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Star Wars Omnibus #32
Star Wars Omnibus: Dark Times Vol. 1
Collects Star Wars: Republic (1998) #79-80, Star Wars: Dark Times (2006) #1-12, Star Wars: Dark Times - Blue Harvest #0. Master Dass Jennir will strive to find out what it means to be a Jedi in a changed galaxy now ruled by the Empire. Master K'Kruhk—suddenly responsible for a group of Jedi younglings—will sacrifice much for their safety. The struggles of the Jedi will intertwine with those of others now living in fear, including the diverse crew of a smuggling ship, the Uhumele, and a Nosaurian whose troubles begin when the Clone Wars end.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
133 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Randy Stradley
394 books35 followers"Nearly thirty years of writing and editing comics, and this is what I have to show for it."
—Randy Stradley, pointing to this biography.
More to come, folks!
—Randy Stradley, pointing to this biography.
More to come, folks!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 19, 2016
Sheeesh, talk about dark times.
So, in the last couple of years a bunch of Star Wars Legends series were published here in Russia, including Dark Times, Knights of the Old Republic, Dawn of the Jedi and more. They cost almost nothing, and I am in a very Star Wars-y mood right now thanks to the upcoming Rogue One movie, so of course I picked up a bunch of non-canon SW comics. Hey, people say they're good, so who cares about canon.
Anyway, Dark Times takes place shortly after the events of SW EPIII: Revenge of the Shit (sorry not sorry). Order 66 is all the rage, Jedi are getting mass-murdered, innocent people fall victims to the evil Empire, and that Vader dude is no good news, either. Look, it's dark times, guys — it's so dark it's even in the title. There are a lot of characters in this series, and almost all of them go through some personal drama — somebody lost a child, somebody lost the whole family, and somebody is losing their dignity. It's like a light version of The Walking Dead! It felt unusual to me to read such a depressing Star Wars book, especially after the more-or-less fun and cheerful Knights of the Old Republic. It is a surprisingly good read, too — I was thoroughly engaged with the story and characters, I liked the cinematic feel of the action sequences, and overall it was a great experience. Almost felt like watching a movie, and a much better one than any of the prequels.
The artwork in this volume is inconsistent because of changing artists, but all of them did a good job — it's nice to look at, and doesn't distract from the story.
My only complaint, and it has nothing to do with the series, but rather with the publishing order of these comics here in Russia — this volume is clearly meant to be read after several more volumes of Knights of the Old Republic, maybe after volume 5 or 6. So far, we only got two. There is a sort of mini-crossover in the end of this book, which is based around some of the events in KOTOR. Obviously, I haven't read about those yet, so I have no idea what this was all about. I still think those were fun issues, particularly because they were centred around Vader, but I definitely want to know the whole story.
Otherwise, again, it was a great read, not even too confusing if you know nothing about this old, non-canon extended universe. If you want to read a Star Wars comic and are already caught up on all the recent Marvel stuff, this is a good book to get next.
So, in the last couple of years a bunch of Star Wars Legends series were published here in Russia, including Dark Times, Knights of the Old Republic, Dawn of the Jedi and more. They cost almost nothing, and I am in a very Star Wars-y mood right now thanks to the upcoming Rogue One movie, so of course I picked up a bunch of non-canon SW comics. Hey, people say they're good, so who cares about canon.
Anyway, Dark Times takes place shortly after the events of SW EPIII: Revenge of the Shit (sorry not sorry). Order 66 is all the rage, Jedi are getting mass-murdered, innocent people fall victims to the evil Empire, and that Vader dude is no good news, either. Look, it's dark times, guys — it's so dark it's even in the title. There are a lot of characters in this series, and almost all of them go through some personal drama — somebody lost a child, somebody lost the whole family, and somebody is losing their dignity. It's like a light version of The Walking Dead! It felt unusual to me to read such a depressing Star Wars book, especially after the more-or-less fun and cheerful Knights of the Old Republic. It is a surprisingly good read, too — I was thoroughly engaged with the story and characters, I liked the cinematic feel of the action sequences, and overall it was a great experience. Almost felt like watching a movie, and a much better one than any of the prequels.
