What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Wars: Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith
Star Wars: Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol. 3: The Burning Seas
As the Empire's grip tightens on the galaxy, the stirrings of a rebellion begin in the Mon Cala system. The fearsome Darth Vader knows that order must be maintained at all costs - and this time the job of snuffing out hope falls to Vader, his inquisitors... and Wilhuff Tarkin! To bring Mon Cala to heel means finding the surviving Jedi that foment this unrest. No tolerance for rebellion can be afforded...but how far will Vader go to complete his mission? The Dark Lord of the Sith goes in for some wet work in this brutal story!
COLLECTING: DARTH VADER 13-18
COLLECTING: DARTH VADER 13-18
176 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2018
351 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Charles Soule
1,518 books1,691 followersCharles Soule is a #1 New York Times-bestselling novelist, comics author, screenwriter, musician, and lapsed attorney. He has written some of the most prominent stories of the last decade for Marvel, DC and Lucasfilm in addition to his own work, such as his comics Curse Words, Letter 44 and Undiscovered Country, and his original novels Light of the Jedi, The Endless Vessel, The Oracle Year and Anyone. He lives in New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
February 26, 2019
This series is telling some great stories. I think it would make an excellent movie. The fall of the galactic empire and the rise of Palpatine. This stuff is digging deep into Vader and the ruthless killer he has become. It's an overwhelming story that feels very dark and yet there is humor in this and really great characters. We get to know more about Tarkin and just how evil all these people are.
The first 3 issues are a battle taking place on Mon Cala. We see the Empire really beginning to control the universe. They pretty much wreak havoc on that whole world in a few days. It's brutal. We do see the beginning of the rebellion at this moment and General Ackbar coming into power. It was really good.
Then the story jumps and the rest of the volume is ok. Tarkin is hunting Vader, it's quite the silly little story in my opinion. We end seeing more Death Star being built and the mother of Jyn before the events of Rogue one. By now, most of the Jedi have been wiped out. The galaxy seems very bleak at this point. Very bleak.
This has been some great story telling and I really hope they tell this on the big screen. People would want to see this. In some ways, it's too current and too much of what is happening now. It is a bit nerve racking. I can't wait to read the next one.
The first 3 issues are a battle taking place on Mon Cala. We see the Empire really beginning to control the universe. They pretty much wreak havoc on that whole world in a few days. It's brutal. We do see the beginning of the rebellion at this moment and General Ackbar coming into power. It was really good.
Then the story jumps and the rest of the volume is ok. Tarkin is hunting Vader, it's quite the silly little story in my opinion. We end seeing more Death Star being built and the mother of Jyn before the events of Rogue one. By now, most of the Jedi have been wiped out. The galaxy seems very bleak at this point. Very bleak.
This has been some great story telling and I really hope they tell this on the big screen. People would want to see this. In some ways, it's too current and too much of what is happening now. It is a bit nerve racking. I can't wait to read the next one.
June 23, 2022
“You are fools. I never need...rescue”
I haven’t disliked a single issue of this Darth Vader run so far, and this volume keeps that perfect streak going with my favorite story arc from the series yet. There is also a one-off issue that bookends the volumes, which places much of its focus on Tarkin, and while it isn’t as strong as the main arc, it is a fun side story with a great ending. “Burning Seas” is the meat of this collection, with a 5 issue arc that sees Vader and the Inquisitors laying siege to the surface cities of Mon Cala after the ambassador the Empire sent to the planet is blown out of the sky. Vader must also try and discover the Jedi he believes to be hiding on the planet with the help of King Lee-Cher. “Bad Ground” is a one-off following Tarkin and a band of hunters on some planet as they hunt Darth Vader. Or is Vader hunting them? What do you think?
Soule continues his incredible writing, both for Vader’s character and coming up with interesting storylines in the Star Wars universe, and Camuncoli delivers fabulous art that stuns every time you turn the page. “Burning Seas” shows Soule and Camuncoli at their best, both doing an amazing job at balancing solid character moments with insane Star Wars action, all while Vader gets to be an epic badass. I especially loved the Jedi Ferren Barr, who has a cool little twist involving his motivations. He also has one of the best moments of the series yet when he does the single coolest Jedi mind-trick I’ve ever seen, but I won’t spoil the specifics of that here. As mentioned before, Camuncoli’s art continues to impress this volume as well, with his wide-scale battles being some of the best in a Star Wars comic. The page that starts out the second issue of “Burning Seas” was one of the best pages I’ve seen from Camuncoli. The way he layed out all the panels made the action flow in such a chaotic way that helps the reading experience immensely.
I don’t have anything else to say about this book without sounding like I’m just saying the same thing over and over again, like this book is just really fucking great. The writing is strong, with tons of awesome Vader moments balanced out by the quieter one, and the art is absolutely stunning. It sucks there’s only one more volume left, but I’m excited to see how Soule wraps this arc up, and I’m even more excited to start diving back into his current SW books.
I haven’t disliked a single issue of this Darth Vader run so far, and this volume keeps that perfect streak going with my favorite story arc from the series yet. There is also a one-off issue that bookends the volumes, which places much of its focus on Tarkin, and while it isn’t as strong as the main arc, it is a fun side story with a great ending. “Burning Seas” is the meat of this collection, with a 5 issue arc that sees Vader and the Inquisitors laying siege to the surface cities of Mon Cala after the ambassador the Empire sent to the planet is blown out of the sky. Vader must also try and discover the Jedi he believes to be hiding on the planet with the help of King Lee-Cher. “Bad Ground” is a one-off following Tarkin and a band of hunters on some planet as they hunt Darth Vader. Or is Vader hunting them? What do you think?
