, but maybe that's because I felt like this story could have run a lot longer. I honestly wish Dark Horse had made an extended series out of it. Ah well. Overall: the best post-EPIII story I've read yet.
March 29, 2013
Ghost Prison takes place 19 years before A New Hope and gives us a nice little view into the world that Palpatine is working with before the original trilogy starts.
Some of the past graphic novels I’ve read have had Vader standing around and generally not doing much other than a few force chokes or light saber duals. I’m very pleased to say that Vader is a force to be reckoned with in this one, no pun intended. He shows off his power and just how ruthless he can be when it comes to other people’s lives; in short he kicks some major butt in this one. We get a quick glimpse into his past as well as some of the Jedi’s rather shifty dealings, aka the Ghost Prison. This is told from Lieutenant Tohm’s point of view, who is a Imperial Agent and a man betrayed by those he thought closest to him. He’s not particularly brave but he is smart, and it’s nice to see someone normal in comparison to Vader and the shadier people he associates with. It’s a new voice and perspective on Vader, and it gives a bit of insight on what it’s like to be an agent under his direct control.
I think this is a great off-shoot story of the main storyline that gives you some insight on what the characters were up to during the time gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Everything wraps up nicely as it should, which should be no surprise given the constraint of having to fixed points to work between. The art is beautiful, dynamic and very detailed and it really makes every scene worth staring at.
This is definitely one of the better Star Wars graphic novels I’ve read and it’s certainly worth reading.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Some of the past graphic novels I’ve read have had Vader standing around and generally not doing much other than a few force chokes or light saber duals. I’m very pleased to say that Vader is a force to be reckoned with in this one, no pun intended. He shows off his power and just how ruthless he can be when it comes to other people’s lives; in short he kicks some major butt in this one. We get a quick glimpse into his past as well as some of the Jedi’s rather shifty dealings, aka the Ghost Prison. This is told from Lieutenant Tohm’s point of view, who is a Imperial Agent and a man betrayed by those he thought closest to him. He’s not particularly brave but he is smart, and it’s nice to see someone normal in comparison to Vader and the shadier people he associates with. It’s a new voice and perspective on Vader, and it gives a bit of insight on what it’s like to be an agent under his direct control.
I think this is a great off-shoot story of the main storyline that gives you some insight on what the characters were up to during the time gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Everything wraps up nicely as it should, which should be no surprise given the constraint of having to fixed points to work between. The art is beautiful, dynamic and very detailed and it really makes every scene worth staring at.
This is definitely one of the better Star Wars graphic novels I’ve read and it’s certainly worth reading.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2015
"Never suffer rivals." Ha. Awesome. Excellent story. Excellent ending. Excellent bad-@$$ depiction of Vader.
September 19, 2020
An imaginative story.
The title is misleading, and some readers might wish the tale has more of Darth Vader in it. The story is told from the perspective of an Imperial officer (Thom) making his way up the ranks, and a lot of it deals with a coup by Imperial officers in the Empire’s early days. The story looks at the kind of unquestioning loyalty that Vader demands from the Empire. The portrait of Darth Vader is good; he comes off as mysterious and violent, and speaks mainly through his actions. The story is told in the form of a report from Thom, and you’re not entirely sure how reliable a narrator he is: at one point the officer states that Vader ordered him to omit certain details, but he decides not to, given the audience. Blackman does a good job making Thom sympathetic, even though he’s constantly doing horrible things. Thom puts a lot of trust in Darth Vader, and his loyalty impresses the Emperor; it doesn’t impress Vader, who has to choose between letting Thom usurp him or getting rid of Thom. You don’t have to be a genius to guess what Vader chooses to do, or how.
The artwork is solid, and the panoramic scenes are pretty great. The story moves along at a good pace, and the action is vivid and keeps you engaged. There’s some unexpected plot twists. Blackman does a good job integrating elements from the original trilogy, the prequels, and the old EU material. The story is very character-driven, and they’re handled in a nuanced way.
The prison itself is familiar to Guantánamo, and some readers might find these aspects a little preachy or forced. Others might wish the story was longer. Thom often comes off as naive or stupid; usually you understand why he does what he does, but he seems dull-witted and too trusting. Also, there’s a big shootout where all the characters are present, but the way they’re brought together is a little contrived.
