Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #18 - Marvel Comics (2016)

Book III, Part III
"The Shu-Torun War"

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvador Larroca

Darth Vader appears to have been caught in a trap but that doesn't seem to phase him.  Vader must also look around him to find out who he can truly trust.

The Darth Vader series continues to impress.  I'm very much enjoying this series and Kieron Gillen is doing a fantastic job in writing.  This series shows how interesting Darth Vader is and why he is one of the greatest villains of all time.

This series takes place between "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back" and is doing wonders as far as filling in the gaps go.  I was skeptical at first, in fear of this(and the Star Wars comic sereis) being a distraction from the movies and leaving me with regret like episodes I-III did.  Luckily, Marvel put incredible writers and artists in charge of these books and Star Wars fans should rejoice in how amazing these books are.

The art looks great as always.  Salvador Larrocca is doing a wonderful job with this task.  He finds a way to evoke emotion, even though Vader and the droids he has with them are unable to show emotion.  This is truly masterful work by an artist.

What are your thoughts on Darth Vader?  Are you enjoying the Star Wars comic series'?  What would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review next?  Please respond in the comment section below or contact us on Twitter: @maskedblogster or @MPTheatre2015

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #17 - Marvel Comics (2016)

Book III, Part II
The Shu-Torun War

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvador Larocca
Colors by Edgar Delgado

Darth Vader is on Shu-Torun dealing with the civil unrest on the mining planet.  At the same time, he has put out a bounty to retrieve Dr. Aphra who has been captured by the Rebellion.

There are plenty of things going on within this book but it feels more like build up.  That is not a bad thing as there will be events in this book that I am sure will be looked back upon that will make much more sense in future issues.  This is one of the best series' in all of comic books.

The art and colors look great as always.  Salvador Larocca and Edgar Delgado are putting together excellent works of art in each page.

What are your thoughts on Darth Vader?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #16 - Marvel Comics (2016)

"The Shu-Torun War"

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvador Larroca

Darth Vader has defeated Karbin and now he has been ordered to return to Shu-Torun to ensure the empire is able to get all of the resources from the planet.  Vader is also looking to get Aphra back from the rebels who captured her.

Darth Vader returns to the planet he recently visited(read the review to that book here).  The queen he put into power is having a difficult time wearing the many hats that she must so Vader brings in his own brand of how to handle civil unrest.  Kieron Gillen is adding so much to the mythos of Darth Vader and the way he has fleshed out this character is absolutely astounding.  I look forward to purchasing this book every month.

Aphra wasn't really in this book but I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens with her.  I've speculated in other blogs about her being Rey's mom and I think that could make for really interesting storytelling and could make people want to go through and read these comics if that were to be the big reveal.

Salvador Larroca is doing a splendid job with all of the artwork for Darth Vader.  He has the task of drawing all the different worlds and capturing facial expressions very well.  This comic book series is a must have.

What are your thoughts on Darth Vader?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your thoughts below.

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #15 - Marvel Comics (2016)

Vader Down - Part 6 of 6

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvadore Larroca

The conclusion of the Vader Down story line pits Darth Vader vs. Commander Karbin.  Luke is looking for Princess Leia.  Chewbacca and Han Solo are emboiled in a fight with the Wookie warrior Black Krrsantan.

I love how, despite the story line coming to a conclusion, everything continues.  Fans of The Force Awakens will be speculating about these comic book issues as we still have lingering questions from the film and the comic series may give direction to answer our queries.  It may not be anything either, but these are some of the best comic books being written right now.

If you find yourself more of a fan of the original Star Wars trilogy, you may want to pick up Darth Vader and Star Wars.  Pick up the Vader Down story line in comic book form and see if there are trade paperbacks to catch up.  Better yet, try out the Marvel Unlimited service as it is one of the best subscription services available.

These comics feel very much like you are watching the films.  The way the characters talk and interact with one another is done so remarkably well.  Darth Vader is one of my must have series each and every month.

What are your thoughts on Darth Vader?  What other comic book series' would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader Annual #1 - Marvel Comics (2015)

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Leinil Yu

Darth Vader travels to Shu-torun to ensure frther cooperation with the Empire.  It seems there may be more on the mind of the king of Shu-torun than Vader may know.

