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Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015) #3-4
Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol. 2
Vader's down...but not out! When a Rebel encounter sends the Sith Lord crashing onto a nearby planet, two of the biggest titles in comics collide in the first crossover of the new Marvel age of Star Wars! Will the Alliance heroes seize this opportunity to put an end to one of their greatest enemies - or will they be made to feel the full power of the Dark Side? Darth Vader has been secretly pursuing his own agenda, but now the time has come for the end of games. He will either find favor in the eyes of the Emperor, or his schemes will prove his undoing! The imperial march of Darth Vader hits full stride!
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: VADER DOWN 1, STAR WARS 13-14, DARTH VADER 13-15, DARTH VADER ANNUAL 1, DARTH VADER 16-25
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: VADER DOWN 1, STAR WARS 13-14, DARTH VADER 13-15, DARTH VADER ANNUAL 1, DARTH VADER 16-25
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
77 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Kieron Gillen
1,474 books1,909 followersKieron Gillen is a comic book writer and former media journalist.
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February 22, 2025No way in hell am I gonna read Aphra now that I know Kieron wrote it.
He actually admitted in the afterward that he didn't have enough issues to explore certain things he hinted at.
And he admitted of being asked to reduce word count many times. Which is absolutely crazy!
The story would have been way better with more words.
Same as his shitty Once & Future series or whatever its name was.
They need to figure out a way to use more words, not less.
This isn't superhero comics where you can just regurgitate 25 pages each month with the lowest word count.
But who am I even talking to really, fuck it. It's so frustrating the decline that comics is facing.
He actually admitted in the afterward that he didn't have enough issues to explore certain things he hinted at.
And he admitted of being asked to reduce word count many times. Which is absolutely crazy!
The story would have been way better with more words.
Same as his shitty Once & Future series or whatever its name was.
They need to figure out a way to use more words, not less.
This isn't superhero comics where you can just regurgitate 25 pages each month with the lowest word count.
But who am I even talking to really, fuck it. It's so frustrating the decline that comics is facing.
June 15, 2022
I have no clue if Charles Soule or Greg Pak’s respective runs will ever be able to touch this one, but I’m pretty eager to find out. Loved this second half of Gillen’s Vader even more than the already amazing first. My thoughts on each of the volumes can be found below, but this is an easy recommendation to any Star Wars fan. Even the Shu-Torun War, the weakest arc, has its fair share of great moments.
Full Review of Volume 2.5: Vader Down
Full Review of Volume 3: The Shu-Torun War
Full Review of Volume 4: End of Games
Full Review of Volume 2.5: Vader Down
Full Review of Volume 3: The Shu-Torun War
Full Review of Volume 4: End of Games
June 13, 2018
A really good series comes to an end at just the right time. In fact, this comic may have gone on just a bit too long.
First of all, Vader is one of those characters that is cool in part because he is so mysterious. If you follow him around all the time then he loses a bit of that mystique.
Also--although obviously Vader isn't going to lose in this series--reading this was like watching someone play a video game with an invincibility code on. No one even came a tiny bit close to challenging Vader. Throw a legion of ships at him? He takes them all down in his ship. Throw a bunch of ships at him when he is grounded? He uses to force to blow them up. Put him up against an unstoppable monster? He finds a way to stop it before he breaks a sweat. Send an army after him? He waves his lightsaber and they turn into confetti. Sure, it's fun seeing Vader decimate whole armies, but after the 100th attempt to defeat him ends in failure in 0.5 seconds, it gets a bit stale.
Finally, it's good that this series ended when it did because Vader is pretty one-dimensional. He only ever has one emotional state, ever. And while we love Vader for it, I think he works best in short bursts. He shows up now and again in the movies and it's always badass. But following him around for 30 some issues (counting the crossover) is kind of tiring.
Still, though, it was a pretty fun ride while it lasted, the artwork was fantastic, and Triple Zero and BT-1 steal the show whenever they are on-panel.
First of all, Vader is one of those characters that is cool in part because he is so mysterious. If you follow him around all the time then he loses a bit of that mystique.
Also--although obviously Vader isn't going to lose in this series--reading this was like watching someone play a video game with an invincibility code on. No one even came a tiny bit close to challenging Vader. Throw a legion of ships at him? He takes them all down in his ship. Throw a bunch of ships at him when he is grounded? He uses to force to blow them up. Put him up against an unstoppable monster? He finds a way to stop it before he breaks a sweat. Send an army after him? He waves his lightsaber and they turn into confetti. Sure, it's fun seeing Vader decimate whole armies, but after the 100th attempt to defeat him ends in failure in 0.5 seconds, it gets a bit stale.
Finally, it's good that this series ended when it did because Vader is pretty one-dimensional. He only ever has one emotional state, ever. And while we love Vader for it, I think he works best in short bursts. He shows up now and again in the movies and it's always badass. But following him around for 30 some issues (counting the crossover) is kind of tiring.
Still, though, it was a pretty fun ride while it lasted, the artwork was fantastic, and Triple Zero and BT-1 steal the show whenever they are on-panel.
May 29, 2019
Kieron Gillen's Darth Vader run is one of the best, if not THE best Star Wars comics. It fills the gap between The New Hope and Empire Strikes Back really well. I really enjoyed the evolution from "the guy who's to blame for Death Star being destroyed" to "Emperor's favorite". Introduction of new characters (Dr. Aphra and her murderous droids Triple Zero and Bee-Tee) was really smooth and I loved all the flashbacks to Revenge of the Sith era.
Absolute must read for any SW fan!
Absolute must read for any SW fan!
February 18, 2022
I enjoyed this more than the first volume, especially the final arc were everything comes together for the big conclusion. The whole series is very good though. It's that final scene in Rogue One but as an ongoing comic book series. It also has a fun supporting cast in Doctor Aphra and the droids. Along with the main Star Wars book from Jason Aaron, Marvel have done an excellent job with these new Star Wars books!
January 17, 2021
Za mňa zatiaľ najlepší Star wars komiks, ktorý som čítal. SPOILER!!!!!
