Published: July 29, 2020
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Neeraj Menon
Cover Artist: In-Hyuk Lee
The synopsis;
GHOSTS OF VADER’S PAST! In his quest to destroy everyone who hid the existence of his son, Luke Skywalker, from him, Darth Vader has formed an unlikely partnership with an eerie shadow from his previous life. Now they return to Naboo where a powerful new host of vengeful ghosts awaits them. Delve deeper into Vader’s past than you thought possible with this shocking tale of tragedy and revenge!
The review;
Back to back, reminiscent of how Anakin once fought alongside Padmé, Darth Vader and Sabé make for a striking pair on Lee’s direct cover. Kuder’s variant embodies Vader’s chilling nickname of the ‘Emperor’s Fist,’ dramatically posing him surrounded by the triangular shadows of Star Destroyers and a line of sinister Death Troopers. The anniversary variant by Sprouse then brilliantly recreates Vader’s sense of triumph as he stormed Echo Base.
Well, it’s been quite a while since the last Darth Vader (2020) comic, so for fans needing a recap, here goes nothing. Vader revealed his true relationship to Luke, but the young man didn’t take it well. Vader took the rejection personally and got angry. So angry that he went AWOL, blew up some things on Tatooine, broke into an apartment on Coruscant, got even angrier; went to Vendaxa, discovered Sabé was still alive and the two formed an agreement to investigate Padmé’s death. Okay, now onto the review.
Having made a tenuous pact with former royal handmaiden Sabé, Darth Vader returns to Naboo. He returns to the planet where, as Anakin Skywalker, he finally admitted his love for Padmé. Where he married her in secret. With all these memories stalking him, Vader follows Sabé to the Naberrie lake retreat, which has been deserted for many years. Unbeknown to the Dark Lord, the retreat has a secret basement that leads to a hidden Gungan shrine – where Vader must confront himself…and Sabé.
It’s safe to say that Darth Vader #3 has certainly been worth the wait. It goes way beyond expectations and is sure to give readers goosebumps as they see Vader return to Naboo. Pak’s story is extremely haunting and is a fantastically written ode to Attack of the Clones. Not only is there the lakeside villa, but fans get to see the return of grazing shaaks, Gungan submarines and even a few familiar Naboo inhabitants.
For Vader the planet is torture, plaguing him with memories he’s long tried to bury. What’s interesting though is the respect Vader has for Padmé’s favourite place – he doesn’t take his lightsaber and try to rip it al down; he doesn’t even touch anything. However, when Vader discovers the Gungan shrine, complete with mural depicting Anakin as a child, he immediately destroys the image of his former self. Pak masterfully balances this two-sided Vader; the Vader who hates himself, yet still deeply loves Padmé.
As for Sabé, well she’s still happy to boss the Dark Lord around. Maybe Vader lets her because she reminds him of Padmé, or possibly because he’s planning on revenge later down the line. With Vader it could easily be either. Pak also brings Captain Typho and Captain Tonra into Darth Vader #3 – both of whom feature prominently in E.K. Johnston’s Queen’s Shadow novel – and they work perfectly alongside Sabé. Seeing these characters who knew Anakin as a boy, yet who don’t realise Vader’s identity, is exciting writing and only made more thrilling considering the ending of the comic.
One great piece of dialogue written by Pak that’s definitely worth a mention is Sabé’s fantastic line “The Queen is long dead. And I was but her shadow,” which perfectly captures the handmaiden’s loyalty and is a clever acknowledgement of Queen’s Shadow all at the same time.
Naboo is beautifully captured in Ienco’s artwork. The first panel in the comic is a standout, with Vader dramatically looking over the lush hillsides. Menon’s colours also play a huge part in capturing the atmosphere in this scene, as Vader is a contrast of black armour against the bright colours of the meadows. As usual Ienco manages to express so much emotion on Vader’s mask, particularly in the villa when there’s a faraway look to Vader as he becomes lost in memory. It’s not an expression you’d think Vader could even show, yet Ienco pulls it off superbly. Sabé’s costume design is also brilliant, mixing enough of Padmé’s Geonosis attire to look familiar, yet adding new elements to make it unique to the handmaiden.
After months of waiting, Darth Vader #3 delivers such an impactful story, both for readers and Vader himself. Memories have been uncovered, secrets have been discovered, and now Vader’s investigation into Padmé’s heartbreaking death has come to an end. But not the one he was expecting. Next issue promises to be full of ghosts, with Vader possibly making a few more…
Availability;
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #3 was published July 29, 2020 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic bookstores and retails at $3.99.