Soule continues his incredible writing, both for Vader’s character and coming up with interesting storylines in the Star Wars universe, and Camuncoli delivers fabulous art that stuns every time you turn the page. “Burning Seas” shows Soule and Camuncoli at their best, both doing an amazing job at balancing solid character moments with insane Star Wars action, all while Vader gets to be an epic badass. I especially loved the Jedi Ferren Barr, who has a cool little twist involving his motivations. He also has one of the best moments of the series yet when he does the single coolest Jedi mind-trick I’ve ever seen, but I won’t spoil the specifics of that here. As mentioned before, Camuncoli’s art continues to impress this volume as well, with his wide-scale battles being some of the best in a Star Wars comic. The page that starts out the second issue of “Burning Seas” was one of the best pages I’ve seen from Camuncoli. The way he layed out all the panels made the action flow in such a chaotic way that helps the reading experience immensely.
I don’t have anything else to say about this book without sounding like I’m just saying the same thing over and over again, like this book is just really fucking great. The writing is strong, with tons of awesome Vader moments balanced out by the quieter one, and the art is absolutely stunning. It sucks there’s only one more volume left, but I’m excited to see how Soule wraps this arc up, and I’m even more excited to start diving back into his current SW books.
January 29, 2020
Soule continues his masterful weaving together of different eras in the Star Wars canon, once again dipping deep into the animated Clone Wars series, Rogue One and even the Tarkin novel to spin a tail of villainy, rage and Sith badass-ery that borders upon a psychotic death wish.
All this was expected by this point. The surprise came with the Annual written by Chuck Wendig also collected here which was an intriguing episode in which Vader investigates sabotage on the Death Star construction project in the light of the long-simmering rivalry between Tarkin and Krennic. I was never the greatest fan of his novels but this comic gives a glimpse into what might have been had he continued working in the medium as opposed to his abrupt departure.
I will certainly be reading the next volume soon!
All this was expected by this point. The surprise came with the Annual written by Chuck Wendig also collected here which was an intriguing episode in which Vader investigates sabotage on the Death Star construction project in the light of the long-simmering rivalry between Tarkin and Krennic. I was never the greatest fan of his novels but this comic gives a glimpse into what might have been had he continued working in the medium as opposed to his abrupt departure.
I will certainly be reading the next volume soon!
October 14, 2025
Really good stories in this volume! 4 4 🌟
January 7, 2021
Oh my goodness, these books keep getting better.
As I've mentioned in these reviews many a time, near or entirely direct references to the movies get me the most with these comics. And wow, this comic's beginning - that was incredible.
I also loved that page where Vader reflects on when he was on Mon Cala.
Also, sometimes I forget to mention this, but the art here is amazing. So detailed.
Aside from the first couples pages, my favorite parts of this book were the ones about Ferren Barr's students.
And the end of volume 16... wow, wow.
Volume 18 in here is a bit strange - it's more of a stand-alone than a connected part of the story, but it's still interesting to read about Vader being hunted.
As for the annual at the end here, I really liked the focus on the creation of the Death Star . Also, the part where Vader has that vision was also great. Also the vision at "They were animals. So I slaughtered them like animals." Amazing!! And I liked seeing
This review is full of spoilers because I loved so many small aspects of this story. Aah, so good. 5/5 stars.
As I've mentioned in these reviews many a time, near or entirely direct references to the movies get me the most with these comics. And wow, this comic's beginning - that was incredible.
I also loved that page where Vader reflects on when he was on Mon Cala.
Also, sometimes I forget to mention this, but the art here is amazing. So detailed.
Aside from the first couples pages, my favorite parts of this book were the ones about Ferren Barr's students.
And the end of volume 16... wow, wow.
Volume 18 in here is a bit strange - it's more of a stand-alone than a connected part of the story, but it's still interesting to read about Vader being hunted.
As for the annual at the end here, I really liked the focus on the creation of the Death Star . Also, the part where Vader has that vision was also great. Also the vision at "They were animals. So I slaughtered them like animals." Amazing!! And I liked seeing
This review is full of spoilers because I loved so many small aspects of this story. Aah, so good. 5/5 stars.
March 1, 2019
The Burning Seas tells a rather epic tale. It is the Imperial Invasion of Mon Cala where the Calamari reside (Admiral Ackbar).
Vader and Tarkin participate in the start of the Empire's moves against planets deemed too independent. An Imperial Star Destroyer bearing Tarkin and an Imperial Ambassador come to Mon Cala to speak with the Calimari King. However, the Ambassador's assassination gives Tarkin the pretext he needs to invade. Vader, meanwhile, seeks out a former Jedi who is helping the Calamari form a resistance. An instructive look at the way the Empire conducts diplomacy. The Vader-Master Barr confrontation was also instructive.
Without too many spoilers- Vol 3 continues the strong story and quality of the first volumes. Vader is developing into a powerful Sith Lord and the Empire's tendrils are spreading. The artwork has been excellent in all three volumes. If the new Disney Star Wars depresses you then come read some Darth Vader. Star Wars as it was meant to be. The identity of the Inquisitors was also interesting since one of them I found in another comic mucking about as a Jedi during the Clone Wars. Interesting. Anyways if you are a Star Wars fan then you will like this. Any Vader fan will love it.
Vader and Tarkin participate in the start of the Empire's moves against planets deemed too independent. An Imperial Star Destroyer bearing Tarkin and an Imperial Ambassador come to Mon Cala to speak with the Calimari King. However, the Ambassador's assassination gives Tarkin the pretext he needs to invade. Vader, meanwhile, seeks out a former Jedi who is helping the Calamari form a resistance. An instructive look at the way the Empire conducts diplomacy. The Vader-Master Barr confrontation was also instructive.