Mam jedinú výtku k "smrti" Aphry. To, že nakoniec prežila, tak to pre mňa zabilo celú tu scénu. To je jediná výtka ku komiksu.
Mam jedinú výtku k "smrti" Aphry. To, že nakoniec prežila, tak to pre mňa zabilo celú tu scénu. To je jediná výtka ku komiksu.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
To check out my reviews: https://dancinginth3dark.wordpress.co...
Originally I was sad to say goodbye to this series but now that I have been able to distance myself I can understand why and I believe in the future there is major potential to create a show, film, or a book dealing with a whole other adventure with Vader as he progresses to the events of Episode V: Empire Strikes Back.
This graphic novel begins with the first major Star Wars crossover called Vader Down One reason why I suggest that everyone should check out the Star Wars comic by Jason Aaron is if you do not read it then you will have no clue what the hell is going on and why Vader is destroying everything in his sight. From the aftermath of the first volume, Vader has made the connection that Luke Skywalker is his biological son and everything that the Emperor has told him is one big fat lie meaning the Emperor cannot be trusted (Gee what a shocker on that one! :P). Vader in his anger state makes the connection if he is able to find Skywalker, he can train him to become his apprentice and together they can overthrow the Empire and destroy the rebels once and for all.
Doctor Aphra who has become his mini assistant finds the details of Skywalker's location in Vrogas Vas. Unfortunately Vader finds out that yes the information is accurate but the planet is completely bombarded by rebels and quickly it becomes World War III up in here. Every rebel ship is off to races to destroy Vader but they haven't made the connection that Vader and his use of the force makes him quite unbeatable until Luke comes into battle and crashes his ship with Vader. Both of them land on Vrogas Vas and now the pursuit is on for Vader and Luke. Luke came to Vrogas Vas because he found information about a Jedi Temple and he found it when he crashed landed into the planet but Kenobi through his ghost witchcraft told him its too soon to be here which makes no sense because if Luke cannot get the information he needs he is basically screwed since I have a hunch that Vader will destroy any last remnants of the Jedi Order.
Besides that ordeal the other plot sequence of the narrative deals with Vader and the Emperor's apprentices. In the Sith Order, only two people (master and his apprentice) can gear control of the Sith. After his failure of the Death Star, Vader is the sole survivor of the incident and the Emperor wants him to sweat for wasting 20 years of building the Death Star only for it to crash and burn 3 seconds after completion. The Emperor has hired this scientist named Cylo who has created abominations of force users. By using robotics and other technological advances, he has created human cyborgs programmed to be the best lightsaber users but lacking the skills of the force. Vader is outraged by it all because they are no match for him and seeks every opportunity to kill each one separately.
Cylo believes he's major hot sh@t and can manipulate both Vader and Palpatine but he makes the grand mistake of how powerful Vader truly is under that suit and it leads to a major war between the two which concludes the whole series. I do not want to give anymore information because it spoils the whole comic book experience and trust me I am only touching the tip of the surface. This omnibus is massive and by the time you reach the end it feels like I've just sat through 3 separate Star Wars films. The continuous motion of drama and war that engulfs this omnibus makes it incredible how all of this happened in a span of two years before Empire Strikes Back.
The illustrations are phenomenal and consistent throughout this epic saga and I have to congrats Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca, and Edgar Delgado for their contribution to this series and making it feel like I was watching a movie instead of reading a graphic novel. I believe throughout this series there was definitely room for improvement and parts that could have ended quickly or eliminated all together like Doctor Aphra. I have no issues of introducing a major new character who clearly is getting her own spin-off but for her to take away a good 40% of the drama made the flow of the story feel awkward at times. I kid you not there was certain moments where I thought to myself, is this a Vader comic or Doctor Aphra? Overall this is not the end for our characters because I have no double Vader will make another appearance in Star Wars and Doctor Aphra after the events that took place between these two lovable characters.
Originally I was sad to say goodbye to this series but now that I have been able to distance myself I can understand why and I believe in the future there is major potential to create a show, film, or a book dealing with a whole other adventure with Vader as he progresses to the events of Episode V: Empire Strikes Back.
This graphic novel begins with the first major Star Wars crossover called Vader Down One reason why I suggest that everyone should check out the Star Wars comic by Jason Aaron is if you do not read it then you will have no clue what the hell is going on and why Vader is destroying everything in his sight. From the aftermath of the first volume, Vader has made the connection that Luke Skywalker is his biological son and everything that the Emperor has told him is one big fat lie meaning the Emperor cannot be trusted (Gee what a shocker on that one! :P). Vader in his anger state makes the connection if he is able to find Skywalker, he can train him to become his apprentice and together they can overthrow the Empire and destroy the rebels once and for all.
Doctor Aphra who has become his mini assistant finds the details of Skywalker's location in Vrogas Vas. Unfortunately Vader finds out that yes the information is accurate but the planet is completely bombarded by rebels and quickly it becomes World War III up in here. Every rebel ship is off to races to destroy Vader but they haven't made the connection that Vader and his use of the force makes him quite unbeatable until Luke comes into battle and crashes his ship with Vader. Both of them land on Vrogas Vas and now the pursuit is on for Vader and Luke. Luke came to Vrogas Vas because he found information about a Jedi Temple and he found it when he crashed landed into the planet but Kenobi through his ghost witchcraft told him its too soon to be here which makes no sense because if Luke cannot get the information he needs he is basically screwed since I have a hunch that Vader will destroy any last remnants of the Jedi Order.
Besides that ordeal the other plot sequence of the narrative deals with Vader and the Emperor's apprentices. In the Sith Order, only two people (master and his apprentice) can gear control of the Sith. After his failure of the Death Star, Vader is the sole survivor of the incident and the Emperor wants him to sweat for wasting 20 years of building the Death Star only for it to crash and burn 3 seconds after completion. The Emperor has hired this scientist named Cylo who has created abominations of force users. By using robotics and other technological advances, he has created human cyborgs programmed to be the best lightsaber users but lacking the skills of the force. Vader is outraged by it all because they are no match for him and seeks every opportunity to kill each one separately.
