SPOILER Jordan’s Review: Marvel’s Darth Vader #23

This week’s release of Darth Vader #23 brings us one step closer to the upcoming conclusion of the 25-issue series from writer Kieron Gillen, artist Salvador Larroca and colorist Edgar Delgado. Read on for the full review. Spoilers ahead…





With his recent successes having put him back in the good graces of the Emperor, Vader has been sent on a vital mission to capture the traitorous scientist, Cylo - a former rival of Vader and as we recently learned - the mastermind behind his cybernetic suit that has kept him alive since his near death at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi 20 years ago.







This issue picks up with Vader, having survived everything Cylo could throw at him in the past couple of issues, boarding the Super Star Destroyer Executor to exact his revenge on the mad scientist.  Meanwhile, Dr. Aphra – also aboard the ship – is rescued by her begrudgingly faithful droids Triple-Zero and Beetee along with the Wookiee bounty hunter, Black Krrsantan.







However, knowing even if she flees that Vader will ultimately track her down anyway, Aphra decides to stay aboard a while longer, seemingly to lend a helping hand to Vader and the Emperor before making her escape.







As Vader boards the Executor, he disables the ship’s engines and contacts Cylo on the bridge with a message that would have all the rebels floating in orbit around Vrogas Vas rolling over in their black empty graves – “I am coming for you.”







As he makes his way to the bridge, Cylo sends Morit, his last remaining cyborg, to intercept Vader. The two meet outside of the confines of the ship on the hull of the massive Super Star Destroyer. A battle ensues with an overconfident Morit thinking he actually has a chance against the dark lord, who proves that Morit’s confidence was unwarranted as he force blasts him into oblivion.







Now, with nothing in his way, Vader continues his journey to the bridge to put an end to his foe once and for all.  When Vader finally reaches Cylo, it seems that this contest will be over in just a few short moments as his quarry is a mere lightsaber slash away from his utter doom.  Amazingly, Cylo remains calm and collected as Vader approaches and taunts him about his machines being insufficient against the power of the dark side.  But let’s not wave that victory flag just yet; it seems that Cylo has one more last trick up his sleeve.







With all other attempts to stop Vader having failed, Cylo reveals his ultimate fail-safe, a remote that stops Vader in his tracks.  Apparently, Cylo’s foresight 20 years ago led him to program Vader’s suit with a mechanism that would allow him to control the dark lord should the need ever arise.  Unable to move, Vader is brought unwillingly to his knees before the traitor as the issue comes to an end.







Although this issue is nothing to write home about story-wise, it was well-paced and served to add stakes to Vader’s thus far seemingly one-sided fight against Cylo and his goons.  I had been wondering what could possibly give Cylo an edge and a fighting chance against Vader, a usually unstoppable force, and this issue answered that in its final pages.



The artwork is on par with other issues of the series and the coloring is excellent as always.  With only a couple of issues to go in this series, I have to say I’m hoping for a huge payoff in the final two issues.  If you’re following the series, this is a worthy addition, even though in the end it’s not much more than a stepping stone to the promising 40-page over-sized conclusion coming at the end of August.  Will Vader prove he is still more man than machine and overcome Cylo's programming?  Or will he need a little help from Dr. Aphra or the Emperor to get out from under Cylo's hand?



Hopefully we'll find out in the series' penultimate issue #24.  If the cover is any indication, things might be getting more personal than ever in Vader's struggle against Cylo.









Click HERE to check out and comment on this topic on our main site

 

Great post @Hard Case ! I just read it and got some OMG moments while reading it.

I cracked up when Dr. Aphra says: "LEAVE THE POOR DEFENSELESS EMPEROR ALONE!" LOL.

Somehow, looking back at Vader-Aphra interactions, it seems to me it reflects a somehow weird version of Anakin-Ahsoka. I might be wrong and biased, but reading Dr. Aphra on this issue it gave me that impression.

I didn't see this coming. I should have. Now I see that random mention Cylo does back in the Shutorun issues when he hints being involved into the creation of the Vader we all know was a Chekhov gun.

I'm going to paraphrase Vader here: "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy is insignificant next to the power of the Force."

I am truly enjoying these issues since it gives us a villain we all love, despite his crimes and doings. He is a bad guy, but we root for him in this case.

OMG that was an additional OMG moment. Padme!

 

Going to pick it up later today. Disappointed that the series is ending. I kinda get the feeling they'll start another series soon, just to be able to sell more #1's

 

Cylo is an arrogant idiot.

Deactivated-Suit and all, Vader doesn't need Aphra, the murder-droids or the sweet old Emperor to lend him a hand.... not when our favorite Dark Lord can force choke Cylo's pompous butt to death without ever lifting a mechanical finger.

This issue passes the time, but wasn't all that exciting.... nevertheless, I look forward to August 10th.

 

Yeah, I can't see how Vader is helpless without being able to move. Maybe the life support system inside, but not the movement. He can use his mind.

 

True. And for Cylo, as the Dark Lord of the Sith said in Rebels Season 2: "That will be his undoing."

 

Even better, Vader could reactivate the button like he detonated Rebel grenades, then crush it.... all while slumped upon his knees.

Cylo deserves the Han Solo treatment, no questions, just pain.

 

*Her Worship does not like this*

 

"Fan-crushes on one-eyed, cybernetic-bandits do not concern me. Your worship-fullness."

 

I don't care about the cybernetic bandit, I didn't like the "Han Solo" mention on the same phrase lol.

 

Whew.

Good to know that everything's cool.

Although, I did try to be nice about liking Cylo, I mean, somebody has to love counting midichlorians....

 

Wow what a quote! It really hits home. I'm guessing Vader will prove that the power of the force will prevail.

 

There is no science available to save him from the will of Darth Vader.

Mighella taunted Maul in a similar fashion:

"Even YOU can't stand before force lightning and the power of the dark side."



This is not going to end well for the one-eyed suit builder....