- Title: Star Wars: Target Vader #1
- Comic Vine: link
- Writer: Robbie Thompson
- Artists: Marc Laming, Cris Bolson
The first issue of the new six-issue mini-series sends Darth Vader after a secret syndicate known as the Hidden Hand. While the Emperor may be able to turn a blind eye to some smugglers, he cannot abide those willing to see to the Rebellion. Vader’s early searches only turn up whispers of the Hidden Hand as he leaves destruction in his wake.
The first issue also gives us Han Solo knock-off cyborg bounty hunter Beilert Valance who isn’t well liked by the other members of the Bounty Hunters Guild. While a rule breaker, Valance isn’t crazy enough to get into business with the Hand… until he discovers just what the job entails. Valance is the final member of a squad already including Honnah, Urrr’k, Chio Fain, Arr-Nine-Nineteen, and Dengar who were all hired to kill one man. Is Vader hunting the Hand, or is the Hand hunting Vader?
Even without selling me on Valance, Star Wars: Target Vader #1 is a strong first issue setting the stage for what is to come, while offering a nice final twist on how everything seen here plays right into the hands of the Rebellion. Worth a look.
[Marvel, $3.99]