Cylo believes he's major hot sh@t and can manipulate both Vader and Palpatine but he makes the grand mistake of how powerful Vader truly is under that suit and it leads to a major war between the two which concludes the whole series. I do not want to give anymore information because it spoils the whole comic book experience and trust me I am only touching the tip of the surface. This omnibus is massive and by the time you reach the end it feels like I've just sat through 3 separate Star Wars films. The continuous motion of drama and war that engulfs this omnibus makes it incredible how all of this happened in a span of two years before Empire Strikes Back.
The illustrations are phenomenal and consistent throughout this epic saga and I have to congrats Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca, and Edgar Delgado for their contribution to this series and making it feel like I was watching a movie instead of reading a graphic novel. I believe throughout this series there was definitely room for improvement and parts that could have ended quickly or eliminated all together like Doctor Aphra. I have no issues of introducing a major new character who clearly is getting her own spin-off but for her to take away a good 40% of the drama made the flow of the story feel awkward at times. I kid you not there was certain moments where I thought to myself, is this a Vader comic or Doctor Aphra? Overall this is not the end for our characters because I have no double Vader will make another appearance in Star Wars and Doctor Aphra after the events that took place between these two lovable characters.
March 12, 2021
Když si zpětně počítám svoje hodnocení Vadera tak si říkám, proč jsem tomu dal tak málo? Je to tím, že jsem celou sérii dal na jeden zátah nebo tím, že až zpětně doceňuju její kvality? Tak či tak, celá série je naprosto totálně úžasná. Primárně funguje jako celek, Vader se někam vyvine a celý finále má sladký pocit vítězství za což je potřeba Gillenovi vzdát holt. I když mi to tady trošku kazí Vader Down, nic to nemění na tom, že to celé úplně miluju a s přehledem jde o nejlepší věc co ve Star Wars komiksech vznikla.
April 12, 2018
It had me at Darth Vader fighting a Rancor monster
Oh and the Rancor monster is cybernetically enhanced.
Oh and there are multiple other instances in this omnibus that are just as cool.
This is the book to recommend to your friends who want to get into Star Wars comics and graphic novels. Kieron Gillen took on a big theme, and delivered everything and more. 5 Stars, would give more if I could!
Oh and the Rancor monster is cybernetically enhanced.
Oh and there are multiple other instances in this omnibus that are just as cool.
This is the book to recommend to your friends who want to get into Star Wars comics and graphic novels. Kieron Gillen took on a big theme, and delivered everything and more. 5 Stars, would give more if I could!
May 12, 2017
I'm reading this and the Star Wars run out of order yolo. This is confusingly titled Vol 2 but it's actually all the Vader (plus Star Wars crossover issues) from #13 to the end of the run.
I couldn't care less about Cylo but lots of good Aphra and Vader character stuff mostly made up for it. The Star Wars crossover was actually some of my favorite stuff from either run.
I couldn't care less about Cylo but lots of good Aphra and Vader character stuff mostly made up for it. The Star Wars crossover was actually some of my favorite stuff from either run.
February 10, 2019
Woah that final arc was amazing!! The ability to make vader bad with an element of good was just perfect. Its always hard as a writer to make readers develop a love for maon characters who make evil decisions however Gillen has done this here.
December 16, 2021
Incredible
February 20, 2017
Very well done in art and writing. The best thing I've read from Gillen since Journey into Mystery starring the child Loki. :)
March 24, 2020
March 2020 reread:
Again, really enjoyed this. Gillen writes Vader perfectly, and the final arc in particular is excellent - as is the Sho-Torun War arc. I'm actually picking up the Doctor Aphra books now, as I never did back when I read Vader for the first time, so I look forward to seeing how they are! I also want to pick up the new Darth Vader comics, which are kind of the equivalent of this, but for Empire > Jedi rather than New Hope > Empire.
Original May 2017 review
Very enjoyable, Gillen has a writing style that I have always enjoyed from back when he wrote for Rock, Paper, Shotgun which translates surprisingly well to a fairly dark comic series about Darth Vader. Unlike a lot of expanded universe things dealing with pre or during the original trilogy, it actually expands on the universe rather than detracting from it, and I am very interested to read the Doctor Aphra run now.
Would recommend to anyone who was or is a fan of the older Star Wars films as it is a great fit for tone.
Again, really enjoyed this. Gillen writes Vader perfectly, and the final arc in particular is excellent - as is the Sho-Torun War arc. I'm actually picking up the Doctor Aphra books now, as I never did back when I read Vader for the first time, so I look forward to seeing how they are! I also want to pick up the new Darth Vader comics, which are kind of the equivalent of this, but for Empire > Jedi rather than New Hope > Empire.
Original May 2017 review
Very enjoyable, Gillen has a writing style that I have always enjoyed from back when he wrote for Rock, Paper, Shotgun which translates surprisingly well to a fairly dark comic series about Darth Vader. Unlike a lot of expanded universe things dealing with pre or during the original trilogy, it actually expands on the universe rather than detracting from it, and I am very interested to read the Doctor Aphra run now.
Would recommend to anyone who was or is a fan of the older Star Wars films as it is a great fit for tone.
January 18, 2020
Další super Star Wars od Egmontu. Tohle mě opravdu baví a chcu další a hned.
April 22, 2018
If you count yourself a member of the Vader's fan club this is the Graphic novel for you. The Emperor is pulling Vader's chain, pushing his buttons and playing mind games. A slew of people seem to view Varders #2 status as something that should belong to them. Some great art work of Vader, Leia and Luke.
June 10, 2020
What a great continuation and conclusion, it really walks the line of "unstoppable killing machine fanfic" at times but, for me, never crossed it. The weird menagerie of "science replacements" for Vader each get their own moment to shine (and die); though I have to say I never knew the thing I wanted most in the world was Dr. Aphra meeting Palpatine, but turns out that was it.
The best highlight though? Vader's "I have experience killing children."
