Review: Star Wars: Darth Vader #23

Now this is where the fun begins. Darth Vader has found a new allly in Sabe and this issue is a true treat for prequel fans. Sabe has pieced together Vader’s identity in an entirely believable and logical way. This issue puts her in the dangerous position of manipulating Vader against a Governor she claims is working with Crimson Dawn against a colony of former slaves she freed from Tatooine.

Sabe’s motivations are in part to finish the work Padme began and she uses this to draw Vader to her side. Vader appears to be falling to her manipulations but in that he has an assurance and confidence he has been lacking on his own. The presence of Sabe puts this entire book on a much more confident footing, especially with the dull Ochi pushed to the sidelines. The art, the dialogue and the narrative all seem to have a renewed energy.

The issue begins with Sabe detailing how she figured out the identity of Vader, detailing what she knows of his personality, motivations and actions, including his clear interest in Padme’s grave and a recording of Padme’s last words. She tells Vader of her mission to carry on Padme’s work by freeing as many slaves from Tatooine as possible. She recruits him to help take down the corrupt governer abusing a colony of former slaves and they land to investigate the colony.

The big surprise of the issue are the colonists including and adult Kitster and Wald. Anakin’s former friends from Episode I even have their own podracer inspired transport. The Governer’s measures drive Monstrous creatures to attack the colony. Kitster and Wald don’t listen when Sabe asks them to fall back forcing Vader to have to save them while killing the creatures. Vader chides Sabe in the lack of order in the colony but agrees to provide her with the backing to take the Governer down.

This is an excellent issue making great use of the duplicity surrounding Crimson Dawn forcing Vader to make unlikely allies and enemies. The art is excellent and the focus on characters from Episode I is such a rarity that they make this issue worth owning.

Hopefully we see more of Kitster, Wald and their invention going forward but even a glimpse and their lives is interesting. Sabe is such a strong foil for Vader that the story has a renewed momentum and the art and colors seem to recognize this popping with energy in every panel.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #23
Writing: 4.5 of 5 stars
Art: 4.3 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.4 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.4 of 5 stars

Writer: Greg Pak
Art: Rafaelle Ienco
Colors: Carlos Lopez
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.