Published: November 11th, 2020
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Neeraj Menon
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Daniel Acuña
The synopsis;
PAIN LEADS TO ANGER AND ANGER LEADS TO AN ELEMENT FROM EPISODE IV! As DARTH VADER battered and broken by the EMPEROR as punishment for his rebellion, drags himself across the blasted surface of MUSTAFAR with vengeance on his mind! But can he survive the onslaught of a certain mysterious SITH ASSASSIN? And how will his world change when he learns his enemy’s GREATEST SECRET?!!
The review;
Let’s talk about the cover for this issue. The word, incredible, comes to mind. Acuña’s artwork is so moody yet also very somber, and his portrait of a scarred, unmasked Vader is amazingly done. His expression, the limited colour palette and that flash of yellow in the eyes. It also fits in with the plot of the comic so well. Then Sprouse’s anniversary variant has something that all Star Wars fans need on their shelves – bounty hunter scum!
After being broken and left for dead on the lava shores of Mustafar, Darth Vader attempts to remake himself using the mechanical skills that he learned as Anakin Skywalker. However, he must jury-rig himself back together in a rush because hot on his metal heels is Ochi of Bestoon, an assassin for the Sith. As the two play a game of cat-and-mouse, Vader learns that the Emperor has yet more secrets….and the answers may be hidden in something that calls Mustafar home.
Well, Darth Vader #6 ended with the Dark Lord of the Sith in a lot of trouble. And a lot of pain. Darth Vader #7 picks up right where that issue left off, as Vader tries to drag himself out of the lava, with only one of his limbs intact and forbidden to use the Force. Even though Vader might be a villain it’s hard not to feel sorry for him, and Pak’s writing really emphasises the cruelty of the Emperor, proving he’s the biggest bad guy of them all.
Bringing Ochi of Bestoon into this story was a stroke of genius by Pak, tying this comic series with the Sequels and providing Vader with a real rival. With lightsaber-proof armour, a powerful spear and a snarky sense of humour, he is able to match Vader blow for blow. However, it’s not all about fighting and Pak weaves some tidbits into their dialogue that hint something about the Emperor’s plans. Will this link with The Rise of Skywalker even more? Does Ochi know that the Emperor wants to clone himself? Pak is teasing readers, and Vader, at the same time and it will be interesting to see where he takes this in future issues.
Another brilliant Episode IX tie-in, sort of, is a brief cameo by the Eye of Webbish Bogg. The scene was cut from the actual film but in the novelisation by Rae Carson, Kylo Ren speaks with the Eye before taking the Sith Wayfinder. From that interaction in the book it appears that the Eye is oracle-like in nature, so seeing more of the mysterious creature in Vader #7 is exciting and promises something interesting for next month’s issue.
Ienco’s artwork is brilliant throughout this issue and seeing the ruins of the Techno Union Station from Episode III is a real highlight. The B1 droids scattered over the floor, the bones of the Separatist leaders that Vader slaughtered long ago, and the red-tinted flashbacks Vader has as he crawls through. It’s chilling just to look at. Then as Vader tries to fix himself the artwork is broken up with black panels lettered in red and the hatred in Vader’s thoughts is practically palpable. A shout-out needs to go to Menon too for colouring the light effects from the lava rivers so well, and the way they reflect off Vader’s armour – not an easy task yet they add so much to the realism.
With new characters from Episode IX now woven into the plot, Darth Vader #7 has opened the door of story possibilities open wide. Where Pak will take the story next is anyone’s guess, and there could even be more new characters thrown into this Dark Side mix. Darth Vader #8 will have the Dark Lord seeking to answer the riddles of Webbish Bogg – but what price will he have to pay for the information?
Availability;
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #7 was published November 11, 2020 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic bookstores and retails at $3.99.
