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Star Wars: Darth Vader #34
- Writer:
- Greg Pak
- Artist:
- Adam Gorham
- Letterer:
- Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist:
- Sunny Gho
- Publisher:
- Marvel
- Price:
- $3.99
- Release Date:
- 2023-05-10
- Colorist:
- Federico Blee
With the Galactic Empire marching victoriously through the universe far, far away, Darth Vader's conquests are growing day by day, and so are the number of his enemies. Recently, Sabé has forsaken her Handmaiden sisters to stand beside the Sith Lord, respecting Padme's memories of Anakin. However, with the return of the Force Wave, Vader is not only out of control but also immensely dangerous, as he lashes out at Sabé to choose -- suffering, or power. Written by Greg Pak with artwork from Adam Gorham, Federico Blee, and VC's Joe Caramagna, Star Wars: Darth Vader #34 from Marvel Comics shows off the titular character's ostentatious journey as he ponders upon age-old ideologies exclusive to the Star Wars universe.
Continuing the story from the previous issue, Star Wars: Darth Vader #34 finds itself on a desolate island of an unknown planet where Sabé had landed with Darth Vader to help him recover from his unhinged state. But the Sith Lord has other plans of his own. He channels his uncontrollable powers to show Sabé visions of her past and future. And he serves her an ultimatum: she can either choose her own fate, or Vader will choose it for her. Elsewhere, someone has tipped off the rebels on Vader's location. They move in on that intel closing on their target fast. Darth Vader is ready to face any challenge head-on.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #34 works with a handful of characters, basing the central conflict around Darth Vader's predicament. As a man of immense strength suddenly feeling powerless in a developing situation, Darth Vader acts defensively as most men in his station would. The issue flows linearly with Greg Pak rather forcing the whole affair on the reader, anchoring the plot in a fixed moment and place. Vader's characterization gets complicated as the story progresses. He is abhorrent for his treatment of Sabé, lashing at her for his own inadequacy while showing how much of a badass he is in the same breath. Meanwhile, Sabé goes through a range of emotions, mostly mixed. But, even after Vader's threats, she sticks to her heart, adding an emotional angle to the narrative.
Adam Gorham's line work hold the characters in stiff poses in one panel and let them go in the next one, which they do with ferocity. Mostly, it is Darth Vader who finds himself in such precarious positions. It's worth it, if only for the share-worthy splash pages. His gristly inking gives form to Vader's all-black attire, making him look purposefully dangerous. In contrast, Sabé is a stoic figure in the book, as the character's journey reflects on her visage. Federico Blee's colors cast an evening glow over the book, in addition to the ochre hue that overpowers the flashback panels. The colors add depth to the action in the climax of the issue, making everything look exasperating. Meanwhile, Joe Caramagna's lettering makes Vader's voice come to life, suiting his newfound terrifying self.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #34 is a fast-paced book that gives the new arc a swift takeoff. While the issue makes good use of the setting and its characters, the sudden change brought about by the Force Wave feels forced. It almost seems like Pak is pushing the narration and forcing Sabé to make the right choice, irrespective of duty or connection. The standoff in the final pages of the book just happens without norm or reason but is also the only portion of the book that feels truly exhilarating. Star Wars: Darth Vader #34 complicates Vader and Sabé's relationship and ends with another soon-to-be-famous one-liner from the Sith Lord.