REVIEW: Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 Tries to Make Something Out of Nothing

Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 is a comic that captures everything that's great about the Star Wars franchise, while also reminding fans why loving the series can feel unbearable at times. The most recent relaunch of Marvel's flagship Star Wars title switched gears to focus on the time between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (also known as "the Han-less Age"). Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 kicks off the third Marvel Comics series starring everyone's favorite Sith Lord. This debut issue picks up the moment the titular fallen Jedi lops off his son's hand and then tries to seduce him to the Dark Side. You know, that old chestnut.

The problem with picking up the story at this exact moment from the Star Wars trilogy is that it's impossible to reproduce its impact in any meaningful way. The infamous discussion regarding parentage (with laser swords) is not only the most monumental revelation in the franchise, but it's also one of the most memorable "twists" in movie history. Everything that has followed thus far simply pales in comparison. The groundwork for what the franchise would evolve into was broken right then and there, for better and worse.

Now, this isn't to say you can't spin good yarns from small plot threads in Empire Strikes Back, or any other Episode for that matter. Writer Greg Pak has a strong track record when it comes to producing quality Star Wars tales under the Marvel Comics umbrella. And while Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 is by no means the best debut issue of a series that shares the same title, it's not a massive whiff for Pak. The plotting is solid, and how he presents the iconic Luke and Vader confrontation in the opening pages gives it the weight it deserves.

The biggest blemish on this comic might be the inclusion of the character Zed Six Seven, an Imperial forensics droid. Zed is used primarily for comic relief in scenes where Vader's stoic nature butts up against the savvy droid's personality. These scenes would be fine if they were actually funny. Vader has had foils in comics before who served a similar purpose, but they were engaging and complex. Doctor Aphra would be the nonpareil example of this.

Batman: Sins of the Father artist, Raffaele Ienco has produced strong artwork in this issue, but it is far from sublime. Some of the character anatomy feels off, as if some of the panels were rushed. It's not frequent, but the occasional "weird hand" or "squat background character" does stick out from what is otherwise a rather handsome comic.

Thankfully, Ienco has the gift all Star Wars comics artists should strive for: making Vader's static face appear to emote. In fact, he's so good at it, there are panels that look more like parody than a bold artistic choice. This is not a knock against any of those images. Comic books are a visual medium, and when an artist takes some risks to convey emotion on the panel it should be celebrated even if it doesn't work or if readers get the wrong message.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #1 is not as instantly captivating as the debut issue of the two series before it, but it is not without its merit. The pacing is strong, the art is vivid (thanks in no small part to Neeraj Menon's classic Star Wars color palette) and although the big twist, which was announced quite some time ago, isn't on the same level as discovering the villain is the hero's father, it does demand attention. Of course, what else should we expect from Star Wars comics that simply spackle cracks no one was complaining about in the first place?

NEXT: Marvel's Darth Vader Pays Tragic Homage to Star Wars' Best Movie Poster