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lujisa's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Genocide, Murder, Torture, Violence, Death, and War
verkisto's review against another edition
3.0
The Darth Vader comic series hasn't impressed me much so far. The stories don't feel memorable, the art feels too static, and the backstory it's supposed to fill doesn't feel significant. It's supposed to bridge the time between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, showing us how Vader comes to find Luke is his son, but it focuses a lot on other things, including two murderous versions of C-3PO and R2-D2. People seem to love those two droids, but they get on my nerves. They're trying too hard to be the complete opposite of those two characters, and still maintain that same sort of charm. It's terrible.
The Shu-Torun War, though, is a different sort of story. It avoids the whole Luke subplot all together, instead telling us of a civil war on Shu-Torun, a mining planet that's crucial for the Empire to control to build its ships and Death Stars. Vader steps in to control that civil war, only to find himself immersed in the culture and politics of the planet. Once he's in control of the planet, he still has to control the situation, and that's where the heart of the story lies.
Aside from the story showing how the civil war develops (and ends), this collection also shows how dangerous Vader is. Gillen captures the character well, showing him as ruthless, unsentimental, cool, and in control, without showing him as emotionless. The Shu-Torun War gives the character a focus outside of trying to find Luke or rule the galaxy; it's a microcosmic story that has its own arc within the world of Star Wars without the baggage of being a part of the larger story.
I'm still not wild about the art in the series, though it's detailed and fine. I just wish it managed to convey a sense of action better. There's a scene near the start of the book where a shuttle crashes into a building, right above Vader's head, and it looks like a movie still instead of showing any real sense of danger or action. It just is, and it's disappointing. I don't know enough about the art of writing comics to know how other writers and artists do it, but this series is the first time I've noticed it.
If I were to recommend any single story arc out of the Darth Vader series, this would be it. I think readers could get by with reading just this collection and not lose too much (Doctor Aphra goes missing during the events of Vader Down, so she doesn't need to be explained, and the two murderous droids aren't as present in the story), though they may be tempted to read the rest just to get the rest of the story. I don't recommend it, but I can see readers wanting to do it.
The Shu-Torun War, though, is a different sort of story. It avoids the whole Luke subplot all together, instead telling us of a civil war on Shu-Torun, a mining planet that's crucial for the Empire to control to build its ships and Death Stars. Vader steps in to control that civil war, only to find himself immersed in the culture and politics of the planet. Once he's in control of the planet, he still has to control the situation, and that's where the heart of the story lies.
Aside from the story showing how the civil war develops (and ends), this collection also shows how dangerous Vader is. Gillen captures the character well, showing him as ruthless, unsentimental, cool, and in control, without showing him as emotionless. The Shu-Torun War gives the character a focus outside of trying to find Luke or rule the galaxy; it's a microcosmic story that has its own arc within the world of Star Wars without the baggage of being a part of the larger story.
I'm still not wild about the art in the series, though it's detailed and fine. I just wish it managed to convey a sense of action better. There's a scene near the start of the book where a shuttle crashes into a building, right above Vader's head, and it looks like a movie still instead of showing any real sense of danger or action. It just is, and it's disappointing. I don't know enough about the art of writing comics to know how other writers and artists do it, but this series is the first time I've noticed it.
If I were to recommend any single story arc out of the Darth Vader series, this would be it. I think readers could get by with reading just this collection and not lose too much (Doctor Aphra goes missing during the events of Vader Down, so she doesn't need to be explained, and the two murderous droids aren't as present in the story), though they may be tempted to read the rest just to get the rest of the story. I don't recommend it, but I can see readers wanting to do it.
alassea's review
4.0
The Shu-Torun war serves to further highlight why Vader is a force to fear as well as how the Empire functions. In the larger scope this is a side-story, but I enjoyed the jaunt on a lava planet with Vader.
quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
3 1/2 Stars.
Quick note: for those reading it by issue instead of by volume (say on Marvel Unlimited) like I did, the Annual #1 issue comes before the Darth Vader 16-19 issues. It provides some pretty important context for what is occurring, so reading them backwards probably wouldn’t be fun.
I think this was probably my least favorite of the Darth Vader series so far. It felt like it was short (which it was, being only five issues) and didn’t contain that much as far as relevant information goes. It pretty much has a “side quest” feel to it.
The plot itself is actually pretty simple to sum up: Darth Vader gets sent to Shu-Torun to deal with the revolution that is occurring there. A few skirmishes and battles occur, and Vader quickly puts a puppet named Trios as the new leader. Like I said, it’s all a bit side quest-y. Okay, there’s a bit more to it than that, as a lot of details are used to flesh out the plot. The fight scenes are pretty interesting – in fact Triple 0 even manages to win one basically single handed (I’ll admit that this scene had my cracking up).
There are a couple 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 moved. In case it was a surprise to 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 (knew that was going to 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 (whom 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 am looking forward to seeing it.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Quick note: for those reading it by issue instead of by volume (say on Marvel Unlimited) like I did, the Annual #1 issue comes before the Darth Vader 16-19 issues. It provides some pretty important context for what is occurring, so reading them backwards probably wouldn’t be fun.