Without too many spoilers- Vol 3 continues the strong story and quality of the first volumes. Vader is developing into a powerful Sith Lord and the Empire's tendrils are spreading. The artwork has been excellent in all three volumes. If the new Disney Star Wars depresses you then come read some Darth Vader. Star Wars as it was meant to be. The identity of the Inquisitors was also interesting since one of them I found in another comic mucking about as a Jedi during the Clone Wars. Interesting. Anyways if you are a Star Wars fan then you will like this. Any Vader fan will love it.
May 31, 2025
No, just no. OK I said NO.
September 24, 2018
This continues the story shortly after Episode III and well before we actually see Darth Vader for the first time in Episode IV. (I am that old that I saw it several times in the movie theaters) In this one, Mon Cala is having talks with the Empire but these talks go awry and the result is war.
I have to say that this is my favorite comic series from this universe. I enjoy the arcs each collection presents, the artwork is terrific and I like the time setting of this series. The aspect I like the most is the portrayal of Vader. We get to see him being the person that the galaxy fears and why he has the reputation of being the galaxy's enforcer. The battle scenes were well done and we get to see some fan favorites in this story. I love seeing Ackbar interact with Vader. There were two stand alone issues in this collection that really did nothing for me. In fact, one seems to contradict other stories that I have read in this universe. This is why I lowered my rating to four stars.
I like reading these comics from this universe and I am severely behind on most of them. This is the one series that I will not allow myself to fall behind. Every aspect excels in this series and I love reading more about Darth Vader.
I have to say that this is my favorite comic series from this universe. I enjoy the arcs each collection presents, the artwork is terrific and I like the time setting of this series. The aspect I like the most is the portrayal of Vader. We get to see him being the person that the galaxy fears and why he has the reputation of being the galaxy's enforcer. The battle scenes were well done and we get to see some fan favorites in this story. I love seeing Ackbar interact with Vader. There were two stand alone issues in this collection that really did nothing for me. In fact, one seems to contradict other stories that I have read in this universe. This is why I lowered my rating to four stars.
I like reading these comics from this universe and I am severely behind on most of them. This is the one series that I will not allow myself to fall behind. Every aspect excels in this series and I love reading more about Darth Vader.
January 13, 2020
En este número Darth Vader y sus inquisidores siguen la pista de presencia jedi en el planeta Mon Cala, allí interrogan a su rey Lee-Char que ocultando la presencia de un grupo de jedis que huyeron a la orden 66 decide bajo sus auspicios enfrentar al Imperio. Este conjunto de cómics cuenta la Batalla de la ciudad de Dac y sus consecuencias. Mucha acción y explicación amplia sobre los eventos alrededor de esta guerra.
February 5, 2020
I liked this volume. All the stories were great, especially the one where Tarkin was hunting Vader. Very well written and drawn. Not crazy about the art in the last story. Not as much effort appeared to go into that one. But in all we get to see a deeper look into Darth Vader and the consequences of his turning to the Dark Side. Very much looking forward to the NEW Darth Vader coming on sale today. Not waiting around for a collection this time. If you are a Star Wars fan, you need to give these collections a try. From both 2015 and 2017.
February 25, 2019
Here we go again, as I continue catching up on this massively hyped series from the Star Wars Canon. Just like with the previous volume Legacy's End, I read this a couple of days ago but haven't gotten time to do a review.
And once again, this series (mostly) lives up to the immense hype. Burning Seas is another good, strong entry in Charles Soule's Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Comic run.
THE STORY: A couple of months to a year passes following Vader's mission to track down Jocasta Nu. The time jump isn't very clear, but it doesn't really matter. Vader is on another mission or the Emperor, aided by a couple members of the Inquisitorius- the Sixth Brother who played a big role in Ahsoka, the Ninth Sister who was newly introduced in this series, and the Tenth Brother, who was actually introduced in another comic from the canon (Matt Owens' Mace Windu).
This time, they go to Mon Cala, ready to conquer it; but they meet resistance from Lee Char, its king.
THE BAD: there's not really all that much wrong here. Even the artwork seems to have gotten better, which was my biggest problem with the first two volumes.
THE GOOD: Burning Seas is among the very best the star wars canon has produced when it comes to comics.
The characters, just like before, were well done. Vader, Lee Char, and the inquisitor characters were consistent with what I have seen from them. Tarkin is good too. I also think the new former-jedi antagonist in Burning Seas was also really good. Tarkin, Ackbar, and Raddus appear in this volume and they're good too.
The artwork was steadily improving over the course of these comics, but I think Burning Seas is the one that got the style down. It looked really rough in Imperial Machine, got a bit better by the time Legacy's End wrapped up, and now looks solid in Burning Seas both with the action and the character drawings.
I also enjoyed the worldbuilding. We get to see the dynamic amongst the Inquisitorius that was hinted at in Rebels but is much more fleshed out in this comic. We also get to see the brutality of the empire first hand, effectively portrayed through the conquest of Mon Cala.
THE CONCLUSION: final rating is 4.5 stars.
Burning Seas is just yet more confirmation that Charles Soule's take on Darth Vader's story is great. I'm running out of things to say about this comic. It has been very consistent across these three story arcs with interesting stories, great characterization, and immersive worldbuilding. Looking forward to getting my hands on the last volume, because Vader's younger days have been riveting to read about.
And once again, this series (mostly) lives up to the immense hype. Burning Seas is another good, strong entry in Charles Soule's Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Comic run.
THE STORY: A couple of months to a year passes following Vader's mission to track down Jocasta Nu. The time jump isn't very clear, but it doesn't really matter. Vader is on another mission or the Emperor, aided by a couple members of the Inquisitorius- the Sixth Brother who played a big role in Ahsoka, the Ninth Sister who was newly introduced in this series, and the Tenth Brother, who was actually introduced in another comic from the canon (Matt Owens' Mace Windu).
