Published: January 13, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Pak
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Neeraj Menon
Cover Artist: Aaron Kuder
The synopsis;
THE ASSASSIN RETURNS! In his search for vengeance in the depths of MUSTAFAR, DARTH VADER has seized the mysterious key to the EMPEROR’S greatest secret. But the key itself needs a key — which only the deadly assassin OCHI OF BESTOON seems to have. Vader and Ochi are in for the fight of their lives with the fate of the Emperor in the balance — but how much of this is all PALPATINE’S plan? And what happens when the SITH LORD and the SITH ASSASSIN start to figure that plan out?
The review;
Caught in the midst of battle, Vader stands his ground as Ochi of Bestoon leaps from above wielding his spear. It might sound like the opening of a book, but that’s Kuder’s direct cover in a nutshell. It’s dynamic, action-packed and amazingly detailed. Just as detailed is Ienco’s design-variant, which gives a deeper insight into how the artist ‘rebuilt’ Vader. Sprouse’s anniversary variant is so poignantly beautiful as it captures the melancholy scene between Chewbacca and a nearly destroyed C-3PO.
Last issue, which was unbelievably last year, Darth Vader was given a Sith Wayfinder during his meeting with the mysterious Eye of Webbish Bogg. However, he doesn’t know how to use it. There’s a certain Sith assassin on the other hand who does know. To get through to Ochi of Bestoon, Vader firstly has to fight through the hordes of the Droid Crush Pirates of Bestoon, and then he has to get Ochi to co-operate…one way or another.
Pak has been writing this new Marvel Darth Vader (2020) series almost completely with original storylines, but Darth Vader #9 definitely feels like a homage to Soule’s Darth Vader (2015) run. It’s still a unique story, yet the team-up element between Vader and Ochi has strong Doctor Aphra vibes. This is no bad thing, because Pak writes their interaction in a brilliant power struggle. Ochi doesn’t want to help Vader, but he does want to save his own skin. And when there’s a lightsaber in your face, the very same one you tried to steal off a Dark Lord who you’ve now made very mad, well you’re going to take any deal you can get.
So, although this issue may be a Vader story, Ochi seems to steal most of the scenes. He’s just so witty, self-centred and smug. There’s the snark fans have come to love about Aphra, but Ochi doesn’t quite have as much brains. Much like Aphra, Ochi shouldn’t be likeable – he’s totally immoral – yet he adds so much humour to Darth Vader #9 that fans won’t be able to help but root for him. How has Pak managed this? Especially as fans know that Ochi eventually meets his demise. Well, by making him funny, especially in the face (or rather mask) of the impending wrath from Vader, readers are made to care about this assassin.
So, what about Vader himself? Pak suggests something quite interesting in this issue about Vader, which will be interesting to see if he explores in future issues. The droid pirates scan Vader as they fight, commenting that his life-support parts are absolutely nothing special. Were they just mocking the Sith Lord, or is it true? Considering the Emperor has access to the best technology in the galaxy, why would he not use it on Vader? There’s a lot of interesting questions raised by this single comment from the pirates – hopefully ones Pak will answer.
Darth Vader #9 is filled with action and Ienco’s art doesn’t hold back. His panels where Vader’s cutting through the pirates, droid parts flying everywhere, are ruthless yet stunning. Menon’s colours also need to be mentioned because he really plays with Vader’s looming presence in these scenes, which are heavily shadowed and menacing. Then there’s the octopus. You read that right; Ienco puts a Star Wars octopus in space, guarding the path to Exegol. If Hades could have a three-headed dog, then it seems fair that the Emperor can have a humungous octopus. It’s brilliantly designed, just hitting in between gross and terrifying.
A lot happens in this issue, from Vader learning about Exegol to dragging Ochi along. It’s fast-paced from the first page and the action is drawn amazingly throughout by Ienco. Yet all of this is underpinned by a strong story from Pak that creates a lot of questions. Darth Vader #10 may be the beginning of answers though, as Vader travels to Exegol – home of the Emperor’s secrets.
Availability;
Darth Vader (2020) #9 was published January 13, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic bookstores and retails at $3.99.
