Published: March 23, 2022
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Paul Renaud
The synopsis;
THE RETURN OF THE HANDMAIDEN! A figure terrifyingly close to VADER’S dark heart returns — but with a shocking new allegiance that threatens total chaos! The band of heroes who have bound themselves to Vader’s cause finally learn the true nature of their new lord. And how long can OCHI OF BESTOON keep his desperate secret?
The review;
In dramatic movie poster style, former handmaiden Sabé stands ready to fight, her gaze locked on Darth Vader’s in Renaud’s direct cover. Framing the piece is the concentric rings of Crimson Dawn’s insignia, almost referencing the rings Sabé has the Empire running around in an attempt to snuff out traitor informants. Ienco’s variant is an incredibly kinetic composition of Vader slicing through a doorway with his lightsaber, accented beautifully with motion lines. Meanwhile Moff Gideon and his insidious Dark Troopers take ominous centre stage on Sprouse’s anniversary variant.
Darth Vader is on the hunt for Crimson Dawn insurgents who have infiltrated the Empire. However, the Sith Lord is becoming increasingly suspicious about the master list he has procured. Could it be that the traitors are not what they appear? Sensing he has been tricked, Vader traces back the names to a single, connected source. An incident on Naboo. One where he let a handmaiden loyal to his beloved Padmé live. Has Sabé returned to haunt him?
Sabé asks a very interesting question in Darth Vader #21, one which will certainly intrigue readers. What does Vader want? Since becoming the enforcer for the Emperor, Vader has given up a lot of his autonomy, driven more by orders or motivators such as vengeance. Pak is challenging the identity of Vader here, because the Sith Lord has few wants. He wants to serve the Empire. He wanted Luke to join the Dark Side. But Sabé is trying to seek Vader’s endgame, and that’s a complicated question.
Sabé has also evolved quite a bit since her initial introduction to the Darth Vader (2020) series. There’s the warning about not becoming the very thing you seek to destroy, and the handmaiden has become a lot more ruthless and cold-hearted. Ever since Vader let his Imperial troops destroy her Amidalan’s, she’s been on a path for revenge, using Crimson Dawn as a tool to get it. The cat-and-mouse between her and Vader is very compelling, as both get closer to the truth, and Sabé even uses tools of the Empire to try and stay one step ahead. It will be fascinating to see where Pak takes this dangerous dance between these two characters, especially as Vader seems hesitant to destroy one of the few pieces of Padmé remaining.
Sabé isn’t the only one playing a dangerous game with Vader though, as Ochi of Bestoon seems to be changing loyalties faster than a fathier. He’s reached something of a quadruple agent by now. His flippant mannerisms and casual comedy really lighten the tone of Darth Vader #21, and while he may be a dangerous assassin he sure does end up in some goofy moments. Ienco’s artwork as Ochi runs away from Valance is nothing short of laugh out loud.
With so much story taking place across the whole comic, Ienco’s artwork is just a treat from panel to panel. There are some intense action moments, including a brilliant scene where Sabé kicks Ochi in the face (his mask was on, so he was fine enough), and another where Vader slices a droid up easier than bread in one lightsaber stroke. There are also some classic callouts to the Original Trilogy, especially as Ochi comes to brief Vader in his meditation pod, which makes full use of the same types of angles as in The Empire Strikes Back.
With Vader realising he’s been tricked, he’s now on the war path to use Sabé to his advantage. Darth Vader #21 is suggesting how the Sith Lord may be planning to turn the tables on Crimson Dawn, by using its members against it. Sabé is now trapped by Vader, but will she escape yet again? How many times can Ochi of Bestoon betray the Empire? And how will Vader strike back at the Dawn for rendering such chaos? It’s going to wreak havoc in Darth Vader #22!
Availability;
Darth Vader (2020) is an ongoing series available from Marvel. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via the Marvel App, ComiXology and all good comic book stores.