This time, they go to Mon Cala, ready to conquer it; but they meet resistance from Lee Char, its king.
THE BAD: there's not really all that much wrong here. Even the artwork seems to have gotten better, which was my biggest problem with the first two volumes.
THE GOOD: Burning Seas is among the very best the star wars canon has produced when it comes to comics.
The characters, just like before, were well done. Vader, Lee Char, and the inquisitor characters were consistent with what I have seen from them. Tarkin is good too. I also think the new former-jedi antagonist in Burning Seas was also really good. Tarkin, Ackbar, and Raddus appear in this volume and they're good too.
The artwork was steadily improving over the course of these comics, but I think Burning Seas is the one that got the style down. It looked really rough in Imperial Machine, got a bit better by the time Legacy's End wrapped up, and now looks solid in Burning Seas both with the action and the character drawings.
I also enjoyed the worldbuilding. We get to see the dynamic amongst the Inquisitorius that was hinted at in Rebels but is much more fleshed out in this comic. We also get to see the brutality of the empire first hand, effectively portrayed through the conquest of Mon Cala.
THE CONCLUSION: final rating is 4.5 stars.
Burning Seas is just yet more confirmation that Charles Soule's take on Darth Vader's story is great. I'm running out of things to say about this comic. It has been very consistent across these three story arcs with interesting stories, great characterization, and immersive worldbuilding. Looking forward to getting my hands on the last volume, because Vader's younger days have been riveting to read about.
November 24, 2020
Say whatever you want about the prequels, the Clone Wars is still my favorite era, sure the movies have flaws, but you can't beat the epic intergalactic scale of it, Jedi vs. the Sith, pure Star Wars, that to me is space opera at its best, and this story was another good contribution to that era.
This is about the last battle of Mon Cala, the underwater planet, home of Admiral Ackbar, who later became the savior of the rebellion, we see how his space fleet ended up leading the attack against the second Death Star, and it was more that satisfying, a very exciting story that introduced a new Jedi, Ferren Barr, who has one of the coolest Jedi stories in the saga, not to be missed.
The book has two extra issues, one where Tarkin hunts Vader and the annual, they both feel a bit disconnected from the main story and I didn't like them as much.
Five stars for the main story.
This is about the last battle of Mon Cala, the underwater planet, home of Admiral Ackbar, who later became the savior of the rebellion, we see how his space fleet ended up leading the attack against the second Death Star, and it was more that satisfying, a very exciting story that introduced a new Jedi, Ferren Barr, who has one of the coolest Jedi stories in the saga, not to be missed.
The book has two extra issues, one where Tarkin hunts Vader and the annual, they both feel a bit disconnected from the main story and I didn't like them as much.
Five stars for the main story.
January 12, 2019
This series is probably the best of the Marvel new canon. It has been amazingly consistent, and this volume is the best yet. It keeps what I've enjoyed about the previous books—focus on Vader being vicious and struggling with his past—and it adds the wartime action and political intrigue that I enjoyed in the novels Tarkin, Catalyst, and Lords of the Sith. Charles Soule is really skillful in the way he weaves together elements from the larger saga mythology into the stories in this series. I especially like how full of Rogue One details this particular book is.
Very nice artwork—classic graphic novel style, and panels that are full of details. I like that nothing here makes the Mon Calamari look backward or silly. I also like the way the artwork portrays a slightly younger Tarkin.
Very nice artwork—classic graphic novel style, and panels that are full of details. I like that nothing here makes the Mon Calamari look backward or silly. I also like the way the artwork portrays a slightly younger Tarkin.
September 13, 2022
The power of an empire is not in what it destroys, but what it controls.
The series is delivering some incredible stories. The character of Darth Vader is explored further, and the writer has spared no expense showing just how ruthless and badass Vader can be.
The portrayal of different characters and contrast between the Empire in its full evil glory with the Rebellion in desperation were truly awesome.
The series is delivering some incredible stories. The character of Darth Vader is explored further, and the writer has spared no expense showing just how ruthless and badass Vader can be.
The portrayal of different characters and contrast between the Empire in its full evil glory with the Rebellion in desperation were truly awesome.
February 1, 2019
The adventures of Vader and the Inquisitors continue here, this time during the Empire's acquisition of Mon Cala. While the Rebel Alliance has not yet been formed, Mon Cala is not yet part of the Empire. Talks are going ahead, but when the Emperor finds out that the Mon Calamari are hiding Jedi (Master Ferren Barr and some apprentices), Vader and company are dispatched to take him out.
The Empire begins to invade the surface of Mon Cala, but it proves very difficult as the majority of the planet's surface is water. As it progresses, the aquatic species of the planet (the Mon Calamari and the Quarren), abandon or blow up their surface cities and dive deep. Other than destroying the Jedi, the mission is to also capture King Lee-Char (who we recently read about in the main Star Wars comic, and the message before his death is what pushes the planet to side with the Rebels), which happens by the end.
A very odd one-shot story also is included here. Apparently, Tarkin owes Vader a favor, and that is cashed in by going to a planet and having Tarkin and a squad hunt down Vader, all for training and to see who can win. Vader looks very fearsome in his dragon wing cloak and the hunt is quite action-packed and intense. Tarkin seems to win, but Vader's force choke, even in his weakened state (Tarkin used knowledge of the environment to have Vader get hit with a lightning bolt) claims the win for Vader.
Next up (apparently) is "Fortress Vader". Sounds intriguing...
