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 #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.

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