Still, an engaging and well-paced story.
The title is misleading, and some readers might wish the tale has more of Darth Vader in it. The story is told from the perspective of an Imperial officer (Thom) making his way up the ranks, and a lot of it deals with a coup by Imperial officers in the Empire’s early days. The story looks at the kind of unquestioning loyalty that Vader demands from the Empire. The portrait of Darth Vader is good; he comes off as mysterious and violent, and speaks mainly through his actions. The story is told in the form of a report from Thom, and you’re not entirely sure how reliable a narrator he is: at one point the officer states that Vader ordered him to omit certain details, but he decides not to, given the audience. Blackman does a good job making Thom sympathetic, even though he’s constantly doing horrible things. Thom puts a lot of trust in Darth Vader, and his loyalty impresses the Emperor; it doesn’t impress Vader, who has to choose between letting Thom usurp him or getting rid of Thom. You don’t have to be a genius to guess what Vader chooses to do, or how.
The artwork is solid, and the panoramic scenes are pretty great. The story moves along at a good pace, and the action is vivid and keeps you engaged. There’s some unexpected plot twists. Blackman does a good job integrating elements from the original trilogy, the prequels, and the old EU material. The story is very character-driven, and they’re handled in a nuanced way.
The prison itself is familiar to Guantánamo, and some readers might find these aspects a little preachy or forced. Others might wish the story was longer. Thom often comes off as naive or stupid; usually you understand why he does what he does, but he seems dull-witted and too trusting. Also, there’s a big shootout where all the characters are present, but the way they’re brought together is a little contrived.
Still, an engaging and well-paced story.
January 11, 2020
A sort of prequel to the Imperial coup plot in Empire ten years earlier. It's a top-tier story--Laurita Tohm is a fantastic new protagonist, with a very unique sense of aggrievement and commitment. It follows his story in a very direct way, taking a lot of time to establish his social milieux and personal trajectory before ramping things up into a dizzying series of action beats. The plot has a knack for putting him in escalating situations that try his character and force him to make bold or surprising decisions. It's good storytelling, especially appreciated in a Star Wars comic but I think this stands up on its own too. Vader makes a great foil for him, right up to the very end. Making this from Tohm's POV rather than Vader's makes it feel a lot more rich and natural--Vader's just too weird, and all the recent attempts under Marvel fail to some extent because they can't make him seem relatable. I love that this is a story about Imperial internal politics, like Empire, and I love that it updates that early infighting to reference the Clone War and its immediate aftermath. The art is also phenomenal.
July 14, 2017
5 stars
Enjoyed reading another comic with Darth Vader.
Can't wait to read more Star Wars comics!!!
Enjoyed reading another comic with Darth Vader.
Can't wait to read more Star Wars comics!!!
August 29, 2024
I could feel the remaining parts of my soul that hadn’t been infected with nerd die as I read this book…I mean it’s called “Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison” for fuck’s sake.
October 20, 2024
Very good story just after Palpatine come to power. Vader is bad, I'll just say that...
August 24, 2025
The quintessential Vader story, and hes not even the main protagonist.
July 14, 2024
"This wasn't war... it was just violence."
July 3, 2022
Great book, art and story. 100% recommand.
March 28, 2013
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison by Haden Blackman. 2013. Dark Horse Books, 128 p. $24.99. ISBN: 9781616550592
Set several months after the events chronicled in Star Wars: Episode III, The Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison gives us a glimpse into the early formation of the Galactic Empire. The newly enthroned Emperor Palpatine falls victim to a coup attempt and it falls to his apprentice Darth Vader, a cyborg Grand Moff, and a young disfigured Lieutenant recently graduated from the Imperial Academy to stop it and restore order. Their plan is to locate and infiltrate a secret Jedi prison, containing captured prisoners form the Clone Wars and use them to create an army to defend the Emperor. As with anything in the Star Wars universe, however, things are not always what they appear to be and are never simple.
I found this to be a refreshing change to most of what I have read in the Star Wars expanded universe from the time between the films Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. This is also very different for me in that little of what I have read in general in the Star Wars universe have been graphic novels. I was not disappointed at all in my first foray into this genre. I found that the visual nature of the graphic novel lends itself to the telling of a great Star Wars story, but that a solid plot and story with relatable characters cannot be lacking. Fortunately Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison provided both.
