Marvel’s acclaimed anthology series returns with the legendary Darth Vader taking centre stage in the Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red Treasury Edition. With a villainous pedigree and often in the glow of a red lightsaber, the Dark Lord of The Sith was tailor made for this anthology series featuring stories with a dark edge.
As with Marvel’s previous Black, White & Red/Blood series, this volume features some of Marvel’s top creative talent presenting their take on an iconic character – with this series being the first to focus on one from Star Wars. Anchoring the collection is a story from acclaimed creators Jason Aaron (Thor, Wolverine) and Leonard Kirk (Captain America, Marvel Zombies) that cuts to the core of what makes Vader such a fascinating character. Both have worked on several Marvel’s Star Wars comics so are suited to the task at hand. In this case we get to see what makes Vader tick, especially when an enemy brings up his past love Padme as a weapon against him.
Another highlight of the collection is a textless story from acclaimed cover artist Peach Momoko which brings her stunning fully painted artwork into the Star Wars world. An unknown woman on a distant planet is haunted by Darth Vader and The Empire which Momoko depicts in her trademark style that is equal parts charming and haunting. The nightmarish qualities that Vader and the Empire Tie Fighters take on can’t be emphasised enough.
Additional stories include comics legend Klaus Janson (who was one of the illustrators on Marvel’s original Star Wars comics) making his return to the series using his experience gathered from working on noirish comics like Daredevil and Batman to present a gritty take on the Sith lord. Also included is a major highlight from Eisner nominated writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson (Wonder Woman: Dead Earth, Beta Ray Bill) as he cuts lose to show how dangerous Vader can be as he meticulously dismantles a Rebel squadron. Johnson’s art is as action packed and detailed as you’d expect and one can only hope he gets to dip his toes in Star Wars waters again in the near future.
This is a tremendous collection of comics that more than meet the brief. Darth Vader was born for these types of stories and Star Wars fans will get a huge kick out of seeing so many strong takes on the series’ most famous villain.
Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red Treasury Edition is out now from Marvel (9781302952143, p/b, £26.99)
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