Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 - Vader (Star Wars (Marvel))

Recently released by Marvel Comics, this first collected volume of the Darth Vader comic book series is everything a Star Wars fan desires.Focusing solely on Darth Vader following the events of A New Hope, the dark lord must learn who destroyed the Death Star even as the Emperor seemingly seeks to replace him. Vader must build his own army separate from the Empire as a safety net, but how does a villain of even his caliber go about doing so?This volume introduces new, interesting characters while utilizing favorites like Boba Fett and Jabba the Hutt. It references previous movies and may even offer hints to The Force Awakens. It will satisfy even the most devout of Star Wars fans.The art is fantastic. Pay no attention to the fact you can’t see Vader’s face, Salvador Larroca masterfully conveys Vader’s every emotion through a tilt of the head or the power of a stance. Salvador delivers visually the Vader we all love — regal, menacing, and powerful.The author, Kieron Gillen, clearly understands Darth Vader, and he clearly understands why we are drawn to the villain. Vader says little in this volume, because he doesn’t have to say much at all for both the other characters and the audience to perfectly understand his position on matters. The story itself is captivating and important in that it informs us as to how Vader discovered Luke Skywalker’s identity. It establishes the tension between the Emperor and Vader, and it even offers glimpses into the man trapped inside the machine.This is the Darth Vader you’ve always wanted. This is the Darth Vader with whom you fell in love. This series gets everything right.

This perfectly captures the voice and actions of Vader. I could almost hear James Earl Jones' voice! The writing is excellent and Larocca's exquisite art never fails to blow me away. It answers so many questions that the prequels left unanswered and really explores the relationship between Vader and Palpatine. Will definitely check out the rest of the series.

I have to say that I really had a tough time wrapping my head around both the writing and art style of the Darth Vader graphic novels. Kieron Gillen isn't very clear in his approach and I find myself having to re-read several portions to understand what's going on. Same goes for Salvador Larocca's artwork. It's just so mysterious at times and I find myself needing re-cover material that should have a simple flow to it. All that being said, Gillen is a visionary and has come up with some brilliant concepts that are enjoyable to experience. Telling the story from the perspective of the Empire, and slowly seeing Darth Vader's character develop from what we see between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back is quite enjoyable. All-in-all a solid-enough story to get 4-star review from me.

This starts what I think is the best of the new Marvel Star Wars series. There are five trades that you'll want to obtain to read the full story.Here are the collections--DARTH VADER (that's this book that you are reading about)SHADOWS AND SECRETSVADER DOWN (this is a cross over story with the main Star Wars series)THE SHU-TORUN WAREND OF GAMES (this ends the first Darth Vader series--hope that there is a second!)What's the tale about? Basically, Palpatine is not too happy with Vader after the Death Star is destroyed. The Emperor feels as if a Dark Lord of the Sith should have been able to prevent its destruction (and he damn near did, if you saw Rogue One). These stories take place just after that first Rebel Victory (the stealing of the plans and the mechanical moon's destruction), and it follows Vader as he tries to regain face in the eyes of his Master.Now, it should be said that this series runs concurrently with the main Marvel Star Wars series, too. And, the books do intertwine, especially at the beginning. In fact, in some cases, you'll see the same event from two different perspectives: First from the Rebel perspective in the Star Wars book, then from Vader's or the Empire's point of view in the Vader books.If you are reading both series, here's the reading order that I would suggest....SKYWALKER STRIKES! (the first SW book)DARTH VADER (this book)SHOWDOWN ON THE SMUGGLER'S MOONVADER DOWN (the crossover between the two series)REBEL JAILTHE SHU-TORUN WAREND OF GAMESThe first Vader series ends in END OF GAMES, but the main Star Wars series continues with...LAST FLIGHT OF THE HARBINGER (Published in January 2017)YODA'S SECRET WAR (Published in July 2017)