The big surprise to me was the actual treatment of Darth Vader in this story. While he is a driving force behind the plot and a key figure throughout most of the story, in actuality he is more of a secondary character. This is not a bad thing at all because Darth Vader can be a dicey character to work with, as I have experienced in several Star Wars novels. Authors have tended to either miss the mark completely with him or made the character into more of a caricature to the great consternation of hardcore fans. Blackman is able to tread this fine line perfectly by minimizing Vader's dialogue and accentuating the fear and respect he commands in others while still showing the cold ruthlessness that is at the heart of this master villan.
The story would not work in this way were it not for the fact that it it told from the perspective of young Lieutenant Laurita Thom. Lt. Thom has recently graduated from the Imperial Officer Academy and soon after his graduation is caught in the middle of a coup against the Emperor. Choosing to place his loyalty behind Darth Vader we see how Thom, an unknown in the Star Wars lexicon before this, views the Dark Lord and the events surrounding him. This unique perspective, mixed with some history of the Old Republic not seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy also shed some light on why many were loyal to the Empire and Emperor and disavowed the Old Republic and the Jedi Order. This perspective and history of "the other side" is something that has been lacking in understanding the rie of the Empire in Star Wars.
Overall Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison is a very fast read, but one that you will want to return to again and again as there are many subtle references and the characters are so compelling that you do want to truly spend more time getting to know them. It doesn't help that a surprise ending will leave you gasping and returning to the start to see if you missed any foreshadowing.
I recommend this to anyone, of course, who is a Star Wars or moreso a Darth Vader fan but is also interested in the fledgling Empire and its rise to power in the galaxy. Appearances by the Death Star and Grand Moff Tarkin from A New Hope will be very pleasant surprised to these fans as well. Young adult and adult fans alike will enjoy this fine addition to the Star Wars universe.
Four out of five stars.
Set several months after the events chronicled in Star Wars: Episode III, The Revenge of the Sith, Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison gives us a glimpse into the early formation of the Galactic Empire. The newly enthroned Emperor Palpatine falls victim to a coup attempt and it falls to his apprentice Darth Vader, a cyborg Grand Moff, and a young disfigured Lieutenant recently graduated from the Imperial Academy to stop it and restore order. Their plan is to locate and infiltrate a secret Jedi prison, containing captured prisoners form the Clone Wars and use them to create an army to defend the Emperor. As with anything in the Star Wars universe, however, things are not always what they appear to be and are never simple.
I found this to be a refreshing change to most of what I have read in the Star Wars expanded universe from the time between the films Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. This is also very different for me in that little of what I have read in general in the Star Wars universe have been graphic novels. I was not disappointed at all in my first foray into this genre. I found that the visual nature of the graphic novel lends itself to the telling of a great Star Wars story, but that a solid plot and story with relatable characters cannot be lacking. Fortunately Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison provided both.
The big surprise to me was the actual treatment of Darth Vader in this story. While he is a driving force behind the plot and a key figure throughout most of the story, in actuality he is more of a secondary character. This is not a bad thing at all because Darth Vader can be a dicey character to work with, as I have experienced in several Star Wars novels. Authors have tended to either miss the mark completely with him or made the character into more of a caricature to the great consternation of hardcore fans. Blackman is able to tread this fine line perfectly by minimizing Vader's dialogue and accentuating the fear and respect he commands in others while still showing the cold ruthlessness that is at the heart of this master villan.
The story would not work in this way were it not for the fact that it it told from the perspective of young Lieutenant Laurita Thom. Lt. Thom has recently graduated from the Imperial Officer Academy and soon after his graduation is caught in the middle of a coup against the Emperor. Choosing to place his loyalty behind Darth Vader we see how Thom, an unknown in the Star Wars lexicon before this, views the Dark Lord and the events surrounding him. This unique perspective, mixed with some history of the Old Republic not seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy also shed some light on why many were loyal to the Empire and Emperor and disavowed the Old Republic and the Jedi Order. This perspective and history of "the other side" is something that has been lacking in understanding the rie of the Empire in Star Wars.
