Often, it was what Darth Vader wasn’t saying that spoke louder than any words. In the original Trilogy, each word was crafted with laser precision and performed with classical perfection by the legendary James Earl Jones. What makes Darth Vader formidable are his words. Graphic mediums are certainly a different storytelling animal than cinema and broadcast, but words always have and always will command great power and respect. My general gripe, which is my consistent go-to with Star Wars comics, is dialogue. This volume also includes Darth Vader Annual #1, The Misadventures of Triple-Zero and BeeTee and Coda, all written by Gillen, and Star Wars #13 and #14 and Vader Down written by Jason Aaron who collaborates with Gillen in this collection and is the lead writer of his own Star Wars series (with whom Gillien collaborates.) All take place within the overall 1-25 timeline and serve to complete the story succinctly. They capture the look and feel of the original Star Wars trilogy beautifully in terms of color palette, panel composition and layout. The art by Salvador Larroca is gorgeous and a perfect fit for Gillen’s material.
As for her droids, imagine all the eccentricity of R2-D2 and politeness of C-3PO but programmed for torture and murder. While Darth Vader is clearly the star and focus of this series, Doctor Aphra steals the show in nearly every panel she appears in. Particularly noteworthy is the very first appearance of the alluring Doctor Aphra and her psychopathic droids Triple-Zero and BeeTee. This collection of issues is an engaging read that pays homage to the original Star Wars film while introducing new characters who fit well into that far, far away galaxy.
There’s also the minor matter of discovering the identity of a certain rebel pilot who destroyed the greatest weapon the galaxy had ever known. Not only proving to The Emperor that he’s the best baddie to ever exist, but to us the reader as well. Taking place in the aftermath of the destruction of the first Death Star, we learn that The Emperor did not simply elevate Darth Vader to supreme commander of the Imperial war machine in reward for failing to both protect the Death Star and wiping out the Rebel Alliance. It’s a near perfect mix of action, adventure, and most importantly, character. Kieron Gillen’s take on the of greatest villain of all time exceeds expectations.
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