The best highlight though? Vader's "I have experience killing children."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2020
doctor aphra ily
April 24, 2017
I have reviewed the Vader Down crossover before, so I won't be covering that in this review. It does not factor into the star rating on this volume (had I know it would be included I would've just waited to read it, but I digress).
Out of the two remaining arcs included in this volume, I think the End of Games arc (20-25 I believe) was the better of the two, and a great ending to the series. I liked the characterization in all the characters, though Vader, the Emperor, and Triple Zero are definite stand outs.
Issues 14 to 19 (I'm guessing) cover the Shu-toran War arc which I didn't find to be very interesting. Of course I enjoyed Triple Zero and Beetee, and Vader in action is always good, but I just didn't see what the story added to the Vader comic or to the Star Wars universe. It felt a little shoe-horned in.
Over all, my love for Triple Zero and Beetee and the introspective moments Vader had probably gave this book an extra star that it wouldn't have gotten otherwise. The actual plot of the fourth arc was very boring, and the fith arc isn't good enough to balance out without the aforemention characters/character moment.
Out of the two remaining arcs included in this volume, I think the End of Games arc (20-25 I believe) was the better of the two, and a great ending to the series. I liked the characterization in all the characters, though Vader, the Emperor, and Triple Zero are definite stand outs.
Issues 14 to 19 (I'm guessing) cover the Shu-toran War arc which I didn't find to be very interesting. Of course I enjoyed Triple Zero and Beetee, and Vader in action is always good, but I just didn't see what the story added to the Vader comic or to the Star Wars universe. It felt a little shoe-horned in.
Over all, my love for Triple Zero and Beetee and the introspective moments Vader had probably gave this book an extra star that it wouldn't have gotten otherwise. The actual plot of the fourth arc was very boring, and the fith arc isn't good enough to balance out without the aforemention characters/character moment.
October 6, 2020
Nemá to ten šmrnc, připadá mi to celé jako zakončení z nutnosti...
První část věnovaná Válce na Shu-Torunu si zvolila dobře zajímavé prostředí sopečné planety rudných baronů, hezky si hraje s kulturou, specializovanými stroji (velkými podzemními "válečnými" vrtáky či lávovými křižníky), ale nebýt Darth Vadera, bylo by to klasické zaměnitelné fantasy ve vesmírných kulisách (zrada, dvorské chování, občanská válka, výměna krále, mocné impérium...).
Konec her je pak zakončení celé série, ale mimo dokončení přerodu Darth Vadera (velmi důležité propojení epizod IV a V) a originalitu "vesmírné velrybí flotily" (je to někde vysvětleno?) se asi brzy vypaří z mysli. Bylo to takové nemastné neslané...
Obě části paradoxně výrazně oživuje hláškování dvojice "vražedných" droidů – Nuláka a BT-1 – a to i když je v některých momentech docela na sílu.
První část věnovaná Válce na Shu-Torunu si zvolila dobře zajímavé prostředí sopečné planety rudných baronů, hezky si hraje s kulturou, specializovanými stroji (velkými podzemními "válečnými" vrtáky či lávovými křižníky), ale nebýt Darth Vadera, bylo by to klasické zaměnitelné fantasy ve vesmírných kulisách (zrada, dvorské chování, občanská válka, výměna krále, mocné impérium...).
Konec her je pak zakončení celé série, ale mimo dokončení přerodu Darth Vadera (velmi důležité propojení epizod IV a V) a originalitu "vesmírné velrybí flotily" (je to někde vysvětleno?) se asi brzy vypaří z mysli. Bylo to takové nemastné neslané...
Obě části paradoxně výrazně oživuje hláškování dvojice "vražedných" droidů – Nuláka a BT-1 – a to i když je v některých momentech docela na sílu.
December 19, 2024
Summary:
Darth Vader is an impressive and oppressive force, yet even he has faced challenges over the years. For example, threats to power were made by those within the Empire. Careful planning and the use of resources can protect his position - and his plans.
One such resource is the young Doctor Aphra, a talented thief with extensive knowledge of both archeology and droids. He will use her and her knowledge to take out those in his way.
Review:
Here marks the end of the (well, this) Darth Vader series. It was a good run, and overall, I really enjoyed it. This series could be read as a standalone or alongside the main Star Wars plot. The whole series, from start to finish, occurs between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, and until now, I hadn’t really thought about what occurred in that time span.
The artwork was fantastic, as with the previous volumes. The artists used darker tones to help build tension, which was undoubtedly effective.
There are a couple of scenes that will end up impacting a larger chunk of Vader’s plot, though oddly, the focus isn’t really on them. The Astarte Twins finally made their move. In case it surprised anyone, that move cost them dearly. Well, it cost one of them dearly. I’m sure the other one will be back shortly, so it’ll be interesting to see where that leads.
The other bit was at the end, with Vader trying to find information about where Aphra went. As it turns out, the investigator Darth Vader has been working with is actually competent (he knew that would be the case), and he figured out the connection between Vader and Aphra. He may or may not have Aphra in his possession; that one I’m less certain about.
Speaking of Aphra, though, BT -1 and Triple 0 (who are great comedic relief, if I may say so) are not with her, nor do they seem to care what happens to her. Having read Aphra’s standalone comic, I know that changes; I just don’t know when or why. I’m sure the fallout for that one will be interesting, however, and I am looking forward to seeing it.
The series made several serious attempts at showing Vader’s feelings and motivations, probably more so in this volume than the others (specifically when he got shut down). I can’t pretend that I feel a newfound sympathy for the guy (I love to hate him too much for that), but it does give me a new level of appreciation for what he’s gone through and what he’s still going through.
Quite a lot occurred in this volume (they had to wrap up all their plots, after all) and in a short span of time at that. Vader, as usual, did what he does best: hunt and destroy (though I’m sure he wouldn’t use those terms). I won’t say too much on the matter, as I don’t want to give spoilers. I was fascinated by the Detective’s choice, however. I sincerely didn’t see that coming. That alone almost makes me wish there was a follow-up comic for him (even just a single issue) so I could see what brought him to that point.