Overall Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison is a very fast read, but one that you will want to return to again and again as there are many subtle references and the characters are so compelling that you do want to truly spend more time getting to know them. It doesn't help that a surprise ending will leave you gasping and returning to the start to see if you missed any foreshadowing.
I recommend this to anyone, of course, who is a Star Wars or moreso a Darth Vader fan but is also interested in the fledgling Empire and its rise to power in the galaxy. Appearances by the Death Star and Grand Moff Tarkin from A New Hope will be very pleasant surprised to these fans as well. Young adult and adult fans alike will enjoy this fine addition to the Star Wars universe.
Four out of five stars.
October 7, 2015
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison
Author: Haden Blackman, Agustin Alessio
Publisher: Dark Horse publishing
Published In:
Date: April 23, 2013
Pgs: 128
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
A rebellion on the heels of the Emperor’s victory. Terror attacks across Coruscant. Emperor Palpatine close to death. An entire crop of cadets from the finest military academies across the empire turned to the ambition of their headmaster. A man who wants to crown himself the next Emperor. Vader must find a bastion, a bolthole from which to retake the Empire and succor his master. A rumor. A wisp. A memory from his time as Anakin Skywalker, Jedi. Where did those prisoners too dangerous to be thrown into the Republic’s prisons go? Where did all those men captured by Anakin end up? The Ghost Prison awaits.
Genre:
Comics and graphic novels
Military
Politics
Science fiction
Space opera
Sword and sorcery
War
Wizards
Zombies
Why this book:
It's Darth Vader and Star Wars how can I not read it
______________________________________________________________________________
Favorite Character:
Laurita Thom, the only cadet that they couldn’t be sure of. The only one they didn’t include in their plot. They tried to sideline him, but he escaped and fell right into the middle of their rebellion. And he sided with Vader. His loyalty to the Empire.
Least Favorite Character:
Headmaster Gentis. While he makes for an interesting villain, if you consider Vader, Thom, et al as the heroes of the piece that is, Gentis is a bit of a scenery muncher of a character. Very overblown.
Character I Most Identified With:
This was weird. As you read this, you start to feel like Vader and those on his side are the heroes, even when you know that they are the bad guys. You have to keep reminding yourself that even though Headmaster Gentis is a terrorist in the sense of the story that he is facing down the Emperor, Vader, and the Empire.
The Feel:
Just felt like Star Wars. It was perfect.
Favorite Scene:
The final scene is a mindblower, especially when put in context with the climax.
The scene where the other cadets don't trust Laurita Thom and lock him in the fighter trainer.
When Thom shows himself to be a worthy apprentice to Vader, coldblooded and ruthless.
Pacing:
The pacing of the story is awesome. A real page turner.
Hmm Moments:
Moff Trachta very much seems like a Vader Jr. Though whether he was prototype or Mark II hasn’t been revealed in the text. I’m guessing Mark II, but the differences could be more an expression of what drove them to their current state rather than the state of the tech.
I didn't catch that Caul was Headmaster Gentis son until the climax.
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
With the right special effects, this would make an awesome movie.
______________________________________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
Wow! I did not see that coming in the denouement. Great stuff.
Author Assessment:
Would definitely read more stuff by Haden Blackman.
Editorial Assessment:
Very well put together.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
instant classic
Disposition of Book:
e-Book
Would recommend to:
everyone
______________________________________________________________________________
Author: Haden Blackman, Agustin Alessio
Publisher: Dark Horse publishing
Published In:
Date: April 23, 2013
Pgs: 128
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
A rebellion on the heels of the Emperor’s victory. Terror attacks across Coruscant. Emperor Palpatine close to death. An entire crop of cadets from the finest military academies across the empire turned to the ambition of their headmaster. A man who wants to crown himself the next Emperor. Vader must find a bastion, a bolthole from which to retake the Empire and succor his master. A rumor. A wisp. A memory from his time as Anakin Skywalker, Jedi. Where did those prisoners too dangerous to be thrown into the Republic’s prisons go? Where did all those men captured by Anakin end up? The Ghost Prison awaits.
