This story takes place nineteen years after crushing the Jedi and Anakin’s painful rebirth from the volcanos of Mustafar as Sith Lord Darth Vader and as he faithfully serves his Master.

Now with the destruction of the Death Star in Episode IV, and the attack Cymoon 1, the Empire is in disarray.

Darth Vader is one of the very few survivors of the Empire’s greatest military disaster and the Master is quite displeased. He’s been demoted to being but a blunt instrument for his Master’s biddings. As a result, Vader must return to his former home of Tatooine to resume negotiations with Jabba the Hutt.

Writer Keiron Gillen, artist Salvador Larroca and colorist Edgar Delgado have taken a very interesting approach with this series. Their story about the inner sanctum of the Empire and how it will handle itself in this time of turmoil is motivating. Once again Marvel has a very good understanding of the Star Wars mythos and this entry point with Darth Vader is very different but has a feel for the original trilogy.

Star Wars: Darth Vader, if done right could prove to be a very entertaining read. I, for one, am very excited with this story-line in the continuing adventures of the greatest space adventure of all time.

My only minor complaint with this series so far is the artwork. Although it is slightly better than its counterpart entitled Star Wars, it still has a way to go to get to the wow factor.