Darth Vader (2020) #3 Review

Writer: Greg Pak

Artist: Raffaele Ienco

Rating: 6 of 8

Star Wars

Darth Vader #3

Sometimes the past is better left buried. That's a lesson Darth Vader has to learn the hard way, as his vengeful quest takes a rather destructive turn. Though he hardly needs much incentive to hurt people, here he has that in spades, as he seeks vengeance on anyone who hid his son from him.

Though in Soule's Star Wars, he's searching for Luke once more, it's surprising not seeing him do so here, instead focusing more on vengeance. Perhaps that indicates his priorities, or that, for him, it's easier to act on lesser devils. Though it could just as easily be about putting on a front for his master, lest he face his wrathful hand.

Whatever the case, it brought him into contact with someone he - and fans - haven't seen for a very long time: Sabé, former handmaiden to the late Queen, Padmé Amidala. For a while, due to her striking resemblance to Padmé, her appearance at the end of issue 1 really surprised me and led me to wonder if the seemingly dead Amidala was, in fact, still alive.

Intriguingly, she, too, is on a quest for vengeance, though her's is for her Queen. Perhaps because of this, it dovetails nicely with Vader's especially in the issue's closing moments. Though I am surprised we didn't see her try to gain vengeance earlier; like in Soule's Vader, - set right after Revenge of the Sith - or Gillen's, set shortly after the destruction of Alderaan. I liked the brief flashbacks we got, which helped humanize Vader and showed, even before Jedi, that side of him wasn't yet lost.

Ienco does a very good job on the art, with him easily distinguishing Sabé from her Queen, despite their physical similarities. He also delivers an awe inspiring scene beneath the waters of Naboo, which shows just how big some fearsome creatures are. Despite the intense danger of the scene, he manages to deliver a kind of beauty as the light shines through the water.

Overall, a pretty good issue, which ends on an exciting cliffhanger, despite knowing part of the outcome. So far, I prefer Gillen and Soule's runs on the title, though Pak still delivers a pretty entertaining read. Unfortunately, it just lacks the intrigue and subterfuge of the former and the excitement in establishing Vader's legend in the latter, though given the period it explores, that's understandable.