Being that this title is Vader's adventures between Episodes 3 and 4, I hope we see how he gets all the way up to the events of Rogue One (which lead directly into Ep. 4).
High recommend.
The Empire begins to invade the surface of Mon Cala, but it proves very difficult as the majority of the planet's surface is water. As it progresses, the aquatic species of the planet (the Mon Calamari and the Quarren), abandon or blow up their surface cities and dive deep. Other than destroying the Jedi, the mission is to also capture King Lee-Char (who we recently read about in the main Star Wars comic, and the message before his death is what pushes the planet to side with the Rebels), which happens by the end.
A very odd one-shot story also is included here. Apparently, Tarkin owes Vader a favor, and that is cashed in by going to a planet and having Tarkin and a squad hunt down Vader, all for training and to see who can win. Vader looks very fearsome in his dragon wing cloak and the hunt is quite action-packed and intense. Tarkin seems to win, but Vader's force choke, even in his weakened state (Tarkin used knowledge of the environment to have Vader get hit with a lightning bolt) claims the win for Vader.
Next up (apparently) is "Fortress Vader". Sounds intriguing...
Being that this title is Vader's adventures between Episodes 3 and 4, I hope we see how he gets all the way up to the events of Rogue One (which lead directly into Ep. 4).
High recommend.
September 18, 2018
Really good story and nostalgia being written here by Soule. The story focuses at first on the Empire flexing its might to prove its the big cheese in space by sending a message (of violence) to Mon Cala, our favorite squid faces. Of coarse we get a killer Ackbar cameo, its good. Tarkin also is featured heavily and the duo of Tarkin and Vader is straight up awesome. If thats not enough we get teases of the future death star and a small but critical link to Rogue one. The story telling is great (minus Vader hunting yet another Jedi, minor yawn). Vader kicking ass is also great and you get plenty. The art is above average, clean and easy to read. Overall the volume is jam packed, its got a lot of content.
October 13, 2018
The creative team behind the amazing Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith series return with their third volume, The Burning Seas, which continues to follow the early adventures of one of fiction’s greatest villains, Darth Vader. This third volume contains issues #13-18 of what has to be one of my favourite current ongoing series.
This new volume is set one year after the formation of the Empire, and the Emperor is determined to show off the full military power he now commands. To that end, he dispatches Vader to the aquatic planet of Mon Cala, which has been resisting attempts to be completely incorporated into the growing Empire, and whose King appears to be receiving advice from a Jedi. However, this will not be Vader’s first journey to Mon Cala. Years ago, during the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker and the Jedi saved the planet from a Separatist invasion and supported the young Mon Calamari king’s ascent to the throne.
Leading a force of his Inquisitors to Mon Cala, Vader attempts to investigate the potential Jedi influencer, but the situation quickly devolves into all-out war. With Governor Wilhuff Tarkin leading the Imperial invasion, Vader and his forces attempt to locate the Jedi behind the unfolding events. How will Vader’s return impact the planet of Mon Cala, and what events will the mysterious Jedi’s actions have for the future of the galaxy?
In additional adventures, Governor Tarkin finds himself in the unenviable position of owing Darth Vader a favour. Vader’s request is a hunt with a twist: the hunter will be Tarkin, while the hunted will be Vader himself. Bored by a lack of challenges, Vader has tasked Tarkin to provide him with some worthy competition. Will Tarkin earn Vader’s respect, or will he and his team of mercenaries be the next victims of Vader’s rage? In addition, Vader has been tasked to investigate sabotage around the construction of the Death Star on Geonosis. As Vader encounters the creators of the Death Star, Commander Krenik and Galen Erso, he uncovers not only the saboteurs but also the full potential of the Death Star and the impact it could have on Vader’s position.
View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/10/12/...
I previously reviewed the second volume of this series on my blog:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/09/12/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
This new volume is set one year after the formation of the Empire, and the Emperor is determined to show off the full military power he now commands. To that end, he dispatches Vader to the aquatic planet of Mon Cala, which has been resisting attempts to be completely incorporated into the growing Empire, and whose King appears to be receiving advice from a Jedi. However, this will not be Vader’s first journey to Mon Cala. Years ago, during the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker and the Jedi saved the planet from a Separatist invasion and supported the young Mon Calamari king’s ascent to the throne.
Leading a force of his Inquisitors to Mon Cala, Vader attempts to investigate the potential Jedi influencer, but the situation quickly devolves into all-out war. With Governor Wilhuff Tarkin leading the Imperial invasion, Vader and his forces attempt to locate the Jedi behind the unfolding events. How will Vader’s return impact the planet of Mon Cala, and what events will the mysterious Jedi’s actions have for the future of the galaxy?
In additional adventures, Governor Tarkin finds himself in the unenviable position of owing Darth Vader a favour. Vader’s request is a hunt with a twist: the hunter will be Tarkin, while the hunted will be Vader himself. Bored by a lack of challenges, Vader has tasked Tarkin to provide him with some worthy competition. Will Tarkin earn Vader’s respect, or will he and his team of mercenaries be the next victims of Vader’s rage? In addition, Vader has been tasked to investigate sabotage around the construction of the Death Star on Geonosis. As Vader encounters the creators of the Death Star, Commander Krenik and Galen Erso, he uncovers not only the saboteurs but also the full potential of the Death Star and the impact it could have on Vader’s position.
View the full review at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/10/12/...
I previously reviewed the second volume of this series on my blog:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/09/12/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
November 10, 2018
Darth Vader is sent to suppress a rebellion on Mon Cala, with the aid of his Inquisitorius, and a very familiar face - Governor Wilhuff Tarkin.