I think this was probably my least favorite of the Darth Vader series so far. It felt like it was short (which it was, being only five issues) and didn’t contain that much as far as relevant information goes. It pretty much has a “side quest” feel to it.
Spoiler
The plot itself is actually pretty simple to sum up: Darth Vader gets sent to Shu-Torun to deal with the revolution that is occurring there. A few skirmishes and battles occur, and Vader quickly puts a puppet named Trios as the new leader. Like I said, it’s all a bit side quest-y. Okay, there’s a bit more to it than that, as a lot of details are used to flesh out the plot. The fight scenes are pretty interesting – in fact Triple 0 even manages to win one basically single handed (I’ll admit that this scene had my cracking up).
There are a couple 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 moved. In case it was a surprise to 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 (knew that was going to 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 (whom 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 am looking forward to seeing it.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
mcacev's review
3.0
I have come to realize that the less the story is focused on Darth Vader, the better these volumes get. That's a really sad state of affairs, but unfortunately that's the problem with creating material for prequels: there is only so much character development and plot that can be delivered without destroying the status quo set by the source material.
Vol 3 of Darth Vader starts before Vader Down, with the annual issue where we see Vader come to Shu Torun, a mining planet who seems to be rebelling against the Empire. The rest of the issues take place after Vader Down and develop this story, with a distinct lack of Aphra that I have to admit is noticeable. This time, the main focus is Vader's rivalry with the twins Aiolin and Morit, as well as his relationship with Queen Trios.
The plot is pretty straight forward, but that works well for the story where all of the relevant information is secret alliances and betrayals. There is a scene towards the end where Palpatine finally informs Vader that he will 'explain everything' which made me chuckle; it's a little late for that now Palpatine, especially after Vader basically annihilated half of Cylo's forces.
Queen Trios seems to be a a character of potential, but there isn't that much to her. She learns fast from Vader's 'advice' and he seems to find her at least suitable as a ruler. Of course, that's empty praise considering the Empire needs week rulers that it can control, as Trios herself points out when she executes one of the Barons and appoints his youngest daughter as his successor. She doesn't make an appearance in the later issues of this ongoing, though I haven't read the newest Star Wars issues, so I have no idea if maybe she returns and gets a little more developed.
The twins were another plot-line that felt like it needed to be more developed than they actually were. I personally thought that Aiolin was right when she talked about continuing the martial training of the Sith is the Sith are dead, but I also understood why Vader might be weary of doing so, since that would basically mean nothing. Without a connection to the Force, the training is really just polish. Again, I'm not sure where Vader's intense devotion to the Sith ways comes from, but I harped on that enough in my review of vol 1.
Larroca's art continues to be amazing, and he especially excels in drawing action scenes and backgrounds. This was probably the most impressive of the volumes in terms of art, and that alone is worth the asking price.
There is just one volume left to conclude this version of Vader, and I hope it stays on the level of the rest of the series.
Vol 3 of Darth Vader starts before Vader Down, with the annual issue where we see Vader come to Shu Torun, a mining planet who seems to be rebelling against the Empire. The rest of the issues take place after Vader Down and develop this story, with a distinct lack of Aphra that I have to admit is noticeable. This time, the main focus is Vader's rivalry with the twins Aiolin and Morit, as well as his relationship with Queen Trios.
The plot is pretty straight forward, but that works well for the story where all of the relevant information is secret alliances and betrayals. There is a scene towards the end where Palpatine finally informs Vader that he will 'explain everything' which made me chuckle; it's a little late for that now Palpatine, especially after Vader basically annihilated half of Cylo's forces.
Queen Trios seems to be a a character of potential, but there isn't that much to her. She learns fast from Vader's 'advice' and he seems to find her at least suitable as a ruler. Of course, that's empty praise considering the Empire needs week rulers that it can control, as Trios herself points out when she executes one of the Barons and appoints his youngest daughter as his successor. She doesn't make an appearance in the later issues of this ongoing, though I haven't read the newest Star Wars issues, so I have no idea if maybe she returns and gets a little more developed.
The twins were another plot-line that felt like it needed to be more developed than they actually were. I personally thought that Aiolin was right when she talked about continuing the martial training of the Sith is the Sith are dead, but I also understood why Vader might be weary of doing so, since that would basically mean nothing. Without a connection to the Force, the training is really just polish. Again, I'm not sure where Vader's intense devotion to the Sith ways comes from, but I harped on that enough in my review of vol 1.
Larroca's art continues to be amazing, and he especially excels in drawing action scenes and backgrounds. This was probably the most impressive of the volumes in terms of art, and that alone is worth the asking price.
There is just one volume left to conclude this version of Vader, and I hope it stays on the level of the rest of the series.
katesulli's review
3.0
This wasn't my favorite yet. That being said, the glimpse into a side mission for Vader was fun to see. Also, the art.
theresablue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tabman678's review
4.0
This series has been consistently enjoyable. Though I fear it is my love for the character the makes it so.
Though the weaving of the plot is admirable.
This volume continues the ever loveable Sith Lords run.
Though the weaving of the plot is admirable.
This volume continues the ever loveable Sith Lords run.
therudielibrarian's review
4.0
There is this great dynamic in this book where you see how evil makes decisions. Also, these guys who hope to usurp Vader. Great stuff.