Review: Star Wars: Darth Vader #16

Darth Vader #16 amps up the action with a battle of wills between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. Vader has dominated the Crimson Dawn party, and departs with Han’s Carbonite Body as bait to draw Luke in. Luke has learned his lesson from the conclusion of The Empire Strikes Back and knows he’s not ready to face his father.

The art in the psychological portion opening the book and throughout the space battle with the Empire’s forces attacking Vader are a massive step up for this book. The art and colors are clean and keep the epic scope so vital for a Star Wars book.

Luke refuses to crash the Crimson Dawn’s auction but is immediately a target for forces both from mercenaries and the Empire. He crashes down and seems to be easy pickings for Vader. But Administrator Moore intervenes, sending the Empire’s droid soldiers after Vader himself.

Ochi tries to stop her but the droids also come to help Luke and R2D2 repair the X-Wing. The Administrator explains the Ochi that Vader is a weak link that needs to be plucked. The Hutts launch an attack on the Imperial Shuttle holding Han, as Vader continues his pursuit of Luke.

This issue is all action and exactly what this book always should be. Vader is tested and betrayed in turn, but is out in full strength and full determination. The characters and conflicts feel vital and interesting. This book has had moments portraying Vader as a massively weak and flawed character, but this latest arc finally has him acting as his old self.

Writing: 3.7 of 5 stars
Art: 4.0 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.9 of 5 stars

Overall 3.9 of 5 stars

Writer: Greg Pak
Art: Raffaele Ienco
Colors: Jason Keith and Rachelle Rosenberg
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.