Darth Vader Marvel Star Wars Issue #12: With power comes enemies
In the latest issue of Darth Vader from Marvel Star Wars, the Dark Lord of the Sith discovers it’s not only the Emperor who’ll test his mettle.
Marvel is not pulling any punches in their current run of Darth Vader. Not only is Vader hitting his stride in his transition from disgraced Jedi to Sith Lord, but he’s certainly picked up plenty of enemies on the way. The issue picks up right where #11 left off. Vader and the Sith Inquisitor, Ninth Sister, race back to Coruscant to find out if indeed the Emperor put a bounty on Vader’s Head.
The issue begins with Darth Vader constructing a new lightsaber. His former saber, one he had taken from a vanquished Jedi was destroyed in his battle with the Bounty Hunters (issue No.11). It’s the saber that will become synonymous with the Sith Lord. The weapon he’ll use to strike down his former master. He’ll use it to take his son’s right hand. This is a defining moment early in this run.
Photo Credit: Marvel; Lucasfilm
More from Dork Side of the Force
- Daniel José Older named a High Republic Adventures character after someone special
- How animation changed Star Wars: Ewoks and Droids
- Kelleran Beq comes to Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
- The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal becomes No. 1 on IMDb’s Starmeter for 2023
- Unwrapping the Star Wars LEGO Advent Calendar: Day 7
Upon reaching Coruscant’s orbit, the Ninth Sister Call seems Vader to the cockpit. Apparently, the planet’s orbital defenses are rigged against his ship. With his security codes no longer valid, Vader puts his piloting skills on display. He evades several mussels fired at his ship and manages to crash land his vessel safely after it’s struck.
If I wanted you dead…
Once on Coruscant, Vader comes face-to-face with the Emperor himself. And the two do not dance around the elephant in the room. The Emperor did not put a Bounty on Vader’s head. However, Vader should not be so naive to think that he hasn’t made his fair share of Enemies.
He is in a position of unmatched power as the Emperor’s right hand. And he should have known that he would attract the attention of ambitious men.
Photo Credit: Marvel; Lucasfilm
After his meeting with the Emperor, Vader retreats to his private chamber. He reflects on his current situation, and through meditation, he comes up with the perfect solution.
Vader discusses the solution with the Emperor. It will be the moment that the hierarchy in the Empire isn’t defined indefinitely. For many of the officers in Palpatine’s new empire, Vader is a mysterious figure. His role has yet to be established. None are aware that he is the former Jedi Anakin Skywalker. He poses a threat to their ambitions, a threat they think they can snuff out.
Photo Credit: Marvel; Lucasfilm
Now they will know his power…
The Emperor introduces Vader to his officers as an extension of himself. It’s is after this introduction that Vader chooses five of these officers at random (well one was not so random) to demonstrate his power. It’s safe to say that after his display he’s discouraged many a potential enemy.
Photo Credit: Marvel; Lucasfilm
Another strong issue for this Run of Darth Vader from Marvel. Little by little the legend of Darth Vader grows. His transition from fallen Jedi to Sith Lord continues to be the focal point of this series and is a welcome addition to the new official canon. Also the intricacies of the relationship between the Emperor and after are being defined beautifully.
Next: Vader Marvel Star Wars Issue # 11: A new test
The series is a must-read for Star Wars fans, especially those of us fascinated by Darth Vader.