Genre:
Comics and graphic novels
Military
Politics
Science fiction
Space opera
Sword and sorcery
War
Wizards
Zombies
Why this book:
It's Darth Vader and Star Wars how can I not read it
______________________________________________________________________________
Favorite Character:
Laurita Thom, the only cadet that they couldn’t be sure of. The only one they didn’t include in their plot. They tried to sideline him, but he escaped and fell right into the middle of their rebellion. And he sided with Vader. His loyalty to the Empire.
Least Favorite Character:
Headmaster Gentis. While he makes for an interesting villain, if you consider Vader, Thom, et al as the heroes of the piece that is, Gentis is a bit of a scenery muncher of a character. Very overblown.
Character I Most Identified With:
This was weird. As you read this, you start to feel like Vader and those on his side are the heroes, even when you know that they are the bad guys. You have to keep reminding yourself that even though Headmaster Gentis is a terrorist in the sense of the story that he is facing down the Emperor, Vader, and the Empire.
The Feel:
Just felt like Star Wars. It was perfect.
Favorite Scene:
The final scene is a mindblower, especially when put in context with the climax.
The scene where the other cadets don't trust Laurita Thom and lock him in the fighter trainer.
When Thom shows himself to be a worthy apprentice to Vader, coldblooded and ruthless.
Pacing:
The pacing of the story is awesome. A real page turner.
Hmm Moments:
Moff Trachta very much seems like a Vader Jr. Though whether he was prototype or Mark II hasn’t been revealed in the text. I’m guessing Mark II, but the differences could be more an expression of what drove them to their current state rather than the state of the tech.
I didn't catch that Caul was Headmaster Gentis son until the climax.
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
With the right special effects, this would make an awesome movie.
______________________________________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
Wow! I did not see that coming in the denouement. Great stuff.
Author Assessment:
Would definitely read more stuff by Haden Blackman.
Editorial Assessment:
Very well put together.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
instant classic
Disposition of Book:
e-Book
Would recommend to:
everyone
______________________________________________________________________________
January 12, 2013
Being a longtime Star Wars fan, this title was one of particular interest for me. I am pleased to report that my interest was indeed justified. If you’re a fan of Star Wars, this is a must read as Dark Horse Comics yet again delivers the goods for fan boys and girls everywhere!
The story takes place during the transition period between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope and offers a refreshingly different perspective than typically shown in the Star Wars universe . The novel is presented through the report of Lieutenant Tohm, recounting the days following an attempted assassination. His unrelenting loyalty and desire for approval is so genuine that I too found myself persuaded into believing in the Imperial cause (…if only for a moment). By using fresh sets of eyes, this novel allows the reader to reassess their definition of right and wrong by presenting another side of the spectrum. In war, good men and women die on both sides. Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison will make sure you don’t forget that hard fact.
The characters are all quite enjoyable, but I wish they had taken a little more time to explore the back stories of the characters as the ones we were told are completed in a mere page or less. It would have been nice to have a larger portion dedicated to helping the reader know what makes each character tick. Though I suppose some characters, like Moff Trachta, story may be best left open for future graphic novels to flesh out and explore.
Finally, it would be impossible to review this book without taking the time to admire the artistic work by Agustin Alessio and Dave Wilkins. After reading each page, I found myself pausing to admire the vivid color and detail that goes into each and every aspect of the picture. The action scene images are especially impressive to view; everything from the blur of chaos as Vader’s light saber severs limbs, down to the look on the face of a character as they pull the trigger of their blaster to extinguish a life.
If you’re a die-hard Jedi fan, you may find yourself rethinking that stance after reading this story. Sometimes neither “Light” nor “Dark” seems to fit just right; check out Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison and succumb to the pull of the grey areas in between!
Script: Haden Blackman, Art: Agustin Alessio, Cover: Dave Wilkins.
Thanks to Dark Horse Comics and Diamond Book Distributors for providing me this Graphic Novel for reviewing purposes.
Thanks,
Roger Bellini
The story takes place during the transition period between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope and offers a refreshingly different perspective than typically shown in the Star Wars universe . The novel is presented through the report of Lieutenant Tohm, recounting the days following an attempted assassination. His unrelenting loyalty and desire for approval is so genuine that I too found myself persuaded into believing in the Imperial cause (…if only for a moment). By using fresh sets of eyes, this novel allows the reader to reassess their definition of right and wrong by presenting another side of the spectrum. In war, good men and women die on both sides. Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison will make sure you don’t forget that hard fact.