This book kind of acts as a companion piece to what Kieron Gillen did with his second arc of Star Wars, since it shows how Mon Cala lost its autonomy. Vader's almost incidental to the plot, since it's more about the politics of Mon Cala, a fallen Jedi (who gets a very awesome final page cliffhanger midway through the story) and how Tarkin is quickly rising up the ranks. He and Vader play off each other well, and that contributes greatly to the success of the final issue of the trade which is a done-in-one in which the two characters try to kill each other for sport. All six issues are once again pencilled by the faultless Giuseppe Camuncoli.
There's also an annual here by Chuck Wendig, with art by Leonard Kirk that ties Vader even tighter into the events of Rogue One, with a conspiracy that pulls in Galen Erso, Krennic, and Tarkin once again.
Great stuff once again from all involved, if a little light on the actual Vader.
This book kind of acts as a companion piece to what Kieron Gillen did with his second arc of Star Wars, since it shows how Mon Cala lost its autonomy. Vader's almost incidental to the plot, since it's more about the politics of Mon Cala, a fallen Jedi (who gets a very awesome final page cliffhanger midway through the story) and how Tarkin is quickly rising up the ranks. He and Vader play off each other well, and that contributes greatly to the success of the final issue of the trade which is a done-in-one in which the two characters try to kill each other for sport. All six issues are once again pencilled by the faultless Giuseppe Camuncoli.
There's also an annual here by Chuck Wendig, with art by Leonard Kirk that ties Vader even tighter into the events of Rogue One, with a conspiracy that pulls in Galen Erso, Krennic, and Tarkin once again.
Great stuff once again from all involved, if a little light on the actual Vader.
October 9, 2019
Another Star Wars story involving a siege of Mon Cala? That ocean planet has to have been destroyed five times by now. Despite the repetition, The Burning Seas is a quality read. Darth Vader and Tarkin work towards separate objectives, adding a bit of political wrangling to a series that tends towards Vader just murdering everything in sight. Of course, there's still plenty of that, with Vader tracking a mysterious Jedi in the ocean's great depths.
There's also plenty of Tarkin scheming, which is delightful, and not-so-subtle tie-ins to Rogue One, which are interesting, if obvious. I'm a little bored with the Inquisitors at this point - why does a series starring Darth Vader need a slew of dark Jedi nobodies? Perhaps the next volume will delve more into their existence.
There's also plenty of Tarkin scheming, which is delightful, and not-so-subtle tie-ins to Rogue One, which are interesting, if obvious. I'm a little bored with the Inquisitors at this point - why does a series starring Darth Vader need a slew of dark Jedi nobodies? Perhaps the next volume will delve more into their existence.
December 12, 2020
Focusing on Vader's quest on Mon Cala its an epic tale as he carries out the emperors plan and its filled with epic moments and adventures and as this is a water planet, they have to survive here and its hard yet they might survive. Vader faces off against the king and Tarkin is also involved and the seas will burn with the rage of Vader. Even Admiral Ackber is involved and its interesting to see. As Vader is hunting down the Jedi behind them aka Master Bara and fights him and his apprentices and then the war of Mon Cala its an epic thriller story filled with high octane action, intriguing story and so much more and the last story is on Geonosis and Jyrso Eyn's family and all and Vader and Tarkin cold war happens. Decent story that one. Overall good and enjoyable.
March 23, 2020
After watching/reading great battles that have happened on Mon Cala in The Clone Wars, Star Wars (Marvel Vol. 2), and now Vader Dark Lord of the Sith, I really wish we would get a chance to visit the planet in a live action movie or TV show. The battle in this book was awesome. I have also really enjoyed the fleshing out of the Inquisitorious. And the issue with Tarkin hunting Vader? Simply badass on both of their parts.
December 13, 2018
Well well well, this certainly started with a "bang" ;)
Did enjoy this one better than the last volume.. Great build up!
And still loving the art (did not mention that before, but it's true: great artiest!)
Did enjoy this one better than the last volume.. Great build up!
And still loving the art (did not mention that before, but it's true: great artiest!)
November 24, 2018
A bit disconnected but still entertaining, although the excessive use of Tarkin was a bit...odd in light of the movie canon?
December 20, 2020
En este arco argumental tenemos un salto de tres años en el tiempo desde la anterior, el Imperio ya esta mas establecido, tenemos los característicos Destructores Estelares Imperiales, los primeros cazas TIE, y los primeros AT-DP. Nos encontramos mayormente con una invasión por parte del Imperio hacia el planeta Mon Cala, donde están los cabezas crustáceos y la raza del Ackbar "Es una trampa" vamos. Con apariciones del ya mencionado Ackbar, el Raddus de Rogue One y el Rey calamardo que hizo una aparición en uno de los capítulos de la serie Clone Wars. Trama sencilla, guerra, Vader liándola junto con sus inquisidores, tsunamis, calamares gigantes y la aparición del Grande de Tarkin.
Cosas que no me gustan, que en un momento de la historia un personaje use la Orden 66 para poder quitarse de encima a los Inquisidores porque antaño eran antiguos Jedis... ¿Perdón? Vaya recurso mas facilón, cobarde y Deus Ex Machina. Partiendo de que en el Nuevo Canon no me gusta que la Orden 66 este implantada en los clones con un chip que les hacen obedecer esa orden como autómatas, que vino por la serie de TV Clone Wars.
Partiendo de eso, porque para mi le quitaba lo trágico de que los propios clones que en el antiguo UE al final no dejaban de ser humanos alterados genéticamente para recibir ordenes y para ser guerreros, nada mas. Aun así, conscientes de su vida y con pensamientos propios sin llegar al nivel de humanos corrientes, el tener que obedecer una orden que les pusiera en la línea moral de matar a sus antiguos camaradas y generales, y aun así cumplirlas (aunque no en todos los casos, algunos clones tuvieron tal relación y afinidad a sus Jedis que se negaron a cumplir dicha orden) es trágico y objetivamente plausible. No dejan de ser clones.
