SWNN Review: Marvel’s Darth Vader #12

CoverFollowing an explosive first arc in the Darth Vader series, issue #12 brings the much less interesting second arc, Shadows and Secrets, to an end. Admittedly, the last couple of issues have been an improvement, but I feel like overall this story arc never hit the stride it was aiming for. That being said, the final issue in this arc had some satisfying bits and some interesting hints at what’s to come.

 

 

Spoilers ahead…

 

This issue picks up immediately after the last issue, with Thanoth and Vader chasing the thief (Dr. Aphra) down on Anthan. Vader, in an obvious attempt to cover his involvement with the theft, informs Thanoth that they are wasting their time chasing a petty thief. He proposes that they abandon chasing Aphra and move to destroy the rebel group known as the Plasma Devils. They learned of the location of the rebels in the previous issue and decide to move in on their location after Vader convinces Thanoth that this is the right move.

Thanoth and VaderThe next few pages show the Sith lord obliterating the rebels in typical Vader fashion, and we soon learn that Tagge approves of Vader’s decision to move on the rebels, thus smoothing things over a little bit and bringing a much wanted end to the back and forth cat and mouse game with Vader and Thanoth as well.

Vader Destroying RebelsAt the end of the issue, Vader responds to a message by Aphra and goes to her location where he chokes the information of Luke’s whereabouts from her. Aphra convinces Vader to spare her, since she can still prove useful, to which he obliges, stating that she better not make him regret it. Apparently, Luke is on Vrogas Vos at an old Jedi temple. Vader is perplexed by this as there is no known Jedi temple on Vrogas Vos. The issue concludes with Vader heading off to find Skywalker at the Jedi temple, a task that he says he must accomplish alone. The story of Vader’s search for Luke will pick up with the Star Wars & Darth Vader crossover event next week with Vader Down #1.

Vader and AphraThe artwork in the issue was pretty typical of what we have come to expect with the Vader series, with some cool action sequences, but nothing really stands out in the art department. The story was a nice conclusion to the second arc, but lacked anything really dynamic or surprising. All in all, it’s not a bad issue, but I am hopeful that Vader Down will bring back the feels that the first arc brought us. The Star Wars titular series has been pretty amazing as of late and I look forward to how the events of that series will affect the Darth Vader series moving forward after the crossover event.

 

Darth Vader #12 is certainly not a “Go to your local comic shop right now and pick this up!” kind of issue, but I do recommend picking it up and reading it before next Wednesday when the Vader Down event begins as you will have wanted to have read this issue first for story purposes. Remember to support your local comic shops, and may the Force be with you!

Vader Down

 

Share your comments below or stop by The Cantina to discuss the issue.

 

You can order a digital copy at Marvel.com or at Comixology.comor visit the nearest comic book store.

 

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Jordan Pate is Co-Lead Editor and Senior Writer for Star Wars News Net, of which he is also a member of the book and comic review team. He loves all things Star Wars, but when he's not spending time in the galaxy far far away, he might be found in our own galaxy hanging out in Gotham City or at 1407 Graymalkin Lane, Salem Center, NY.

Jordan Pate (Hard Case)

Jordan Pate is Co-Lead Editor and Senior Writer for Star Wars News Net, of which he is also a member of the book and comic review team. He loves all things Star Wars, but when he's not spending time in the galaxy far far away, he might be found in our own galaxy hanging out in Gotham City or at 1407 Graymalkin Lane, Salem Center, NY.

2 thoughts on “SWNN Review: Marvel’s Darth Vader #12

  • November 13, 2015 at 8:31 pm
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    Haven’t read it yet but man these covers, The one here makes it looks like he’s some cosplayer at a concert. smh.

  • November 13, 2015 at 8:49 pm
    Permalink

    Hmm. Need some post empire strikes back storylines

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