- Title: Darth Vader Annual #1
- Comic Vine: link
- Writer: Kieron Gillen
- Artist: Leinil Francis Yu
For its first annual Marvel’s Darth Vader series sends Darth Vader to the planet Shu-torun where the grip of the Empire is loosening following the Rebellion’s destruction of the first Death Star. Sent to make it clear to the planet’s king that their continued loyalty is required, the Dark Lord of the Sith is betrayed as the King prepares to sacrifice his own daughter to free his planet from the control of the Empire.
Darth Vader Annual #1 gives us a Vader at his most intimidating. Despite the King’s attempts to have the Sith Lord killed, Vader is able to overcome each obstacle. The issue also brings in Aphra‘s killer robots (who we’ve seen in Marvel’s ongoing Darth Vader comic) to help Vader fulfill his mission. And if that’s not enough, our protaganist underlines his point by not only crippling the King’s daughter but also leaving her a damning reminder of what happens to those that dare defy the Emperor.
Most annuals aren’t worth either the time or cover price, but for fans of the character Darth Vader Annual #1 may well be worth a look.
[Marvel, $4.99]