Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 - Vader (Star Wars (Marvel))

A complex story that lets us in on the internal struggle of Darth Vader between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. Gives us crucial information that enriches the films and enhances our knowledge of the universe and the characters. Especially Darth Vader. He is no doubt a psychologically wounded character, haunted by the ghosts of his past at nearly every turn and his only recourse is further perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Awesome!

I have to say that I really had a tough time wrapping my head around both the writing and art style of the Darth Vader graphic novels. Kieron Gillen isn't very clear in his approach and I find myself having to re-read several portions to understand what's going on. Same goes for Salvador Larocca's artwork. It's just so mysterious at times and I find myself needing re-cover material that should have a simple flow to it. All that being said, Gillen is a visionary and has come up with some brilliant concepts that are enjoyable to experience. Telling the story from the perspective of the Empire, and slowly seeing Darth Vader's character develop from what we see between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back is quite enjoyable. All-in-all a solid-enough story to get 4-star review from me.

I was a huge Marvel Star Wars fan as a kid in the '70's and was just looking for a distraction from reality and picked this up. Wow. The artwork and story are leaps and bounds over what I grew up with. It fits in well with the current cannon and really gives Vader some emotional depth. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

Recently released by Marvel Comics, this first collected volume of the Darth Vader comic book series is everything a Star Wars fan desires. Focusing solely on Darth Vader following the events of A New Hope, the dark lord must learn who destroyed the Death Star even as the Emperor seemingly seeks to replace him. Vader must build his own army separate from the Empire as a safety net, but how does a villain of even his caliber go about doing so? This volume introduces new, interesting characters while utilizing favorites like Boba Fett and Jabba the Hutt. It references previous movies and may even offer hints to The Force Awakens. It will satisfy even the most devout of Star Wars fans. The art is fantastic. Pay no attention to the fact you can’t see Vader’s face, Salvador Larroca masterfully conveys Vader’s every emotion through a tilt of the head or the power of a stance. Salvador delivers visually the Vader we all love — regal, menacing, and powerful. The author, Kieron Gillen, clearly understands Darth Vader, and he clearly understands why we are drawn to the villain. Vader says little in this volume, because he doesn’t have to say much at all for both the other characters and the audience to perfectly understand his position on matters. The story itself is captivating and important in that it informs us as to how Vader discovered Luke Skywalker’s identity. It establishes the tension between the Emperor and Vader, and it even offers glimpses into the man trapped inside the machine. This is the Darth Vader you’ve always wanted. This is the Darth Vader with whom you fell in love. This series gets everything right.

Good book, enjoyed reading, may read again at some point. I would like to read the other comics soon. 👍

This starts what I think is the best of the new Marvel Star Wars series. There are five trades that you'll want to obtain to read the full story. Here are the collections-- DARTH VADER (that's this book that you are reading about) SHADOWS AND SECRETS VADER DOWN (this is a cross over story with the main Star Wars series) THE SHU-TORUN WAR END OF GAMES (this ends the first Darth Vader series--hope that there is a second!) What's the tale about? Basically, Palpatine is not too happy with Vader after the Death Star is destroyed. The Emperor feels as if a Dark Lord of the Sith should have been able to prevent its destruction (and he damn near did, if you saw Rogue One). These stories take place just after that first Rebel Victory (the stealing of the plans and the mechanical moon's destruction), and it follows Vader as he tries to regain face in the eyes of his Master. Now, it should be said that this series runs concurrently with the main Marvel Star Wars series, too. And, the books do intertwine, especially at the beginning. In fact, in some cases, you'll see the same event from two different perspectives: First from the Rebel perspective in the Star Wars book, then from Vader's or the Empire's point of view in the Vader books. If you are reading both series, here's the reading order that I would suggest.... SKYWALKER STRIKES! (the first SW book) DARTH VADER (this book) SHOWDOWN ON THE SMUGGLER'S MOON VADER DOWN (the crossover between the two series) REBEL JAIL THE SHU-TORUN WAR END OF GAMES The first Vader series ends in END OF GAMES, but the main Star Wars series continues with... LAST FLIGHT OF THE HARBINGER (Published in January 2017) YODA'S SECRET WAR (Published in July 2017)

I originally bought this book strictly for the artwork (the cover by Adi Granov is amazing in and of itself), but found out that the content inside was really entertaining, too. Marvel has done a great job with creating Star Wars titles, and Darth Vader's standalone series is the best of the lot. Heck, it *should* be... it's Vader as we remember him from the very first movie (ANH). He's mad, bad, and dangerous to know, and even the Emperor fears him enough to look into ways of getting rid of his hand-picked Sith Lord. This title is the first comic that I have taken to picking up regularly in a very long time...and I suspect that any fan of classic Star Wars will enjoy it too.