Published: April 28th, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Neeraj Menon
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Aaron Kuder
The synopsis;
EXEGOL UNLEASHED! As punishment for his rebellion, DARTH VADER was broken by THE EMPEROR, his limbs shattered, forbidden to use THE FORCE. But after surviving OCHI OF BESTOON, THE EYE OF WEBBISH BOGG and the horrors of THE RED NEBULA, Vader stands on the verge of uncovering the Emperor’s greatest secrets. But will the revelations on EXEGOL empower Vader – or his master? And what new doom awaits LUKE SKYWALKER as a result?
The review;
Kuder’s direct cover uses only black and red, along with the shades in between, to create a striking profile of Darth Vader lit dramatically from behind. He stands ready to meet the hordes of Exegol yet his lightsaber isn’t ignited, hinting that this will be a battle of the Force rather than brute strength. Meanwhile Sprouse’s anniversary variant is probably the most iconic Star Wars scene of them all, when the Dark Lord reveals the truth to a young Luke Skywalker, beautifully drawn and faithful to the film.
While controlling the monstrous Endgame using the Dark Side of the Force, Vader mounts his assault on Exegol. Certain of his abilities he’s surprised when the Emperor challenges him, his master determined to put the Dark Lord back in his place. However, Vader is more surprised by what he finds within the temple on Exegol and finally learns what the Emperor has been hiding all this time…
Vader is an extremely tough Sith Lord who doesn’t back down from a fight. Fans have seen it time and again in the movies. But what Pak writes in Darth Vader #11 is impressive. Most impressive. Mind-controlling beasts using the Dark Side, the Emperor and Vader go head-to-head in a gladiator like showdown that’s a massive show of power. Power is what this issue is all about; Vader and the Emperor are showing off, trying to prove which is the stronger by any means necessary. It practically makes fans feel sorry for the poor creatures that get caught in the middle.
There’s another power play in the centre of the story when Vader is exploring the temple and has to face a pack of the Emperor’s servants. It feels very similar to a challenge Darth Plagueis sets Darth Sidious (which is Palpatine’s Sith club name) in the novel Darth Plagueis by James Luceno, when they go to a primitive world and the young Sidious has to cut down a legion of warriors. Vader has to do the same and manages to walk away unscathed.
Darth Vader #11 never lets up on the action and Ienco’s artwork adds to the dynamism. From the gargantuan size and juxtaposition of the Endgame to Vader’s brutal efficiency as he cuts his way through the Sith temple. The fights are thrilling to look at and the panels are packed with weapons, motion lines and combat poses. Ienco’s artwork has to tell a lot of the story because this issue has overall very little dialogue. The temple is also very true to what fans glimpse in Episode IX, although there’s more details to be seen and new parts to explore. Menon’s colours need a massive shout-out too because they are key to the ominous vibe inside the temple along with the red-soaked dramatic finale.
Pak really doesn’t hold back in this issue and it’s more violent and gruesome than the previous ones. It’s a gritty story of power and seeking triumph no matter the cost to others. Everyone on Exegol are pawns to the game that the Emperor is playing with Vader. It ties in superbly with so much in The Rise of Skywalker and helps to explain some of the plot points in the film but boiled down it is a test of wills between Master and apprentice.
After many dramatic cliffhangers, Darth Vader #11 ends on a pretty conclusive note, probably in preparation for the exciting War of the Bounty Hunters tie-in coming next month. Vader submits, although reluctantly, and Sly Moore sneaks in to lead him off somewhere. What will the Emperor make Vader endure next? Well, next month it’s bounty hunters, Sith Lords and rebels, so expect the unexpected!
Availability;
Darth Vader (2020) #11 was published April 28, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic bookstores and retails at $3.99
