Greg Pak has built up a fascinating challenger for Darth Vader. Slowly through this run, Sabe has emerged as a contender aligned with Crimson Dawn. What makes this conflict so interesting is that Sabe is basically a representation of the legacy of Padme. The ultimate question this comes close to is, if Padme and Vader went toe to toe without any romantic complexities, who would emerge victorious?
The issue begins with Ochi and Moore facing off with Sabe before they talk strategy. Sabe has leaked an incorrect list of Crimson Dawn members to Vader. Sabe is trying to understand what drives Vader even while seeking revenge for those who killed her people, The Amidalans from Naboo.
Valance and the Assassins Guild discuss the duel evils of Vader and Crimson Dawn. Ochi sends them to find Lieutenant Grapa but they are ambushed. Vader arrives and after a quick battle, questions Grapa about the Amidalans her squad killed. Vader realizes that the guards were warned of his planned attack through Ochi. He reveals that he has known Ochi has been working with Crimson Dawn and follows him to face Sabe.
The scenes with Vader are depicted with astounding energy and one wishes there was more of this. Similarly the scenes with Valance and the Assassins Guild are solid classic Star Wars action and banter. The only real letdown in this issue is the continued inclusion of Ochi of Bestoon who has to be one of the dullest characters in Star Wars history. Every scene is less interesting when he speaks. He basically serves as a plot device and Vader dismisses even his betrayals as expected. The sidekicks in a great Vader comic should provide some level of entertainment though violence, sadism or comedy. With Ochi we simply get predictable duplicity and political maneuvering.
Overall this is an excellent book with Vader growing in power as he faces an unexpected foe in Sabe and Crimson Dawn.
Writing: 4 of 5 stars
Art: 3.7 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.5 of 5 stars
Overall: 4.1 of 5 stars
Writer: Greg Pak
Art: Raffaele Ienco
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: Marvel Comics
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