Even though they’re not the namesake of the series, I truly believe that Beetee, Triple Zero, and Aphra really made the series what it is. The murderous insanity that the droids bring to the mix is the much-needed comic relief. Aphra’s witty and chatty personality helps to balance out Vader’s sullen silence. Add in the fact that her main motivation is simply to survive, and well…you have dramatically different characters interacting with one another. I’m still absolutely stunned at how she could trick Darth Vader. Part of me wonders if she truly did…is there any chance he’s just letting her think she tricked him? Could he have not wanted to kill her but had to have her believe he was willing to do so? I suppose we’ll never know, but it sure is interesting to think about.
Highlights:
Star Wars
Doctor Aphra
Bot Chaos
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Darth Vader is an impressive and oppressive force, yet even he has faced challenges over the years. For example, threats to power were made by those within the Empire. Careful planning and the use of resources can protect his position - and his plans.
One such resource is the young Doctor Aphra, a talented thief with extensive knowledge of both archeology and droids. He will use her and her knowledge to take out those in his way.
Review:
Here marks the end of the (well, this) Darth Vader series. It was a good run, and overall, I really enjoyed it. This series could be read as a standalone or alongside the main Star Wars plot. The whole series, from start to finish, occurs between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, and until now, I hadn’t really thought about what occurred in that time span.
The artwork was fantastic, as with the previous volumes. The artists used darker tones to help build tension, which was undoubtedly effective.
There are a couple of scenes that will end up impacting a larger chunk of Vader’s plot, though oddly, the focus isn’t really on them. The Astarte Twins finally made their move. In case it surprised anyone, that move cost them dearly. Well, it cost one of them dearly. I’m sure the other one will be back shortly, so it’ll be interesting to see where that leads.
The other bit was at the end, with Vader trying to find information about where Aphra went. As it turns out, the investigator Darth Vader has been working with is actually competent (he knew that would be the case), and he figured out the connection between Vader and Aphra. He may or may not have Aphra in his possession; that one I’m less certain about.
Speaking of Aphra, though, BT -1 and Triple 0 (who are great comedic relief, if I may say so) are not with her, nor do they seem to care what happens to her. Having read Aphra’s standalone comic, I know that changes; I just don’t know when or why. I’m sure the fallout for that one will be interesting, however, and I am looking forward to seeing it.
The series made several serious attempts at showing Vader’s feelings and motivations, probably more so in this volume than the others (specifically when he got shut down). I can’t pretend that I feel a newfound sympathy for the guy (I love to hate him too much for that), but it does give me a new level of appreciation for what he’s gone through and what he’s still going through.
Quite a lot occurred in this volume (they had to wrap up all their plots, after all) and in a short span of time at that. Vader, as usual, did what he does best: hunt and destroy (though I’m sure he wouldn’t use those terms). I won’t say too much on the matter, as I don’t want to give spoilers. I was fascinated by the Detective’s choice, however. I sincerely didn’t see that coming. That alone almost makes me wish there was a follow-up comic for him (even just a single issue) so I could see what brought him to that point.
Even though they’re not the namesake of the series, I truly believe that Beetee, Triple Zero, and Aphra really made the series what it is. The murderous insanity that the droids bring to the mix is the much-needed comic relief. Aphra’s witty and chatty personality helps to balance out Vader’s sullen silence. Add in the fact that her main motivation is simply to survive, and well…you have dramatically different characters interacting with one another. I’m still absolutely stunned at how she could trick Darth Vader. Part of me wonders if she truly did…is there any chance he’s just letting her think she tricked him? Could he have not wanted to kill her but had to have her believe he was willing to do so? I suppose we’ll never know, but it sure is interesting to think about.
Highlights:
Star Wars
Doctor Aphra
Bot Chaos
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September 4, 2017
Let me preface this by saying I am a huge Star Wars fan. I definitely don’t mean to brag, but when it comes to Star Wars I know more than anyone else I’ve ever known. I’ve read comics, novels, I’ve spent too many hours on the Star Wars Wikipedia site, just reading articles about characters, creatures, history, planets, events. I am a huge Star Wars fan. I’ve mentioned this in other posts, but growing up there were three franchises that I obsessed over. The Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Those three franchises (albeit, I wasn’t AS into Star Trek as the other two until my teenage years) make up the building blocks of my imagination and creative self and so I hold them close to my heart.
That being said… I may not have enjoyed the Darth Vader comics as much as I was expecting to. Before other Star Wars fans go berserk, let me try and explain this. I grew up in the 90s, I was introduced to Star Wars when I was 7 or 8, when the remastered original saga was being re-released in theatres. In 1999, The Phantom Menace came out, and looking back on it now, yes it was a cheesy film, especially when compared to the original trilogy, but I was also 10 at the time, and for me, the prequels were the films that encompassed "Star Wars" as I grew up. Don’t get me wrong, I love the original movies, and while they do a better job in telling a small, character-driven story, the prequels took that tiny universe of the original trilogy and opened it up. I loved the Jedi Order, I loved the Senate, the Galactic Politics, the myriad of aliens, it made the small world of Star Wars something much larger, and for that, I could almost overlook the terrible acting and scripts. When it came to the character of Darth Vader, I was never really afraid of him, people talk about how terrifying of a villain he was, but for me the Anakin Skywalker of the prequels was a much more terrifying and disturbed villain. Darth Vader almost felt like the lukewarm leftovers (maybe he needs another lava-bath). Actually, it wasn’t until Rogue One that I finally felt a little fear for the Sith Lord.
As for the comics, I mentioned to an employee of Chapters one day that I was a Star Wars fan, and they told me that as a Star Wars, it was imperative that I read the new Darth Vader comics. Now… I’ve been shying away from anything “new” and Star Wars, because Disney took the expanded universe that I cherished SO much as a kid and teen and threw it in the trash without a second thought, or thinking about how angry it would make Star Wars fans. But I gave in, and thought I’d give them a read… and man was I bored.
