Darth Vader (2020) #21
THE RETURN OF THE HANDMAIDEN!
A figure terrifyingly close to VADER’S dark heart returns – but with a shocking new allegiance that threatens total chaos!
The band of heroes who have bound themselves to Vader’s cause finally learn the true nature of their new lord.
And how long can OCHI OF BESTOON keep his desperate secret?
Writer: Greg Pak
Inker: Raffaele Ienco
Colourist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Vc Joe Caramagna
Penciler: Raffaele Ienco
Editor: Mark Paniccia
UPC: 75960609601502111
Darth Vader #21 continues the story of deception, death and double crosses of the previous issues with a staggering pace and more action to shake a lightsaber at. Vader’s rag-tag band of cannon fodder is pressing foward, striking names of supposed Crimson Dawn double agents off the list supplied by, to them, an unknown source. Enter stage right said unknown source, namely Sabè former handmaiden to Padmè Amidala and the best thing to happen to the Darth Vader comic series and possibly to his broken dark heart. Sabè, now working for Crimson Dawn, is on her quest to get to the bottom of Vader’s connection to her former charge and why he was so interested in her death and pregnancy. Both factions are so intertwined, with split allegiances, double agents and hidden agendas that this is starting to feel more like an intergalactic Infernal Affairs/The Departed than the regular Good vs Evil struggle that Star Wars is usually associated with.
The choice to use Sabè in the first arc of Pak’s run was inspired. It honoured E.K Johnstons work with the characters in her Queen trilogy and added an emotional weight and legitimacy to this series and Vader’s irrationality and murderous ways. Yes Vader works well as the cold enforcer seen in things such as Rogue One and Rebels but if the comics have proven anything it’s that reminding the reader of the loves and hopes of Anakin Skywalker really dials up the tragedy and adds a much needed third dimension to our favourite respitoraly challenged angry cyborg. It’s a similar move to Soule using Qi’ra for his crossover event trilogy. Bringing Sabè back was a no brainer, especially after Vader’s arc was somewhat sidelined during the War of the Bounty Hunters. I really hope she survives but I feel that I may end up being disappointed.
Ochi of Bestoon steals every scene as he tries his hardest to become the Deadpool of the Star Wars universe. I swear he’s one quip away from winking at the reader and I’m here for it. He provides much needed levity in such a dark and serious series. Valance fairs less well and I’m struggling to see why he has been stolen from his own series, especially as he’s not really being used or adding anything to this run.
With so many pieces on the board it’s hard to keep a track of who is working for who and what their goals are. I think this is by design, evoking classic spy thrillers and TV serials. It mostly works, it’s just new for Star Wars, especially in a title named Darth Vader. This is never more apparent than the reveal on the last page. I didn’t see it coming and I’m excited to see how it plays out.
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