Published: October 27, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Aaron Kuder
The synopsis;
“THE CHASE!”
SITH LORD DARTH VADER has discovered that his son, Jedi Knight LUKE SKYWALKER, is finally within striking distance. He will pursue him to the very ends of space…Who is hunting whom? Meanwhile, LEIA ORGANA battles the forces of CRIMSON DAWN to regain her lost love, HAN SOLO.
The review;
In something that looks like it could have jumped straight out of The Empire Strikes Back with its cinematic lighting, Kuder’s direct cover is a simple yet incredible rendition of Darth Vader. His glossy helmet reflects his lightsaber perfectly and the limited colour palette just enhances the affect. It’s monochrome sibling also looks amazing. Meanwhile Frenz’s variant is a fun take on some of the bounty hunters, who really stand out against a bright orange background, while Maul and Savage Opress are ready for battle on Sprouse’s Lucasfilm 50th anniversary variant.
Darth Vader is in pursuit of Luke Skywalker, the two dogfighting above the icy planet of Jekara. Meanwhile Ochi of Bestoon is duelling the traitorous Sly Moore, who’s claiming she’s innocent and merely overseeing the will of the Emperor. Overlooking it all is Admiral Piett aboard the Star Destroyer Executor which is engaging Bokku the Hutt as he tries to double-cross the Empire. With lies and deceit everywhere, who shall prevail as the true victor?
Pak throws in more double-crosses, deceit and lies into Darth Vader #17 than fans could shake a lightsaber at. It’s actually hard to keep up on times as every character has their own agenda and it’s almost impossible to tell who is telling the truth, if anyone. While most of this is done to the backdrop of some fantastic action scenes, there’s a lot of political machinations, some of which seem to tie-in with elements of Return of the Jedi. There are also the beginnings of the storyline setting up for Crimson Reign later this year.
Darth Vader really reads as classic Vader in this issue. There is no sense of conflict or morality, just a Sith Lord fuelled by anger. When he’s chasing Luke above Jekara, it’s like something out of Episode IV, but worse as Vader is trying to shoot down his son in full knowledge of their relationship. After he’s called off Skywalker to deal with Bokku it’s like Revenge of the Sith all over again as Vader cuts down every Gamorrean guard that stands in his path. He’s brutal and remorseless once again, which is even noted by the Emperor (it is probably what he wanted anyway for his grand schemes).
While Vader is back to his Dark Side self, the Imperials are still bickering. Considering how Pak writes the Imperial administration it’s not a wonder why the regime fell. They can’t agree on anything, try to outdo one another whenever possible and insult each other at any opportunity. They could really have benefitted from some HR management. It does make for extremely entertaining, and possibly relatable, writing though.
Ienco has so much to play with in Darth Vader #17 and the range of art is a smorgasbord. The initial dogfight uses a cramped style of artwork for the starfighter cockpits, and the comic panels really suck readers into the action. Possibly the best sequence though is when Vader unleashes on the Gamorrean guards – it’s really well balanced between brutal yet not gory, and Vader is a massive central figure throughout. Mas Amedda also makes a brief cameo near the end and the use of shadows and silhouettes for him by Ienco is genius, as he just looms in and out of the story.
Darth Vader #17 is having to do a lot in one issue, tying in with War of the Bounty Hunters, continuing its own storyline and preparing for Crimson Reign. Whilst a little confusing at times it really is a brilliant issue, especially seeing Vader being the true villain fans all recognise. Considering its finale there’s a huge question of loyalty being posed, and it will be so exciting to see where Pak is taking this in Darth Vader #18!
Availability;
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #17 was published October 27, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores and retails at $3.99.