Maybe the story was dull, maybe I just find Darth Vader a little dull, I don’t know what it was. However I do know that these comics lacked the beautiful artwork of the Star Wars comics I grew up with (the Star Wars: Republic comics… which are no longer canon, because Disney is a destroyer of all things) and the fast-paced, action-packed stories therein. The Darth Vader comics introduces us to a smattering of new characters, all of which lack any interesting character traits, and all Vader does is threaten his way through every scene to the point where it gets a little boring. I was hoping to see some humanity brought back into Vader, but instead all we see is more quiet, brooding, simmering anger.
Am I biased towards these new comics? Yes. Am I bitter over Disney’s treatment of the Star Wars franchise? You know it. But I still went into the Darth Vader comics with an open mind, hoping to be shown something new and spectacular. These comics have received a number of great reviews, and I’m sure a lot of people and fans of the franchise love them, but they just weren’t for me… and that’s really all there is to it… I’ll stick with my Star Wars: Republic omnibuses… even though none of that matter anymore.
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FOR MORE BOOK REVIEWS, MY OWN NOVELS, AND PHOTOGRAPHY, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE:
michaeljohnhalse.wix.com/michaeljohnh...
That being said… I may not have enjoyed the Darth Vader comics as much as I was expecting to. Before other Star Wars fans go berserk, let me try and explain this. I grew up in the 90s, I was introduced to Star Wars when I was 7 or 8, when the remastered original saga was being re-released in theatres. In 1999, The Phantom Menace came out, and looking back on it now, yes it was a cheesy film, especially when compared to the original trilogy, but I was also 10 at the time, and for me, the prequels were the films that encompassed "Star Wars" as I grew up. Don’t get me wrong, I love the original movies, and while they do a better job in telling a small, character-driven story, the prequels took that tiny universe of the original trilogy and opened it up. I loved the Jedi Order, I loved the Senate, the Galactic Politics, the myriad of aliens, it made the small world of Star Wars something much larger, and for that, I could almost overlook the terrible acting and scripts. When it came to the character of Darth Vader, I was never really afraid of him, people talk about how terrifying of a villain he was, but for me the Anakin Skywalker of the prequels was a much more terrifying and disturbed villain. Darth Vader almost felt like the lukewarm leftovers (maybe he needs another lava-bath). Actually, it wasn’t until Rogue One that I finally felt a little fear for the Sith Lord.
As for the comics, I mentioned to an employee of Chapters one day that I was a Star Wars fan, and they told me that as a Star Wars, it was imperative that I read the new Darth Vader comics. Now… I’ve been shying away from anything “new” and Star Wars, because Disney took the expanded universe that I cherished SO much as a kid and teen and threw it in the trash without a second thought, or thinking about how angry it would make Star Wars fans. But I gave in, and thought I’d give them a read… and man was I bored.
Maybe the story was dull, maybe I just find Darth Vader a little dull, I don’t know what it was. However I do know that these comics lacked the beautiful artwork of the Star Wars comics I grew up with (the Star Wars: Republic comics… which are no longer canon, because Disney is a destroyer of all things) and the fast-paced, action-packed stories therein. The Darth Vader comics introduces us to a smattering of new characters, all of which lack any interesting character traits, and all Vader does is threaten his way through every scene to the point where it gets a little boring. I was hoping to see some humanity brought back into Vader, but instead all we see is more quiet, brooding, simmering anger.
Am I biased towards these new comics? Yes. Am I bitter over Disney’s treatment of the Star Wars franchise? You know it. But I still went into the Darth Vader comics with an open mind, hoping to be shown something new and spectacular. These comics have received a number of great reviews, and I’m sure a lot of people and fans of the franchise love them, but they just weren’t for me… and that’s really all there is to it… I’ll stick with my Star Wars: Republic omnibuses… even though none of that matter anymore.
-----
FOR MORE BOOK REVIEWS, MY OWN NOVELS, AND PHOTOGRAPHY, CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE:
michaeljohnhalse.wix.com/michaeljohnh...
March 24, 2017
It's over. It's over and frankly, I am bereft. This second oversize hardcover volume concludes Kieron Gillen's run on Darth Vader and cements him as the preeminent canonical writer of Darth Vader in all of Star War's multimedia. These past 25 issues and change have done more to energise and build the Vader myth than the movies and if Vader were to feature in another movie from this point on, I'd consider it a grave mistake to not consult Kieron Gillen on how to proceed. If not simply have him produce the script.
Honestly, if you'd told me the jewel in Marvel's crown was a Darth Vader comic three years ago, I'd have probably laughed, but this book shows how much of a creative dream is possible from the merging of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm. The start of the run had Gillen working hand in hand with Jason Aaron, who is writing the main Star Wars book. The intertwining narrative was brilliantly handled, but Vader being Vader, could not hold back the Dark Lord of the Sith from pushing out on his own missions and machinations. The books cross over once again in this second volume as Vader closes in on his prey - the young starfighter pilot responsible for Vader's ultimate humiliation and recently revealed to be his son. Luke Skywalker.
The Vader Down storyline has been lauded left and right already, for good reason. If any moment in comics media has nailed the total command, power and fearsomeness of Vader, it's Vader Down. Once again taken by surprise by the sheer bravado of Luke, Vader is stranded on a dead planet and soon surrounded by a Rebel army. Vader is not impressed. Meanwhile, Vader's subordinates Doctor Aphra and her two murderous droids, experimental torture-obsessed AI 0-0-0 (Triple Zero) and his bleeping mobile armory 'blastomech' BT1 (BeeTee One), not to mention Wookiee bountyhunter Black Krrrsantan - acting as a hilarious black mirror to the classic Star Wars rebel team of Luke, Liea, Han, Chewy, C3P0 and R2D2 - are tasked with capturing Luke while Vader schools the Rebel army on what it is a Sith is best at (and what a sith is best at it isn't very nice).
