Rogue One gave the Star Wars franchise a dimension that was largely unexplored in its previous entries. It also featured one of the most terrifying and awe-inspiring Darth Vader scenes ever put on screen. Now, a prequel comic to Rogue One aims to recapture that intensity, giving Vader one of his most terrifying moments yet.
Star Wars: Rogue One – Darth Vader #1 follows Vader as he brings the Empire’s wrath down on the planet Harreld. The planet is home to mines containing kyber crystals. These crystals are essential to lightsaber production, making them an important resource for the Empire.
The one-shot opens with Vader taking over negotiations after Director Krennic fails to reach an agreement with the planet’s ruler. The scene is short but adds to the frustration that the character displays in the movie. It also recontextualizes Krennic’s outburst at Vader and adds another layer to Vader’s “choke on your ambitions” exchange with him.
However, despite what it adds to Vader’s characterization, the story offers little else. A one-shot can only have so much depth, and given that the focus was on as large a presence as Vader, other aspects of the story had little room to breathe and grow.
Darth Vader’s brutal show of force is the highlight, but the story has its limits
Vader brings his signature brutality to the story, demonstrating just how ruthlessly the Sith enforce their will. His casual torture of the king to make him submit reinforces why he is the Emperor’s right-hand man and not one of the several capable commanders in the ranks of the Empire.
The fallen Jedi simply uses a different approach, completely overturning the negotiations. However, despite all the subtext that Vader’s actions bring, the story adds very little to the wider Star Wars universe.
The duel depicted in the comic leaves a lot to be desired, and the army that he faces just about makes it into the category of “interesting canon fodder.” While it follows the familiar formula of Vader’s appearances in Star Wars media, it does little to draw readers in. It’s a great read for fans who want more Vader content, but it does little to expand the Star Wars universe, although its setting could have supported a much more interesting story.
Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.com.