Kieron Gillen writes a good Darth Vader story in the first Annual.  It showcases what makes Darth Vader one of the greatest bad guys of all time.  Leinil Yu's art is excellent and very pleasing to look at throughout the book.

The $4.99 price tag is a bit much for a story unto itself.  It's one story and I don't know that it will impact the Darth Vader regular series.  I more than likely would have passed on this book had I really thought about it.

What are your thoughts on the Darth Vader comic books?  Are there any other comic books you think the writers at Maskerpiece Theatre should be reviewing?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #14 - Marvel Comics (2015)

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvador Larocca

Vader Down: Part 4 of 6
Princess Leia is face to face with Darth Vader.  Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 are heading to the Millennium Falcon as they feel they have successfully defeated Dr. Aphra and her droids.

Dr. Aphra is down but not out.  She had called for back up and that back up arrives.  Han Solo and Chewbacca stay to deal with Aphra's ally and Luke goes to save Leia from her suicidal plan.

Just when you think everything is coming together, we get another wild card thrown into the mix on the last page cliffhanger.  Marvel is on the top of their game with this writing force.  Kieron Gillen is writing so well with the Darth Vader series and it blends seamlessly with Json Aaron's Star Wars series.

What do you think of the Vader Down event?  Are you reading any of the Star Wars comic series' from Marvel Comics?  What other comic book series' would you like to see Maskerpiece Theatre review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Star Wars #13 - Marvel Comics (2015)

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Mike Deodato

Vader Down: Part 3 of 6
Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 have been found by Dr. Aphra, BeeTee and Triple Zero.  Han Solo and Chewbacca have left the rebels to find Luke.  Princess Leia gets a team ready to find Darth Vader.

We get to see Dr. Aphra in action vs. Han Solo.  Chewbacca gets to do what he does best.  Add in all the action that can be handled within the twenty or so pages and you have yourself a great comic book.

The dialogue is everything we have come to expect from Jason Aaron during his run on Star Wars.  Mike Deodato taking over the artistic duties worked out great and doesn't miss a beat.

Getting to the end of this issue leaves you with an extraordinary cliffhanger.  The Vader Down event is truly masterful story telling.

What are your thoughts on Vader Down?  Are you reading all of the Star Wars comic book titles?  What other comic book series' would you like the Maskerpiece Theatre gang to review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #13 - Marvel Comics (2015)

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvador Larroca

Vader Down: Part 2 of 6
Darth Vader is under attack after his ship was brought down on the planet Vragos Vos.  The rebels, despite the numbers, do not seem to be much of a match for the Sith Lord.  Han Solo and Princess Leia disagree about where priorities should be.  Leia remembers what happened to her home planet of Alderaan and Han's loyalties are tied to Luke.  Luke finds he and R2-D2 have crash landed near an old Jedi temple.  Aphra and her droids makes their way to Vragos Vos.

The Star Wars/Darth Vader series continues to wow me.  The intertwining stories that are so separate yet woven together is an absolute joy to read.  In the Vader Down #1 review, I was hoping there would be interactions with the characters from Darth Vader's comic book series and the characters from the Star Wars books.  At the end, we get just that!

***Cue the speculation of Aphra as Rey's mother.***

Okay, put down your light sabers, that's a blog and/or podcast for a different day.  We are only in part two of the Vader Down story line and it's been nothing but action and suspense.  Many of the comic book events that I read are a lot of build up and then action at the end.  Not so with Star Wars.  Action, a little more action, comical bantering and then more action.  Grab some popcorn but keep your buttery fingers off the pages.  You're in for a wild ride!

What are your thoughts on the Darth Vader comic book series?  Are you enjoying Vader Down?  What other comic books would you like the Maskerpiece Theatre bunch to review?

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Comic Book Review: Vader Down #1 - Marvel Comics (2015)

Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Mike Deodato

Darth Vader is on his way to Vragos Vos to find Luke Skywalker.  Once there, he meets a rebel fleet and takes them on by himself.

The Darth Vader series has been one of my favorite comic book series going and now it has moved into the Star Wars series as well.  Vader Down is the beginning to the ultimate six issue tie-in.  I know I normally complain about any comic book that is over $3.99 in price.  This doesn't seem to be an ongoing title so I'll forgive the one-off ridiculous price.

 Seeing Vader taking on a fleet of rebel X-Wing fighters was awesome and his eventual take down was remarkable.  The entire rebel army on Vragos Vos get word that Vader is down and Princess Leia sends everyone after him.  You can imagine how Han Solo feels about this.