The artwork in this volume is inconsistent because of changing artists, but all of them did a good job — it's nice to look at, and doesn't distract from the story.
My only complaint, and it has nothing to do with the series, but rather with the publishing order of these comics here in Russia — this volume is clearly meant to be read after several more volumes of Knights of the Old Republic, maybe after volume 5 or 6. So far, we only got two. There is a sort of mini-crossover in the end of this book, which is based around some of the events in KOTOR. Obviously, I haven't read about those yet, so I have no idea what this was all about. I still think those were fun issues, particularly because they were centred around Vader, but I definitely want to know the whole story.
Otherwise, again, it was a great read, not even too confusing if you know nothing about this old, non-canon extended universe. If you want to read a Star Wars comic and are already caught up on all the recent Marvel stuff, this is a good book to get next.
August 9, 2025
Great host of characters and the best of both prequels and original settings
April 2, 2018
I enjoyed my first foray into the 'Star Wars' graphic novel back catalogue. This takes places after Order 66 and follows the persecution of the Jedi. Our main hero is Dass Jennir, a Jedi Master forced to join the separatists he's just been fighting. He has the usual Jedi skills plus really great hair with regular changes of style.
The art is good with some beautifully rendered alien landscapes, weird & wonderful creatures and cool hardware . It dips badly in one crudely drawn segment where presumably another artist took over - the crime boss with a head like a lettuce leaf is pretty embarrassing. I also struggled with the Nosaurians - little Triceratops people - who feature a lot.
The plot features space smugglers, double crosses and a certain Sith heavybreather. I like it when familiar characters like Vader are used sparingly, special guest stars, rather than hogging the limelight. All in all jolly good fun with a pleasing melancholy tinge - these are truly Dark Times.
The art is good with some beautifully rendered alien landscapes, weird & wonderful creatures and cool hardware . It dips badly in one crudely drawn segment where presumably another artist took over - the crime boss with a head like a lettuce leaf is pretty embarrassing. I also struggled with the Nosaurians - little Triceratops people - who feature a lot.
The plot features space smugglers, double crosses and a certain Sith heavybreather. I like it when familiar characters like Vader are used sparingly, special guest stars, rather than hogging the limelight. All in all jolly good fun with a pleasing melancholy tinge - these are truly Dark Times.
November 8, 2023
Really great throughout, incredible how it manages to play with your emotions even when you know what's coming
September 19, 2025
Well Plotted But Mid
Story is fine, and the progression is sensible and most of the development earned. But in all honesty, I will likely forget I read it. Art on the whole is very strong.
Story is fine, and the progression is sensible and most of the development earned. But in all honesty, I will likely forget I read it. Art on the whole is very strong.
October 17, 2019
The art and colours are great throughout all of the comics. I was wowed a lot, even with scenes I normally wouldn't acknowledge so easily.
Into the Unknown
This includes an intro to those who survived Order 66, including Master Kai Hudorra with a Padawan Noirah Na, and Master Dass Jennir - who looks like an elf. The three accidentally meet on Coruscant, despite Obi-Wan's request. Kai convinces Noirah to walk away and discards his lightsaber as well. I almost feel like his actions are cowardice, but he's right - the Empire can't be fought with few people. The survivors have to bide their time and get resources. Jennir goes back to New Plympto to continue his work with the Nosaurians there...as a Jedi.
The Path to Nowhere
-I like how it's mentioned that dialogue from Dark Lord by James Luceno is in this, even though I don't remember anything from the novel, including conversations.
-Vader waits on a new assignment and learns around the same time as Jennir that the Nosaurian troops (even those who surrendered) were all killed and the civilian refugees are sold as slaves. Neither likes it very much, and Vader doesn't buy the Emperor's reasoning that people who resist becoming slaves to help the Empire is COMPLETELY different than a slave as a slave.
-Both Jennir and Vader have to face difficult decisions about the slaves against what they personally hold dear and value.
-I like that Meekerdin-Maa from the Uhumele recognizes that Jannir's a Jedi.
