Short book reviews: Star Wars Darth Vader, Volumes 1 and 2 (Greg Pak run)

Greg Pak, et.al., Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 1: Dark Heart of the Sith. New York: Marvel, 2020. ISBN: 9781302920814.

Greg Pak, et.al., Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 2: Into the Fire. New York: Marvel, 2021. ISBN: 9781302920821.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: Star Wars, science fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library.

 

I read Guillen's run of Darth Vader a while back, and I will put the links to those issues down below. When I saw this run by Greg Pak at the library, I took a chance and picked it up to read. This series starts shortly after the events in The Empire Strikes Back. Vader is obsessed with finding his son but also getting revenge on those he sees as making his son weak. Following this quest displeases the Emperor greatly. 

In the first volume, Vader systematically seeks out those he perceives as corrupting his son. Vader gets assistance from forensics droid Zed Six Seven, who does the research to help Vader find his targets. Eventually Vader comes across someone from his past that triggers painful memories. 

In the second volume, the Emperor decides to punish Vader for his actions. He breaks Vader, quite literally, and forbids him from using the Force after stranding him on Mustafar. To make things even more difficult for Vader, the Emperor puts an assassin after him. However, Vader has always been resilient and resourceful, so he uses his skills to rebuild himself and get himself out of the troubles. 

These volumes are pretty good easy reads. The stories are fast paced, have some suspense, and are entertaining. I will say the Emperor comes across as seriously petty, but that is part of the plot. The art is very good, and it is a very good reason to pick up this series. 

I think the Guillen run is a bit more light fun. This one is a bit darker, but it is still pretty good. Get it from your local library as these are more books to borrow rather than buy. Fans will likely enjoy this series. 

4 out of 5 stars for both of them. 

These books qualify for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

Links to the Guillen run volumes: 

• Volume 1. 
• Volume 2.
• Volumes 3 and 4.