En el Nuevo Canon no fue así, si no que Palpatine como es mu malo, y hay que enfocar en la maldad de los Sith les puso un chip que les convertían básicamente en droides para obedecer esa orden en concreto. En esta historia como dije, un personaje usa este recurso para poner a los clones en contra de los Inquisidores... Es que es tan... estúpido y erróneo, incluso dentro de la lógica del Nuevo Canon. Porque para empezar vaya gillipollas el Palpatine por no haberles quitado ese chip cuando ya su objetivo ya estaba cumplido, sino que es imposible que un tío random haga obedecer esa orden así como así, esa orden solo puede venir de la máxima autoridad dentro del gobierno, osease el Canciller Supremo, osease, Palpatine. Como digo que me digan a mi si esto no es un error de libro, pero bueno, supongo que es habitual, pero como digo no deja de ser irónico cuando nos vendieron que en este nuevo canon no habría fallos...
¿Y porque entonces esas cuatro estrellas Alberto? ¿Es que eres tonto o que? Pues supongo que disfruto tanto de estos comics palomiteros que puedo darme el gustazo de mirar hacia otro lado y respetar esas cuatro estrellas... aunque me tentó ponerle un 3 eh... pero hoy quiero ser bondadoso. Además tengo que reconocer que hubo un giro con el Jedi de esta historia que no lo vi venir, eso tengo que reconocerlo.
Sobre el ultimo numero, se trata de una pequeña historia de como Tarkin tiene que cumplir el trato que le hizo a Vader en Mon Cala... y que trato. Ya lo veréis.
Cosas que no me gustan, que en un momento de la historia un personaje use la Orden 66 para poder quitarse de encima a los Inquisidores porque antaño eran antiguos Jedis... ¿Perdón? Vaya recurso mas facilón, cobarde y Deus Ex Machina. Partiendo de que en el Nuevo Canon no me gusta que la Orden 66 este implantada en los clones con un chip que les hacen obedecer esa orden como autómatas, que vino por la serie de TV Clone Wars.
Partiendo de eso, porque para mi le quitaba lo trágico de que los propios clones que en el antiguo UE al final no dejaban de ser humanos alterados genéticamente para recibir ordenes y para ser guerreros, nada mas. Aun así, conscientes de su vida y con pensamientos propios sin llegar al nivel de humanos corrientes, el tener que obedecer una orden que les pusiera en la línea moral de matar a sus antiguos camaradas y generales, y aun así cumplirlas (aunque no en todos los casos, algunos clones tuvieron tal relación y afinidad a sus Jedis que se negaron a cumplir dicha orden) es trágico y objetivamente plausible. No dejan de ser clones.
En el Nuevo Canon no fue así, si no que Palpatine como es mu malo, y hay que enfocar en la maldad de los Sith les puso un chip que les convertían básicamente en droides para obedecer esa orden en concreto. En esta historia como dije, un personaje usa este recurso para poner a los clones en contra de los Inquisidores... Es que es tan... estúpido y erróneo, incluso dentro de la lógica del Nuevo Canon. Porque para empezar vaya gillipollas el Palpatine por no haberles quitado ese chip cuando ya su objetivo ya estaba cumplido, sino que es imposible que un tío random haga obedecer esa orden así como así, esa orden solo puede venir de la máxima autoridad dentro del gobierno, osease el Canciller Supremo, osease, Palpatine. Como digo que me digan a mi si esto no es un error de libro, pero bueno, supongo que es habitual, pero como digo no deja de ser irónico cuando nos vendieron que en este nuevo canon no habría fallos...
¿Y porque entonces esas cuatro estrellas Alberto? ¿Es que eres tonto o que? Pues supongo que disfruto tanto de estos comics palomiteros que puedo darme el gustazo de mirar hacia otro lado y respetar esas cuatro estrellas... aunque me tentó ponerle un 3 eh... pero hoy quiero ser bondadoso. Además tengo que reconocer que hubo un giro con el Jedi de esta historia que no lo vi venir, eso tengo que reconocerlo.
Sobre el ultimo numero, se trata de una pequeña historia de como Tarkin tiene que cumplir el trato que le hizo a Vader en Mon Cala... y que trato. Ya lo veréis.
May 6, 2019
I love Soule's take on Darth Vader! He uses all of the interesting mythology of the prequels but with actual good writing and story telling. The setting here is one of my favorite in Star Wars: Mon Cala! Do we get to see a young Raddus and Ackbar fighting? You bet your butt! Also, rogue jedi's (maybe?) who survived with dubious motives? Yes please!
September 8, 2023
This one took hold of my feelings, in odd ways too. There was betrayal, defiance, and a touch of arrogance. Dark Vader is clearly becoming Lord Vader. Not too sure how long he can remain a faithful follower of Palpatine.
June 16, 2021
LOVE VADER ALL THE WAY, he is a mass-murdering psycho tho, BUT LOVE VADER!!!!