Parallels
-This opens just before Order 66 with Master K'Kruhk and his troops emergency landing on Bogden Three, where there is a Jedi Training facility. It's there that the Order is given. And we see just how the war affects the Jedi.
- Later, Bomo comes to understand that Crys is also living a similar nightmare that he is. Except their worlds actually collide with K'kruhk's (though none of them know it). I feel so awful for Bomo and want to throw up with him, and that he will even still defend the Jedi.
- I like that it was pirates vs. the good guys, and not Imperials. It was a great change of pace.
Vector
Bomo and Heren's crew try again to sell a crate which ends up being Celeste's oubliette. I was so surprised with that! The Empire finds them though, and there's quite a good battle between Vader and Celeste.
The end is so sad.
Blue Harvest: Prologue
Jennir looks like Obi-Wan now. *laughs* He's on Cato Neimoidia looking for a job that doesn't morally challenge him. In the end, he's always ready to go up against slavers.
Into the Unknown
This includes an intro to those who survived Order 66, including Master Kai Hudorra with a Padawan Noirah Na, and Master Dass Jennir - who looks like an elf. The three accidentally meet on Coruscant, despite Obi-Wan's request. Kai convinces Noirah to walk away and discards his lightsaber as well. I almost feel like his actions are cowardice, but he's right - the Empire can't be fought with few people. The survivors have to bide their time and get resources. Jennir goes back to New Plympto to continue his work with the Nosaurians there...as a Jedi.
The Path to Nowhere
-I like how it's mentioned that dialogue from Dark Lord by James Luceno is in this, even though I don't remember anything from the novel, including conversations.
-Vader waits on a new assignment and learns around the same time as Jennir that the Nosaurian troops (even those who surrendered) were all killed and the civilian refugees are sold as slaves. Neither likes it very much, and Vader doesn't buy the Emperor's reasoning that people who resist becoming slaves to help the Empire is COMPLETELY different than a slave as a slave.
-Both Jennir and Vader have to face difficult decisions about the slaves against what they personally hold dear and value.
-I like that Meekerdin-Maa from the Uhumele recognizes that Jannir's a Jedi.
Parallels
-This opens just before Order 66 with Master K'Kruhk and his troops emergency landing on Bogden Three, where there is a Jedi Training facility. It's there that the Order is given. And we see just how the war affects the Jedi.
- Later, Bomo comes to understand that Crys is also living a similar nightmare that he is. Except their worlds actually collide with K'kruhk's (though none of them know it). I feel so awful for Bomo and want to throw up with him, and that he will even still defend the Jedi.
- I like that it was pirates vs. the good guys, and not Imperials. It was a great change of pace.
Vector
Bomo and Heren's crew try again to sell a crate which ends up being Celeste's oubliette. I was so surprised with that! The Empire finds them though, and there's quite a good battle between Vader and Celeste.
The end is so sad.
Blue Harvest: Prologue
Jennir looks like Obi-Wan now. *laughs* He's on Cato Neimoidia looking for a job that doesn't morally challenge him. In the end, he's always ready to go up against slavers.
January 25, 2019
This should be the Star Wars show. The characters are amazingly well fleshed out, the stakes are high, and the diversity of the cast (gender and species) would make a top tier show.
The arrival of K’Kruhk made me happy, as he’s one of my favorites, and I love the way they portray how different Jedi react to all of this differently.
Dass Jennir is also a character I think movie goers would love.
The fate of Bomo’s family hits a hard note. The whole slavery plot was tough, from the final fate to Vader’s reminiscing.
Can’t wait to read the second half!
The arrival of K’Kruhk made me happy, as he’s one of my favorites, and I love the way they portray how different Jedi react to all of this differently.
Dass Jennir is also a character I think movie goers would love.
The fate of Bomo’s family hits a hard note. The whole slavery plot was tough, from the final fate to Vader’s reminiscing.
Can’t wait to read the second half!
July 30, 2014
After Order 66 the Empire began cracking down on all dissent, and the few surviving Jedi struggled to stay alive. The stories of Dark Times tend towards darker themes of loss and moral gray areas than the movies, but they are still Star Wars and are quite good.
February 20, 2014
I love Darth Vader. Far too little has been done with his internal conflict after the suit.
And I love big hairy alien monster badasses! This time, with lightsabres!
And I love big hairy alien monster badasses! This time, with lightsabres!
June 6, 2015
There's nothing wrong with this. It's good, and I'm going to read the next one. It is just isn't overly memorable.
April 17, 2021
Really solid writing and art direction across the board here.
June 20, 2023
STAR WARS – OMNIBUS – DARK TIMES Vol.1
I think ‘Dark Horse Books’ publications are unfairly overshadowed by Marvel. This is a quality series with some surprisingly cool characters.
#79 – Into the Unknown, Part 1
Great edition – a pair of unlikely Jedi refugees, and the first meeting of Jedi Master Dass Jennir and the Nosaurian.
#80 - Into the Unknown, Part 2
“My people have a saying – ‘Being brought low is the beginning of wisdom.’”
….
{ Star Wars: Dark Times, Vol. 1: Path to Nowhere}
STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5 “The Path to Nowhere”
This was one of the best in the series. An original sub-story set within the S.W. universe.
#1
“I’ll find you!” – says Bomo Greenbark to his family departing as refugees [Even if the lie is to spare them pain?]
#2
“.. My FAMILY has been taken as SLAVES!” – Bomo
#3
“The galaxy could do with fewer Imperials – and fewer slavers.”
#4 - really good story build up.
“Let me go! I have to find my daughter!” – Bomo
#5 – great finale, heart-breaking
“So what if the future is a path that leads to nowhere?
All he can do is walk that path one step at a time..” – narrator
….
{ Star Wars: Dark Times, Vol. 2: Parallels }
STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 6-10 “Parallels”
The story arc title makes sense by the end. Satisfying read.
#6
“Who is it, Master Mahn?”
“Is THAT our ride back to the temple?”
Dang that blasted Order 66 and its genocide of Jedi younglings!
#7
“I know what you have lost, Bomo. Our stories aren’t that different.” - pilot Crys Taanzer talking with Bomo Greenbark
#8
“Stick close, Ratty. This is gonna get ugly.” – Bomo. [I’m really liking this character]
#9
“They’re headed for the camp.” – Master K’Kruhk observing the pirates
“Piru! Take the younglings into the jungle! Do you copy, Piru?” – K’Kruhk yelling into his comms device.
#10
“We’ve all lost family, Bomo. But we found each other and formed a new one. And now we’ve found YOU, too.” – Crys
…..
Vector
#11
“Do you know who I am?” – Vader
“No …” – Janks
“But you fear me?” – Vader
“Yes.” – Janks
“That will be sufficient. Now ..” – Vader
#12
Celeste Morne can only imagine how someone with Vader’s unrestrained rage would use Muur’s power.
….
Blue Harvest: Prologue
#0
But, though the future is uncertain, Jennir feels …….
I think ‘Dark Horse Books’ publications are unfairly overshadowed by Marvel. This is a quality series with some surprisingly cool characters.
#79 – Into the Unknown, Part 1
Great edition – a pair of unlikely Jedi refugees, and the first meeting of Jedi Master Dass Jennir and the Nosaurian.
#80 - Into the Unknown, Part 2
“My people have a saying – ‘Being brought low is the beginning of wisdom.’”
….
{ Star Wars: Dark Times, Vol. 1: Path to Nowhere}
STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5 “The Path to Nowhere”
This was one of the best in the series. An original sub-story set within the S.W. universe.
#1
“I’ll find you!” – says Bomo Greenbark to his family departing as refugees [Even if the lie is to spare them pain?]
#2
“.. My FAMILY has been taken as SLAVES!” – Bomo
#3
“The galaxy could do with fewer Imperials – and fewer slavers.”
#4 - really good story build up.
“Let me go! I have to find my daughter!” – Bomo
#5 – great finale, heart-breaking
“So what if the future is a path that leads to nowhere?
All he can do is walk that path one step at a time..” – narrator
….
{ Star Wars: Dark Times, Vol. 2: Parallels }
STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 6-10 “Parallels”
The story arc title makes sense by the end. Satisfying read.
#6
“Who is it, Master Mahn?”
“Is THAT our ride back to the temple?”
Dang that blasted Order 66 and its genocide of Jedi younglings!
#7
“I know what you have lost, Bomo. Our stories aren’t that different.” - pilot Crys Taanzer talking with Bomo Greenbark
#8
“Stick close, Ratty. This is gonna get ugly.” – Bomo. [I’m really liking this character]
#9
“They’re headed for the camp.” – Master K’Kruhk observing the pirates
“Piru! Take the younglings into the jungle! Do you copy, Piru?” – K’Kruhk yelling into his comms device.
#10
“We’ve all lost family, Bomo. But we found each other and formed a new one. And now we’ve found YOU, too.” – Crys
…..
Vector
#11
“Do you know who I am?” – Vader
“No …” – Janks
“But you fear me?” – Vader
“Yes.” – Janks
“That will be sufficient. Now ..” – Vader
#12
Celeste Morne can only imagine how someone with Vader’s unrestrained rage would use Muur’s power.
….
Blue Harvest: Prologue
#0
But, though the future is uncertain, Jennir feels …….
December 6, 2020
I got this book some time back together with other Darth Vader and Boba Fett books, so I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to find. So it was still a relatively delightful surprise to see that this particular volume covers that delicate post-Clone Wars period during the early days of the Empire and focused on a few other rogue Jedi who had somehow survived Order 66.
The art for this volume is quite beautiful and they really put a lot of effort to make the depictions of these characters feel more vivid somehow. Sure, I bet there's a lot a tracing involved for things derived from the movies like some of the starship stills but the character designs are very rich and vivid and really convey action and emotion across their scenes.
And as much as this compilation follows characters that are largely unfamiliar (read: not in the movies), their actual stories are quite gripping and this is a very great reading experience for any Legends-EU fan.
The art for this volume is quite beautiful and they really put a lot of effort to make the depictions of these characters feel more vivid somehow. Sure, I bet there's a lot a tracing involved for things derived from the movies like some of the starship stills but the character designs are very rich and vivid and really convey action and emotion across their scenes.
And as much as this compilation follows characters that are largely unfamiliar (read: not in the movies), their actual stories are quite gripping and this is a very great reading experience for any Legends-EU fan.
September 26, 2023
I've always wondered what happened between the issuance of Order 66 and the start of A New Hope. In the movies, it's very much a one-and-done sort of thing, with Yoda and Obi-Wan escaping, but what about all the other Jedi that escaped? Surely if two can escape, more than two could escape, too. Right?
Dark Times tells us a good bit of that. It looks like the original series ran parallel or after Knights of the Old Republic, since it seems to be attempting the same sort of formula (though without the sense of humor), and that was reinforced when Zayne and Glyph and Celeste Morne all made cameos in the story. It's not quite as good as KotOR, but it's certainly a lot better than the other series I've read over the course of this reading project.
Dark Times tells us a good bit of that. It looks like the original series ran parallel or after Knights of the Old Republic, since it seems to be attempting the same sort of formula (though without the sense of humor), and that was reinforced when Zayne and Glyph and Celeste Morne all made cameos in the story. It's not quite as good as KotOR, but it's certainly a lot better than the other series I've read over the course of this reading project.
May 28, 2022
This series is everything I want out of space opera. The aliens are bizarre and the art looks like something out of Heavy Metal. The story is a post-apocalyptic saga, set in the aftermath of the events depicted in Revenge of the Sith, and it is incredibly dark and gruesome for Star Wars, touching on themes including slavery, the sex trade and cannibalism.
In Dark Times, along with other notable series from this era, like Legacy, Knights of the Old Republic and Dawn of the Jedi, the writers at Dark Horse crafted timeless stories that transcended the category of spinoff fiction, to stand beside Lucas' six films as some of the greatest Star Wars stories of all time.