I could go on forever about the characters Gillen has brought kicking and screaming into life during this series but I'm aiming to spoil as little as I can with this ramble. Gillen himself notes in the book's back-matter commentary that so many of these characters did not get nearly as much page-time as he'd have liked, but that's the nature of Star Wars, in its way. The smallest parts in Star Wars can become legendary all on their own. Either way, I'm delighted I can read more about Aphra (and Triple Zero and BeeTee...) in the on-going spinoff Doctor Aphra series, also by Gillen.
Salvadore Larroca must be mentioned, not least because he worked on all the main issues of Darth Vader (25 issues on as brutal a schedule as most mainstream comics can be) and gave it an incredible visual identity. His new character designs fit perfectly into the Star Wars world and his ability to draw and maintain the believability of Star Wars tech is more than commendable. As with any book on this sort of level with its unwavering time constraints, there are the occassional rushed panels, but overall both he and colourist Edgar Delgado keep up a monumental art consistency throughout the run. This volume also includes issues drawn by Mike Deodato, Leinil Yu, Mike Norton and a wonderful wordless ending Coda by Max Fiumara and Dave Stewart that exists as a final reminder of exactly who and what Darth Vader is to the galaxy, even to the most lowly and least civilized.
Honestly, if you'd told me the jewel in Marvel's crown was a Darth Vader comic three years ago, I'd have probably laughed, but this book shows how much of a creative dream is possible from the merging of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm. The start of the run had Gillen working hand in hand with Jason Aaron, who is writing the main Star Wars book. The intertwining narrative was brilliantly handled, but Vader being Vader, could not hold back the Dark Lord of the Sith from pushing out on his own missions and machinations. The books cross over once again in this second volume as Vader closes in on his prey - the young starfighter pilot responsible for Vader's ultimate humiliation and recently revealed to be his son. Luke Skywalker.
The Vader Down storyline has been lauded left and right already, for good reason. If any moment in comics media has nailed the total command, power and fearsomeness of Vader, it's Vader Down. Once again taken by surprise by the sheer bravado of Luke, Vader is stranded on a dead planet and soon surrounded by a Rebel army. Vader is not impressed. Meanwhile, Vader's subordinates Doctor Aphra and her two murderous droids, experimental torture-obsessed AI 0-0-0 (Triple Zero) and his bleeping mobile armory 'blastomech' BT1 (BeeTee One), not to mention Wookiee bountyhunter Black Krrrsantan - acting as a hilarious black mirror to the classic Star Wars rebel team of Luke, Liea, Han, Chewy, C3P0 and R2D2 - are tasked with capturing Luke while Vader schools the Rebel army on what it is a Sith is best at (and what a sith is best at it isn't very nice).
I could go on forever about the characters Gillen has brought kicking and screaming into life during this series but I'm aiming to spoil as little as I can with this ramble. Gillen himself notes in the book's back-matter commentary that so many of these characters did not get nearly as much page-time as he'd have liked, but that's the nature of Star Wars, in its way. The smallest parts in Star Wars can become legendary all on their own. Either way, I'm delighted I can read more about Aphra (and Triple Zero and BeeTee...) in the on-going spinoff Doctor Aphra series, also by Gillen.
Salvadore Larroca must be mentioned, not least because he worked on all the main issues of Darth Vader (25 issues on as brutal a schedule as most mainstream comics can be) and gave it an incredible visual identity. His new character designs fit perfectly into the Star Wars world and his ability to draw and maintain the believability of Star Wars tech is more than commendable. As with any book on this sort of level with its unwavering time constraints, there are the occassional rushed panels, but overall both he and colourist Edgar Delgado keep up a monumental art consistency throughout the run. This volume also includes issues drawn by Mike Deodato, Leinil Yu, Mike Norton and a wonderful wordless ending Coda by Max Fiumara and Dave Stewart that exists as a final reminder of exactly who and what Darth Vader is to the galaxy, even to the most lowly and least civilized.
May 31, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed the entirety of Kieron Gillen's Vader run, but for the most part I wasn't as mesmerized by it as everyone on the internet appeared to be. It was a good, entertaining read which offered some nice additions to the Star Wars mythos, but I just wasn't on the level of "this is one of the best comics I've ever read." Especially with the Vader Down crossover, I was trying to figure out why everyone was so blown away by these books. I had fun with that story, but did it really add anything substantial to this universe? Come at me with your pitchforks if you want, but I had the exact same feelings about Rogue One.
The fourth and final arc of Vader however is what really stood out to me. Issue 24 is my favorite of the entire series, as it deals with the psychological aspects of Anakin's transition to Vader in a way that the prequels didn't do well enough, while also confronting him with an interesting and formidable antagonist. The twins in the earlier volumes didn't really do much for me, but Cylo is an opponent worthy of Vader. His charisma and cunningness made these scenes all the more interesting, and his presence also allowed Gillen to continue exploring the friction within the empire that's only hinted at in the movies. All in all, the final arc made the whole series well worth it for me, and there's some pretty stellar art throughout. I've been disappointed by some of the SW comics since Marvel and Disney bought the franchise (i.e. Poe Dameron and Darth Maul), but Gillen and Larocca's Vader run is a great addition to my EU collection.
The fourth and final arc of Vader however is what really stood out to me. Issue 24 is my favorite of the entire series, as it deals with the psychological aspects of Anakin's transition to Vader in a way that the prequels didn't do well enough, while also confronting him with an interesting and formidable antagonist. The twins in the earlier volumes didn't really do much for me, but Cylo is an opponent worthy of Vader. His charisma and cunningness made these scenes all the more interesting, and his presence also allowed Gillen to continue exploring the friction within the empire that's only hinted at in the movies. All in all, the final arc made the whole series well worth it for me, and there's some pretty stellar art throughout. I've been disappointed by some of the SW comics since Marvel and Disney bought the franchise (i.e. Poe Dameron and Darth Maul), but Gillen and Larocca's Vader run is a great addition to my EU collection.
February 9, 2019
This was by far the best Darth Vader collection I’ve read so far. Tying in even more directly with the original Star Wars trilogy, this book explains Vader’s rise after his failings in A New Hope. Doctor Aphra also comes into her own even more in this collection of issues and even though it’s hard to be emotional attached to new characters in the Star Wars universe she is a welcome exception.