The characters are all quite enjoyable, but I wish they had taken a little more time to explore the back stories of the characters as the ones we were told are completed in a mere page or less. It would have been nice to have a larger portion dedicated to helping the reader know what makes each character tick. Though I suppose some characters, like Moff Trachta, story may be best left open for future graphic novels to flesh out and explore.
Finally, it would be impossible to review this book without taking the time to admire the artistic work by Agustin Alessio and Dave Wilkins. After reading each page, I found myself pausing to admire the vivid color and detail that goes into each and every aspect of the picture. The action scene images are especially impressive to view; everything from the blur of chaos as Vader’s light saber severs limbs, down to the look on the face of a character as they pull the trigger of their blaster to extinguish a life.
If you’re a die-hard Jedi fan, you may find yourself rethinking that stance after reading this story. Sometimes neither “Light” nor “Dark” seems to fit just right; check out Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison and succumb to the pull of the grey areas in between!
Script: Haden Blackman, Art: Agustin Alessio, Cover: Dave Wilkins.
Thanks to Dark Horse Comics and Diamond Book Distributors for providing me this Graphic Novel for reviewing purposes.
Thanks,
Roger Bellini
September 13, 2014
It's been a while since I read Lost Command and Ninth Assassin, but I only read this one yesterday, thus I felt a review seemed a good idea to do since it's fresh on my mind.
I've grown up with Star Wars, Darth Vader having been one of my favourite characters since I was very young so naturally I have a tendency to really enjoy any works that are Vader-central. That being said, this comic doesn't actually start off with Vader (it didn't either in the Ninth Assassin. I can't remember about Lost Command?) but I found the character of Laurita Tohm exceptionally engaging. In fact, since we get much of Tohm's view, I loved how the Empire is shown in a good light. I haven't really read anything else which has made me question who the good and bad guys were. The bad guys were always the Imperials, no matter what was happening. But this comic, for the first time, made me really question this. It made me even wonder if the Republic was as great as it's supposed to be, especially as one particular character talks of how the Republic destroyed their family. It creates justification, and a very good one at that, as to why anyone would side with the Empire.
I love seeing Vader like he is in this comic- ruthless and evil. Of course, Vader is still also very young (he was what? 23 when the Empire formed? So he's probably the same age, a little older perhaps) and I feel this comes through a couple of times and I quite enjoyed it. In fact, I found it amusing to note that the graduating cadets from the Academies at the beginning of the novel are probably the same age (approximately?) as Vader. Tarkin even refers to the cadets later as "children". Maybe it's just me, but I found this amusing. I also found how the comic ended very funny because OF COURSE what happened would happen, how could it not?
I also forgot to mention I enjoyed the appearance of Anakin, Obi-Wan and other jedi, if only it was for a short moment. It was nice to see.
All in all, I very much enjoyed the comic. It's probably my favourite Vader one so far. It's also something that can be read quite stand alone, so if there's ever a Star Wars comic anyone wants to read, I'd probably suggest this one.
I've grown up with Star Wars, Darth Vader having been one of my favourite characters since I was very young so naturally I have a tendency to really enjoy any works that are Vader-central. That being said, this comic doesn't actually start off with Vader (it didn't either in the Ninth Assassin. I can't remember about Lost Command?) but I found the character of Laurita Tohm exceptionally engaging. In fact, since we get much of Tohm's view, I loved how the Empire is shown in a good light. I haven't really read anything else which has made me question who the good and bad guys were. The bad guys were always the Imperials, no matter what was happening. But this comic, for the first time, made me really question this. It made me even wonder if the Republic was as great as it's supposed to be, especially as one particular character talks of how the Republic destroyed their family. It creates justification, and a very good one at that, as to why anyone would side with the Empire.
I love seeing Vader like he is in this comic- ruthless and evil. Of course, Vader is still also very young (he was what? 23 when the Empire formed? So he's probably the same age, a little older perhaps) and I feel this comes through a couple of times and I quite enjoyed it. In fact, I found it amusing to note that the graduating cadets from the Academies at the beginning of the novel are probably the same age (approximately?) as Vader. Tarkin even refers to the cadets later as "children". Maybe it's just me, but I found this amusing. I also found how the comic ended very funny because OF COURSE what happened would happen, how could it not?
I also forgot to mention I enjoyed the appearance of Anakin, Obi-Wan and other jedi, if only it was for a short moment. It was nice to see.
All in all, I very much enjoyed the comic. It's probably my favourite Vader one so far. It's also something that can be read quite stand alone, so if there's ever a Star Wars comic anyone wants to read, I'd probably suggest this one.
February 12, 2013
Star Wars: Darth Vader & the Ghost Prison
Written By: Haden Blackman
Art By: Agustin Alessio
Cover Art By: Dave Wilkins
Published By: Dark Horse Books, a Division of Dark Horse Comics, Inc.
There’s not much about a Star Wars book or comic that readers young and old can’t appreciate. This, again, holds true for Star Wars: Darth Vader & the Ghost Prison.
After a hazing incident finds Laurita Tohm, an imperial cadet and Raithal Valedictorian, locked in the cockpit of a prototype fighter, he’s left with no other alternative but to eject from the cockpit. Fortunate to walk away with his life, he’s thrust directly into ground zero of a rebel attack where he must choose a side.
Tohm then finds himself In search of the Jedi Temple with none other than, Darth Vader and Moff Trachta, to find pertinent information to the whereabouts of the Ghost Prison.
Treachery, betrayal and corruption all culminate into one terrifying ride. Will Lauita walk away from this experience or find himself deceased like the rest of his family?
116 pages of acute visual clarity add significant details to this story. In fact, readers will spend a great deal of time on each page savoring the images well after reading the text. From the near 3D graphics down to the wrinkles on Darth Vader’s gloves, Agustin Alessio has done a superb job of bringing the pages to life.
A great read for both genders of any age, Star Wars will always be a timeless classic.
Written By: Haden Blackman
Art By: Agustin Alessio
Cover Art By: Dave Wilkins
Published By: Dark Horse Books, a Division of Dark Horse Comics, Inc.
There’s not much about a Star Wars book or comic that readers young and old can’t appreciate. This, again, holds true for Star Wars: Darth Vader & the Ghost Prison.
After a hazing incident finds Laurita Tohm, an imperial cadet and Raithal Valedictorian, locked in the cockpit of a prototype fighter, he’s left with no other alternative but to eject from the cockpit. Fortunate to walk away with his life, he’s thrust directly into ground zero of a rebel attack where he must choose a side.
Tohm then finds himself In search of the Jedi Temple with none other than, Darth Vader and Moff Trachta, to find pertinent information to the whereabouts of the Ghost Prison.
Treachery, betrayal and corruption all culminate into one terrifying ride. Will Lauita walk away from this experience or find himself deceased like the rest of his family?
116 pages of acute visual clarity add significant details to this story. In fact, readers will spend a great deal of time on each page savoring the images well after reading the text. From the near 3D graphics down to the wrinkles on Darth Vader’s gloves, Agustin Alessio has done a superb job of bringing the pages to life.
A great read for both genders of any age, Star Wars will always be a timeless classic.
April 17, 2013
Find this review and more at The AP Book Club
This is a very well written story. The focus is on Darth Vader and inside the Empire. New characters are introduced and other characters from the expanded universe and the films make appearances. I really liked the protagonist. All the characters in this graphic novel have depth.
The artwork is also very nice. My only complaint is that some of the newly introduced aliens don't look very Star Wars-y. The aliens are rougher and gorier that the usual aliens of Star Wars. The Ghost Prison itself has a very Arkham Asylum feel to it.
I recommend this to all fans of Star Wars. You don't need to have read any other comic books to understand this one. It stands on its own. I give this graphic novel a 4/5.
This is a very well written story. The focus is on Darth Vader and inside the Empire. New characters are introduced and other characters from the expanded universe and the films make appearances. I really liked the protagonist. All the characters in this graphic novel have depth.
The artwork is also very nice. My only complaint is that some of the newly introduced aliens don't look very Star Wars-y. The aliens are rougher and gorier that the usual aliens of Star Wars. The Ghost Prison itself has a very Arkham Asylum feel to it.
I recommend this to all fans of Star Wars. You don't need to have read any other comic books to understand this one. It stands on its own. I give this graphic novel a 4/5.
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