In Dark Times, along with other notable series from this era, like Legacy, Knights of the Old Republic and Dawn of the Jedi, the writers at Dark Horse crafted timeless stories that transcended the category of spinoff fiction, to stand beside Lucas' six films as some of the greatest Star Wars stories of all time.
November 18, 2023
All around this was a well done volume that reveals some of the aftermath of Episode III. It definitely takes a quite a dark turn a couple times, more than I think the writers had earned (I know it's called "Dark Times", but I think if you read the volume you'll know the moments I'm talking about and they seem a bit too morbid for the story). For this is loses a star. But I did really enjoy how this tied into the Knights of the Old Republic series of comics. And Darth Vader was also quite great. I might have to up this to a 5 star with more thought, but for now I'll keep it at 4 because the morbidity was a bit more than I liked on my initial read.
January 11, 2021
When they say Dark Times, they are really not messing around. The Purge comics have lots of Jedi survivors getting offed, which is certainly hard to read about, but this series is cruel to its characters on a whole new level. I couldn't quite give this four stars just because some of the writers' choices are so dark and awful (Bomo's is bad enough and will stick with me always, but Crys' is equally awful, if not worse). But the overall arc of Dass Jennir's story is very well done, and the artwork is something special. If only it wasn't like the Star Wars version of A Series of Unfortunate Events...
April 22, 2022
I had already read a couple of these chapters (the first one in the last of the Clone Wars volumes I own and the other was the Vector one), but overall I really loved this bind up! The art is lovely and the story is mature and definitely dark at times, really showing how Jedi and the civilians had to deal with the fall out of the Republic falling and becoming the Empire right after a brutal war. Definitely something I'd recommend for Star Wars fans!
April 12, 2024
A complex overlapping series of comics that overlap with some characters. Set after Order 66, the omnibus focuses on several hidden jedi and their acquaintances as they are set to inevitably clash with the forces of Darth Vader.
The artstyle changes from story to story, but I find the styles to be enjoyable and fitting to the tone of the stories. I found the storyline concerning the Sith Artifact especially enjoyable, complete with a welcome lightsaber battle.
The artstyle changes from story to story, but I find the styles to be enjoyable and fitting to the tone of the stories. I found the storyline concerning the Sith Artifact especially enjoyable, complete with a welcome lightsaber battle.
November 1, 2018
Mostly good stories, I especially liked the darker tone and character deaths typically not seen in Star Wars comics. The stories got a little nutty at the end (too much focus on uninteresting characters, weird Old Republic Sith possession nonsense, not enough Jedi, etc.) Overall, a fun read.
October 17, 2020
Striking Star Wars Omnibus!!
This graphic novel is interesting and original. It features a lot of Star Wars aliens and some Jedi knights. Darth Vader features prominently. This is an entertaining graphic novel but it is not the best graphic novel I have come across.
This graphic novel is interesting and original. It features a lot of Star Wars aliens and some Jedi knights. Darth Vader features prominently. This is an entertaining graphic novel but it is not the best graphic novel I have come across.
April 7, 2018
The promise is very interesting - "what happens to the surviving Jedi after Order 66?" and I quite liked this book, looking forward to read the second part.
January 26, 2020
Excellent stories and writings. Dinging this compilation a star because the art in Parallels is seriously inconsistent and sub-standard. I definitely expect better from Star Wars comics.
August 13, 2021
4.3 - Good stories, great artwork!
May 24, 2023
The artwork, for the most part, is very good. If only the characters and stories were worth it.
Being Kinder To My Books In 2023
Being Kinder To My Books In 2023
October 19, 2025
A fantastic read with great art. A nice way to spend an afternoon.
July 26, 2023
Started reading "Dark Times" back in middle school but never got far. Having omnibuses like this have been most helpful in terms of finishing things. Overall I thought the first arc was the best but plenty to enjoy in the others. Would love to see the crew of the Uhumele make its way into the official Disney Canon some day.
October 28, 2014
Love Bemo, don't love the lack of Vader. But I'm sure that will improve
December 29, 2014
its a must read for any star wars fan
March 8, 2020
Very interesting collection. This had the further adventures of a crew I read about in a collection last year, so that was fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews