Comic Review: Darth Vader (2020) #48

Almost silhouetted in shadow and with the threat of Vader looming behind him, Luke Skywalker cuts a dramatic figure on the direct cover. It’s a fantastic composition that brings past and future together, as Sabé and Artoo stand beside the young Jedi Knight. Meanwhile Wilson’s variant is possibly one of the most menacing looks at Vader as he strides through the snow, the red eyes of his make giving him an almost beastly appearance. Finally, Sprouse’s anniversary variant is high speed podracing as Anakin outpaces Sebulba. 

After Sabé, former handmaiden to the Queen of Naboo, reveals herself to Luke Skywalker, she challenges him to test his strength in the Force. And to figure out whether Luke’s allegiance is to the light or dark side. Meanwhile, the Imperial Schism continues to grow. On Tython, as Vader stands his ground with the Schism, so he can sense his son somewhere across the galaxy.

Darth Vader (2020) #48 jumps between the two storylines of Luke and Vader. While this can sometimes feel jarring or frustrating, it really works well in this issue. The two can sense each other across the galaxy, picking up on the others’ emotions through the Force. It’s reminiscent of how Luke feels Vader’s presence in Return of the Jedi and actually this story just solidifies that moment. It wasn’t a one-off event. Luke and Vader had been able to sense each other long before their showdown above Endor.

Luke doesn’t know Sabé so is initially confused as to why she’s hunted him down. And her motivations are only revealed as the two duel. Sabé lured Luke to the Outer Rim to test his abilities and to see how similar he was to his father. After learning of his existence far earlier in this series, she’s now concerned that Luke could potentially become a Sith Lord. And she plans to kill him before it comes to that.

It’s a fantastic fight sequence as Luke does partially give into his anger, but he remains in control. Luke doesn’t hurt Sabé and is simply aiming to disarm her. Once she realises that he’s not a threat, the two have an interesting conversation. Luke tries to assure her that he’s not turning to the dark side, but that he’s not perfect. No person can be perfect. No Jedi can be perfect. The galaxy isn’t black and white, with there being shades of morally grey. This really suits Luke’s characterisation at this point because in Return of the Jedi he definitely uses skills that are more associated with the dark side. It’s a balance that Luke struggles with even as a Jedi Knight.

If anything, Darth Vader (2020) #48 could have just focused on Luke and Sabé. There is a lot more the two could have spoken about or Sabé could have expanded more on her feelings surrounding her time serving Vader. There’s a deep sense that she’s seeking absolution, but it’s not explored more beyond a line of dialogue. It’s a shame as seeing her trying to make up for her mistakes is a redemption arc that her character truly deserves.

And Vader’s storyline feels like it’s struggling. Considering all the focus on Luke and Vader sensing one another, the battle with the Imperial Schism on Tython feels like an afterthought. And Sly Moore betraying everyone again? That feels like it’s happened half a dozen times in this series so there is no dramatic effect. She wants to be the right hand of the Emperor? Sly has been power hungry from the beginning yet there’s no way for her to succeed. It all feels rather anticlimactic.

However, Ienco’s artwork delivers throughout this issue and especially during the battle scenes. Luke’s duel with Sabé is clearly inspired by his climactic fight with his father from Episode VI as he struggles to not give into his anger. His lightsaber moves and fast, aggressive, and the artwork perfectly captures how he’s waging an internal battle at the same time. Then Vader’s battle with the Imperial Schism jumps between different characters from panel to panel, giving it a cinematic quality. Pryde’s look of pure confusion is also just absolute gold – even he can’t keep up with Sly’s double crossing. 

This issue is a bit of a mixed bag, but Luke’s storyline is a highlight. He’ll likely appear in next month’s issue as the Imperial Schism try to hunt him down. Vader is probably going to go after Moore eventually too and at this point, she deserves it. She’s embracing the dark side desire for power but she’s going against Sith Lords who are far more powerful. As this storyline is nearing its conclusion, it’s definitely not looking good for Moore.