Friday, February 7, 2020

Thanks For The Memories: Darth Vader #1 Review



 Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Raffaele Ienco
Colorist: Neeraj Menon
Letterer: Joe Caramagna

I can’t say very often that a new release has me bouncing with excitement months in advance. Yet as was the case with the newly announced Darth Vader series from Marvel comics which would be helmed by Greg Pak (Planet Hulk, Batman/Superman) & Neeraj Menon (Batman: Sins of the Father, Postal). Now I’m always Star Wars trash, but that level of trash was only accelerated by the recently released finale Rise of Skywalker and that precedent just never went away. It also doesn’t help that I have an intense and undying love for Anakin Skywalker.

Joining the rest of the new line of Marvel Star Wars comics, Darth Vader #1 picks up upon the heels of Empire Strikes Back. The first few pages are a reflection from Vader’s perspective as he dwells upon the revelation revealed to Luke Skywalker about his parentage. In what seems like comic tradition Darth Vader is joined by a new data analysis droid named Zed Six Seven. There’s a calculated dynamic between them as Zed’s at time sarcastic dialogue acts as a foil to Darth’s stoic nature. Together the two will travel to various key locations of Anakin’s past including Tatooine and Padme’s derelict apartment on Coruscant, in an attempt to track down any and everyone hid his son from him. It’s upon the arrival to the planet known Vendaxa and a shocking revelation in the issue’s final pages that will leave you desperately wanting the next issue.

While there’s no shortage of great Darth Vader stories, especially in the Marvel mythos, I love how much this iteration of the character drives on emotion, a look beyond the mask. There's a lot at stake here as Darth Vader is torn between wanting to have to his son on his side while also being bombarded with memories of the boy's mother. Whereas Anakin thrived on his passion albeit good or bad it felt like on the surface must of that was lost when he became Darth Vader. Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader respectively, has always been a character, driven by pure raw emotion, from his turn to the Darkside to his eventual return to the light it’s nice to see that as a titular focus in the series.  Once again able to explore Vader’s relationship with the Emperor. From the films alone we’re met with this precedent that up until the final moments before Palpatine is chucked into an electrical hole that Darth Vader is unwaveringly loyal to his master. In his third solo installment, the Dark Lord of the Sith takes on a mission of his own once again allowing his drastic feelings to carve his path which more often not lead to consequences.  Greg Pak is no stranger to Star Wars and uses key scenes throughout the series that we’re familiar with. As a creative team, Pak & Ienco exploit these moments not only for us but for Vader’s anger and reigniting that classic Anakin anger fans are familiar with. The parallels between his past and present filling those tender and heartwrenching memories with characters like his mother Shmi Skywalker and wife Padme Amidala are so carefully crafted and are only moments I wish were in the mainline films.

Darth Vader #1 left me hanging on the edge of my seat and immediately wanting more. It blew away any expectations for the series. As a Star Wars fan and by extension an Anakin/Darth Vader fan it hit me with feelings I wasn’t expecting and the issue’s last page alone was enough for me to instantly add the series to my ongoing pull. Whether you’re a fan of the series, the character or just want to experience some intense emotional heartbreak make sure to pick up Darth Vader #1. [Comixology]

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