Published: June 1, 2022
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Carlos Lopez
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Paul Renaud
The synopsis;
THE SHADOW’S SHADOW
An epic new story begins as DARTH VADER embarks upon a new mission in partnership with a sworn enemy—but who’s leading whom to doom? And what happens when the QUEEN’S SHADOW learns the deepest secret of the Dark Lord of the Sith? Plus: the shocking return of a face from Vader’s most distant past!
The review;
Standing side-by-side as allies in black and white, Darth Vader and Sabé look amazing on Renaud’s direct cover, with the latter sporting a new costume that is reminiscent of Padmé Amidala yet still visually distinct. Okazaki’s variant is very unique, and the line-work is so incredibly detailed, with a Japanese take on Vader’s helmet and lightsaber. Finally, Sprouse’s anniversary variant celebrates the Bad Batch in a brilliant composition, with the white background suggesting the clinical halls of their home world on Kamino.
Darth Vader must confront Sabé about what she knows about the Sith Lord’s past. However, the former handmaiden doesn’t want to use the information to reveal the truth. Instead, she wants an alliance. While Vader is still focused on wiping out Crimson Dawn, her offer is for something that Anakin Skywalker couldn’t achieve. Helping to free slaves. The mission will take them into the Outer Rim and lead them to some familiar faces.
In the first arc of Darth Vader (2020), Greg Pak seamlessly wove his story with elements from Queen’s Shadow and Queen’s Peril by E. K. Johnston. Both of those books dealt with personal problems in Padmé’s life and how she developed such a close connection to her loyal handmaidens. This would be extremely important as the handmaidens returned in that arc, and Sabé has become a leading character in her own right. Now, Darth Vader #23 is connecting to the just released Queen’s Hope, in which Sabé steps away from politics and seeks to help people in a tangible way.
This side of Sabé is the one that fans who have read any of these books will recognise. While she’s a skilled fighter and politically savvy, her main goal was to help people. She even returned to Tatooine to help free some of the slaves. The offer she makes to Vader, knowing he’s Anakin, is clearly a very personal blow and one he can’t ignore. Shmi’s death still haunts Vader, so him accepting her offer is not that surprising. Not to mention it allows Vader to keep tabs on the handmaiden now that she’s revealed knowing his greatest secret.
Then on Gabredor III fans are reunited with some very familiar faces from the Prequels. Part of the freed colony in need of help are Kitster and Wald, a young Anakin’s best friends who were there to wish him luck for his pod-race in The Phantom Menace. It’s so exciting to now see them grown up and interacting with Vader, not knowing who the masked warrior is at all. They represent a past life Anakin could have had and a life Vader can never have. Pak is almost suggesting a wistfulness to Vader. He’s actively helping Kitster and Wald by intervening for the colony, and he hasn’t killed Sabé even though she holds the possible threat of exposure. These last links to his former life he won’t snuff out.
Of course, it’s Ienco’s genius that has aged up Kitster and Wald, brilliantly balancing making the characters recognisable and a bit more world weary. Wald still prefers the dusty yellows that he wore on Tatooine, and Kitster appears much tougher. Meanwhile Sabé also gets a costume change, channeling Veers meets Padmé’s white Geonosis arena outfit. She dons the armour at the suggestion of Vader and it’s a perfect visual symbolism of how she now aligns herself with the Empire. The final panel of the comic is an incredible full look at this new costume, and she looks like someone not to be trifled with – complete with a no nonsense expression.
Darth Vader #23 is a stand-out issue that combines Prequel nostalgia and links to the wider canon in a fascinating plot. Going back to Vader and Sabé’s relationship is what this series needed, as it allows for more introspection on Vader, rather than just seeing him brutally destroy Crimson Dawn. How this alliance will work is an exciting storyline for Pak to follow, but fans will have to wait for Darth Vader #24 to see it in action!
Availability;
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #23 was published on June 1, 2022, by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores.
