REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Darth Vader,’ Issue #13

Star Wars: Darth Vader #13 is written by Greg Pak and is joined by artist Raffaele Ienco, colorists Jason Kieth, letterer Joe Caramagna, and cover artists Aaron Kuder and Richard Isanove. Published by Marvel Comics, Star Wars: Darth Vader #13 continues Vader’s place in the War of the Bounty Hunterscrossover event. As the entire galaxy looks for more information on the whereabouts of Han Solo and Crimson Dawn’s involvement, the mechanical Dark Lord only sees the situation as a means to an end.

Previously in Star Wars: Darth Vader #12, Vader made a rather unceremonious return to Coruscant after passing his master’s test to bring the Sith Lord back to his dark roots. Rebuilt and refocused, Vader sets his sights ridding himself of the visions of Luke Skywalker. Early in the series, Vader looked to eradicate the ones who made his son weak enough to not side with him after the events of The Empire Strikes Back. His visions of the young Jedi have steadily transitioned from weakness to a threat to the Dark Lord’s power. Vader knows the best way to reach his son is through his friends and who better than the one he is already looking for, Han Solo.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #13 opens with those red-tinted visions that have become an excellent way to showcase Vader’s inner monologue. Artist Ienco’s ominous panels add extra layers of depth and pain to scenes that we have seen so many times in the films. This time he realizes that his former master truly meany about becoming more powerful than Vader could ever imagine. Obi-Wan spoke of Luke Skywalker and the Dark Lord has seen first hand the potential that his son truly possesses. He is determined to snuff out the hope of the Jedi and the Rebellion, once and for all.

Accompanied by Ochi, Vader sets out to find a lead to Han Solo, which he hopes will eventually lead him to Luke. To get the information he needs, the duo engages in some aggressive negotiations with Bokku the Hutt’s enforcers. Despite Bokku being possibly the most intimidating Hutt with a full set of 8-pack abs, even he is no match for the power Vader wields and reluctantly agrees to him the Sith Lord. Bokku helps Vader and Ochi make it to the droid-run data center to gain more information on who took Solo for Boba Fett. In true Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vader is met with opposition even though his reputation more than proceeds him. This time the mechanical Dark Lord faces of with the notorious bounty hunter IG-88 who is supported by the Droid Crush who had a run-in with Vader on Mustafar previously in the series.

The rest of Star Wars: Darth Vader #13 plays out the conflict between a full-strength Vader and a host of the most dangerous droids in the galaxy. IG-88 is cunning and has more than a few tricks up his metal sleeves to give Vader a run for his money. The art from Ienco continues to wow as the action panels display the power of Vader. As an IG-88 comic is set to release later this year in the War of the Bounty Hunters event, writer Pak works his magic again by providing just enough to get readers interested in a character that only serves as a background character in the films. Further, when readers learn about who IG-88 is working for, the number of enemies that Vader will have to face on this arc continues to multiply.

Ultimately, Star Wars: Darth Vader #13 is a bit slower in pace compared to previous issues but that is to be expected. The series is playing a role in a larger crossover event and is beholden to the pacing of the other Marvel comics. With that said, by end of the Star Wars: Darth Vader #13, my interest was certainly piqued by IG-88’s employers. It will certainly add wrinkles to Vader’s mission as the Sith Lord is singularly focused at the moment and might be prone to being blindsided down the line. For now, readers have to wait to the pace to pick back up again but will be more than entertained as minor characters continue to gain a bigger and bigger role in the Star Wars universe at large.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #13 is available wherever comics are sold.