How do a band of rebels distract themselves when sneaking into the creepiest place in the galaxy? Tell scary stories of course!
Follow Lina Graf, Crater, and friends as they sneak–and fight–their way into the terrifying castle of Darth Vader! Along the way, they’ll trade spooky stories featuring the most terrifying villains and creatures in the universe!
Your favorite characters, like Obi-Wan, Han and Chewie, Hera Syndulla, and the Ewoks, face classic creeps like ghosts, monsters, witches, and more… all with a signature Star Wars twist!
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Derek Charm (1-3, 19-20) & Kelley Jones (4-18)
Colorist: Derek Charm (1-3, 19-20) & Kelley Jones (4-18)
Letterer: Tom B. Long & Robbie Robbins
Cover Artists: Francesco Francavilla & Kelley Jones
Assistant Editor: Elizabeth Bre
Editor: Denton J. Tipton
Publisher: Greg Goldstein
Cost: $3.99
Release Date: October 10, 2018
Dooku has never looked more like Dracula!
“Count Dooku: Prince of Darkness!” is the second of the five issues of the “Vader’s Castle” series. The series is set around a series of tales told by a crew of Rebels as they sneak their way to “Vader’s Castle” on the planet Mustafar. Each issue of the series are parodies of familiar horror and gothic stories. In the case of Issue 2, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” is the inspiration.
As the shipwrecked Rebels continue their journey “Vader’s Castle”, another tale is told. This time. Lieutenant Hudd spins a yarn analogous to their situation. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Adi Gallia find themselves attempting to prevent a Separatist insurrection of the planet Bray. However, they find Count Dooku has already imbedded himself and is seemingly allied with Ravna “The Lord of Darkness”, a vampire-like creature whose bite transform his prey into his disciples; physically and mentally. A creature so terrible that even the Dark Side of the Force nearly capitulates to its power. An unlikely alliance with Count Dooku leads to Obi-Wan’s conquering the foe…. or did they?
The story is amusing and fits right into the holiday spirit. However, I was unaware of the connection with Stoker’s “Dracula” until preparing this review. Cavan Scott’s writing style is much more stimulating than simply mirroring the original story. These sort of renderings of classic literature offer a gateway for the young reader to seek out and experience the books for themselves.
I always am hesitant to critique any artwork, however, with this issue I believe it is the only shortcoming. Kelley Jones’s art seems rushed and there is little attention to detail. Whether they are helmeted or not, the Clone Troopers are nearly unrecognizable. The caricatures of other common characters seem stretched and background imagery appears to be mere filler.
Regardless, my household’s resident Padawan approves whole-heartedly with the issue and the series. The “Vader’s Castle” has been an interesting addition to Star Wars Adventures. We are excitedly awaiting the concluding issue that will be released on “Halloween”.