Filling in the blanks basically right up to the start of The Empire Strikes Back, this story fills in the newfound position Vader finds himself in at the beginning of that film. As the Emperor looks for possible replacements for his apprentice, Vader has to prove himself capable of being in charge and not just the muscle of another Tarkin. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a run of issues featuring Han, Leia and Luke, which at first is a really jarring seeing these iconic characters but soon it becomes a pleasant reprisal of these great characters.
The addition of this story’s own protocol droid and Astro droid in the form of Triple Zero and BT-1, both homicidal robots is so much fun, a dark version of C-3P0 and R2-D2. The artwork is as always amazing, especially the lightsaber duels, they are thrilling and evoke the same excitement as the movies. After finishing this series I’m thrilled to explore more expanded universe Star Wars Graphic Novels, especially if they are all up to the caliber this one is!
Filling in the blanks basically right up to the start of The Empire Strikes Back, this story fills in the newfound position Vader finds himself in at the beginning of that film. As the Emperor looks for possible replacements for his apprentice, Vader has to prove himself capable of being in charge and not just the muscle of another Tarkin. It also doesn’t hurt that there is a run of issues featuring Han, Leia and Luke, which at first is a really jarring seeing these iconic characters but soon it becomes a pleasant reprisal of these great characters.
The addition of this story’s own protocol droid and Astro droid in the form of Triple Zero and BT-1, both homicidal robots is so much fun, a dark version of C-3P0 and R2-D2. The artwork is as always amazing, especially the lightsaber duels, they are thrilling and evoke the same excitement as the movies. After finishing this series I’m thrilled to explore more expanded universe Star Wars Graphic Novels, especially if they are all up to the caliber this one is!
May 25, 2019
I really can't express how much I liked this, how much I needed it, how well done it all is. Hell, I've never really been a fan of artist Salvador Larroca and yet here we are with a book that I read with art by him that I couldn't put down.
A lot of this is down to writing by Kieron Gillen, a clear vision of how to tell what is a dark mirror of Star Wars as we all know it. From a massive story involving Vader going to war alone against an entire Rebel army, single-handedly quashing a rebellion on a mining planet, and bringing down the biggest threat to his own grasp for power... This book really did have everything. It's lyrical, poetic, dark, funny... It expands on everything the series started with and brought it to a dead-solid conclusion that slammed home Vader at his most relentless, his most ruthless, and why you don't fuck with him.
Add to that the excellence that continues to be Doctor Aphra, the comedy duo of Triple-Zero and BeeTee (with really nice standalone autonomy for them), and some weasley ass Imperial scientists...
God this was good. This was so good.
A lot of this is down to writing by Kieron Gillen, a clear vision of how to tell what is a dark mirror of Star Wars as we all know it. From a massive story involving Vader going to war alone against an entire Rebel army, single-handedly quashing a rebellion on a mining planet, and bringing down the biggest threat to his own grasp for power... This book really did have everything. It's lyrical, poetic, dark, funny... It expands on everything the series started with and brought it to a dead-solid conclusion that slammed home Vader at his most relentless, his most ruthless, and why you don't fuck with him.
Add to that the excellence that continues to be Doctor Aphra, the comedy duo of Triple-Zero and BeeTee (with really nice standalone autonomy for them), and some weasley ass Imperial scientists...
God this was good. This was so good.
September 25, 2017
This was really good, I think the first half was stronger then the second half. I really enjoyed seeing Vader, Luke, and the other rebels interact in a scene not shown in the movies.
I didn't read this first volume of this, as I couldn't find it at my library, so I think some of the reveals and show downs in the second half of this volume were lost on me.
Overall, this is a perfect read if you are looking for some heavy Vader action, and a few interesting moments of insight into the deeper parts of the characters.
I didn't read this first volume of this, as I couldn't find it at my library, so I think some of the reveals and show downs in the second half of this volume were lost on me.
Overall, this is a perfect read if you are looking for some heavy Vader action, and a few interesting moments of insight into the deeper parts of the characters.
October 21, 2024
Segunda mitad de la run de Kieron Gillen a cargo del villano por antonomasia.
Ubicado entre los episodios IV y V, la historia parte con un crossover fantástico entre la serie principal de Star Wars de Jason Aaron y la de Gillen: Vader Down.
El tratamiento de Vader -Anakin- es sublime: como los dos caminos que se bifurcan, es implacable y ambicioso; pero también sumamente frágil y dañado. Esa complejidad está suficientemente trabajada por Gillen, y convierte la figura del viejo Skywalker en una más trágica si cabe.
El dibujo de Larroca, ponderable. La serie se hubiera beneficiado con un dibujo más dinámico.
Recomendable.
Ubicado entre los episodios IV y V, la historia parte con un crossover fantástico entre la serie principal de Star Wars de Jason Aaron y la de Gillen: Vader Down.
El tratamiento de Vader -Anakin- es sublime: como los dos caminos que se bifurcan, es implacable y ambicioso; pero también sumamente frágil y dañado. Esa complejidad está suficientemente trabajada por Gillen, y convierte la figura del viejo Skywalker en una más trágica si cabe.
El dibujo de Larroca, ponderable. La serie se hubiera beneficiado con un dibujo más dinámico.
Recomendable.
July 15, 2018
More of the same continuing from the first volume. I really didn't care much for the Cylo-IV, V, whatever aspect to this story (and the Astarte twins were just...ugh). But Doctor Aphra and Triple 0 kept this interesting. And of course Darth Vader is still awesome.
the subplot of Vader looking for Luke is probably the best thing about this whole series.
the subplot of Vader looking for Luke is probably the best thing about this whole series.
October 30, 2018
You can read my full reviews for the trade paperbacks. Enjoyed reading these again. Love, love love those massive panels.
And if you've already read these in trade paperback version, have a look at these in a book store so you can read Gillen's notes in the back. Some interesting little extras in there.
And if you've already read these in trade paperback version, have a look at these in a book store so you can read Gillen's notes in the back. Some interesting little extras in there.
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