Luke is down as well and it should be interesting to see if/when he and Vader cross paths. I'm also looking forward to seeing other characters from each book such as  Aphra, BeeTee and Triple Zero from Darth Vader's book interacting with Han Solo, Princess Leia, C-3PO and R2-D2 from the Star Wars books.

What are your thoughts on Vader Down?  How are you liking the Star Wars comic books?  What other comic book series' would you like the Maskerpiece Theatre squad to review?

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Comic Book Review: Darth Vader #12 - Marvel Comics (2015)

Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Salvador Larroca

Darth Vader is in a bit of a pickle as his secret accomplice Aphra is very close to being captured by the Empire.  A change in the relationship between Vader and Inspector Thanoth may change peoples' perspective over who has really been spying on Darth Vader.

"Darth Vader" as a comic book continues to impress me.  A dozen issues in every issue has had my attention in some way, shape or form.  Aphra is a great character along with her bloodthirsty droid companions.  Vader keeping his secret hunt for the boy that blew up the Death Star has had all the twists and turns that you could hope for in a story.

This story will be continued in the first issue of "Vader Down" and then continues back in the regular "Darth Vader" series as well as the "Star Wars" series.  I'll do my best to keep up and attempt to get these scheduled reviews to coincide with what is happening story-wise.

"Darth Vader" #12  is available in comic book shops now with a cover price of $3.99.

You can read more of my blogs here on Maskerpiece Theatre and also on http://cinemaheadcheese.blogspot.com/

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Comic Book Review - Darth Vader #11 - Marvel Comics

Written by: Kieron Gillen

Art by: Salvador Larroca

Inspector Thanoth is hot on the tails of the Ante to find out where a whole bunch of Imperial Credits have gone.  Darth Vader's secret assistant Aphra is paying the Ante to find out where Luke Skywalker is at the same time all of this is going down.  

Everything is coming to a head in this issue.  Darth Vader is doing everything he can to keep his dealings he's been doing on the down low.  This proves difficult as Aphra barely escapes into her ship only to run into a fleet of Imperials.

This comic book series gets better and better the more I read it.  Every time Vader feels like he has all of his dealings covered, Inspector Thanoth comes up with another counter.  The big question is, does Thanoth know Darth Vader is behind it all?  Also, how much longer is Aphra going to be around?  She's been a pleasant surprise in this series.

What do you think about the Darth Vader comic book series?  Leave your comments below please.

You can read more of my blogs here on Maskerpiece Theatre and also on CinemaHeadCheese.blogspot.com

Comic Book Review - Darth Vader #10 - Marvel Comics

Written by: Kieron Gillen
Art by: Salvador Larroca

Darth Vader continues to keep the secrets of his dealings outside of the Galactic Empire from Inspector Thanoth.  Aphra, along with droids BT and 000 look to get information about whether Queen Amidala was, in fact, pregnant when she died.

This book series takes place between my two favorite Star Wars movies, "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back."  You really get a sense of Darth Vader's true motives.  You see that he senses that the boy that blew up the Death Star could be his son.

Aphra has been a surprise character in the Star Wars universe.  She was introduced earlier in this series and she continues to play an integral part in Darth Vader's schemes and cover ups.  The droids in this series are also a sadistic delight.  They're reminiscent of evil versions of C-3PO and R2D2.  These droids take pleasure in causing pain and ending lives.

I'll throw out one complaint as it was noticed in this book.  I hate when science fiction films, comics, novels and otherwise that have no connection to the planet Earth; yet use Earth units of time.  I'll go ahead and but the units of distance being used but time?  The twelve month measurement is based on the Earth going around the sun if I'm not mistaken.  Why would someone, a long time ago in a galaxy far far away, breaking in to a safe on Anthan Prime use a measurement used on Earth.  Worse yet, why do I care so much?

Okay, now that I'm off that tangent, Darth Vader #10 was great.  It's awesome what Marvel is doing with the Star Wars comic books.  I'm just hoping they keep them at $3.99 or less.  I've been staying away from some Marvel titles as they're becoming a bit outrageous with they're prices.

Let me know what you think of the Darth Vader comic book in the comments section below.

You can read more of my blogs here on Maskerpiece Theatre and also on CinemaHeadCheese.blogspot.com