May 2, 2022
Vader und Tarkin
Fazit: Vaders Geschichte geht weiter und Tarkin tritt auf den Plan. Das Niveau bleibt hoch. Sehr zu empfehlen! Gesamt: 5/5
Inhalt: Der dritte Teil der Vader-Reihe von Charles Soule ist mit "Brennende Meere" betitelt und hält auf 148 Seiten gleich drei abgeschlossene Geschichten bereit. Die längste Handlung berichtet von dem Widerstand auf Mon Cala, hinter dem der Imperator einen Jedi vermutet. Während Vader und seine Inquisitoren diesen Feind ausschalten, kümmert sich Tarkin um die Koordination des militärischen Angriffs auf den Wasserplaneten, der einige Überraschungen für die Invasoren bereithält...In der zweiten Geschichte erzählt der Autor, wie sich Vader und Tarkin einer Jagd auf einem lebensfeindlichen Planeten stellen. Die Beute? Der jeweils andere...Im finalen Kapitel entsendet der Gouverneur den Vollstrecker des Imperators auf den Planeten Geonosis, um sich häufende Fälle von Sabotage aufzuklären. Dabei wird der Dunkle Lord, zusammen mit dem imperialen Leiter vor Ort, Direktor Orson Krennic, selbst Opfer eines Anschlags...
Bewertung: Auch der dritte Teil der Reihe besticht durch starke Dialoge und Handlungen, tolle Charaktere und Spannung. Vader etabliert sich als die eiserne Faust des Imperators, indem er Gnadenlosigkeit und Strategie beweist. Doch wie schon im zweiten Teil angedeutet, ist nicht jeder mit seiner Stellung zufrieden. Insbesondere Gouverneur Tarkin hat es auf die herausgehobene Position des Sith-Lords abgesehen und tut alles, um die Gunst des Imperators zu erlangen. Sein Können stellt er dafür in jeder der Geschichten unter Beweis. Während der Kommandeur jedes Hindernis strategisch umgeht und seinem Gegner stets einen Schritt voraus ist, wird dem Leser bewusst, welch ein ernstzunehmender Charakter Tarkin ist. Über die Dauer der Geschichten entsteht zwischen letzterem und Vader ein besonderes Verhältnis aus Hass und Bewunderung, welches der Autor großartig ausarbeitet. Insgesamt sind die Abschnitte des Heftes von Spannung gespickt, Langeweile kommt nie auf. Dazu trägt auch die verständliche Sprache bei. In den ersten beiden Geschichten gibt es an dem detaillierten und erwachsenen Grafikstil nichts zu bemängeln. Alles passt sehr gut zur Stimmung und wirkt cinematografisch. Lediglich in der letzten Handlung fallen die "kindlicher" wirkenden Zeichnungen aus dem Raster. Das passt deutlich weniger zum Ton, ist aber aufgrund der Kürze dieses Strangs vernachlässigbar. Bei der Varianz der Panels hätte jedoch gerne mehr Abwechslung angewandt werden können.
Fazit: Vaders Geschichte geht weiter und Tarkin tritt auf den Plan. Das Niveau bleibt hoch. Sehr zu empfehlen! Gesamt: 5/5
June 17, 2019
This volume contains Darth Vader Issues 13-18 (also called The Burning Seas Part I-V, Bad Ground, and Darth Vader Annual 2: Technological Terror). In The Burning Seas arc, Vader has been tasked to take his Inquisitors to Mon Cala, where war is still being waged against them, and a small group of Jedi who survived the purge plan in hiding. Vader is tasked to take these Jedi out while also showing Mon Cala who their new ruler is, and what happens when the people of a planet do not follow their new Emperor. Bad Ground is an interesting issue that highlights the position of Vader and Tarkin. They are both men of power in the Empire, but Tarkin isn't feeling the whole Vader-in-higher-power-than-himself vibe. Darth Vader Annual 2 is actually very interesting in that Vader returns to Geonosis and the reader may indeed be reunited with a Geonosian previously featured in Star Wars Rebels. Once again we have Vader and Tarkin, along with Krennic, in a battle of power and rank, all while trying to uncover some secret treachery on Geonosis.
I enjoyed this volume for a number of reasons. The art is, of course, absolutely glorious. I really appreciated the connection between Vader/Geonosis in this comic and its link to an event in Rebels. It's also interesting seeing the Jedi who have escaped the purge, seeing what they are up too (some rather familiar faces from the Clone Wars, too), and then watching as Vader ruthlessly takes down the Emperor's enemies. It's really fun following the events of a character that is generally seen as a villain and seeing what terrible deeds such a character can do. And yet, villains tend to make for the best characters. Oh, Vader, why do your deeds not thwart me from removing you as a favorite character?
I enjoyed this volume for a number of reasons. The art is, of course, absolutely glorious. I really appreciated the connection between Vader/Geonosis in this comic and its link to an event in Rebels. It's also interesting seeing the Jedi who have escaped the purge, seeing what they are up too (some rather familiar faces from the Clone Wars, too), and then watching as Vader ruthlessly takes down the Emperor's enemies. It's really fun following the events of a character that is generally seen as a villain and seeing what terrible deeds such a character can do. And yet, villains tend to make for the best characters. Oh, Vader, why do your deeds not thwart me from removing you as a favorite character?
November 7, 2018
Solid. Another great Darth Vader adventure. What is great about Soule's take on the Dark Lord of the Sith is the fact that its not just the vicious way Vader destroys his enemies but his very existence can corrupt the innocent. In this volume Vader is sent to Mon Cala to remind its king and his people that they serve only the Galactic Empire. With Grand Admiral Tarkin hovering about this negotiation is sure to get ugly. Some the coolest things that happen in this book are the inclusion of Admiral Ackbar and the foreshadowing of Mon Cala's role in the future rebellion against the Empire. The artwork by Camuncoli and colorists do a outstanding job in this volume. The book just has some great visuals that really make the book feel like an episode of Star Wars. I love how Soule sets up the relationship between Tarkin and Vader. You get a better understanding here about why someone as physically threatening as Vader would serve Tarkin, a mere mortal. The annual issue at the back of the book perfectly works as a prequel to the Star Wars: Rogue One movie. Not much bad to say about this series other than it is consistently good and every Star Wars fan should be reading this series, asap.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews