Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Official Description from Marvel:
He began his journey as a Jedi with wonder and hope. Now it is time to put away childish things. Vader’s first and most vital test as a Sith concludes.
Since I’ve been reading this Darth Vader series I have always expected that once Vader gets a lightsaber from a Jedi he has defeated then his transformation is completed. Well in Darth Vader #5 writer Charles Soule quickly alters what I thought was coming. In issue #5 Soule delves deep into the mind of Darth Vader as he must now again struggle with the dark and light sides of The Force. As Soule has done throughout the series, giving Vader very little dialogue, he lets the panels on the page lead readers through Vader’s complicated final transformation.
The story is so beautifully laid out that this could be the single best issue of the series and that’s saying something considering how much I have enjoyed the series so far. Soule throws a curveball at readers and for a moment makes you feel like you know nothing about Vader’s path to the dark side. It all quickly becomes crystal clear through another masterful layout of panels that you understand why Vader has to struggle so mightily to complete his journey.
While Soule’s work has been stellar on this book I also can’t say enough good things about Giuseppe Camuncoli’s work either. Since Soule is more than happy to let the images do a lot of the talking Camuncoli shines through. His layouts and attention to detail are spectacular as readers are easily led down Vader’s path. The action is exciting, fluid and easy to follow not to mention the compliment of colors by David Curiel. All the panels just pop with power and precision.
Darth Vader continues to be a must read for Star Wars fans and easily one of the most exciting and top books in the Star Wars lineup. Issues 1-5 gave an impressive look behind Vader’s mask, literally, and fills you in on a lot of information especially if you are not a reader of the novels. All of it was very eye opening for me and can’t wait for what’s next. If the teaser is any indication then things are about to pick-up. Do not miss out on this series!
DARTH VADER #3 starts off with our first look at Master Kirak Infil’a at the Mid-Rim River Moon of Al’doleem. He is the last of the ancient Jedi order who managed to a survive Order 66 by taking a type of penance, the Barash Vow, where they are disengaged from the Jedi order and live alone inside the Force. Infil’a power is obvious from the beginning. He is training fighting against his droid Arex while simultaneously assembling four Padawan traps using the Force. Writer Charles Soule uses some witty banter during the sparring match to make light of the dangers of such a difficult task.