Review: Darth Vader #43 Brings Back Old Characters and Storylines

Issue #43 of the Darth Vader series is a dramatic shift in pace following the Dark Droids arc that has dominated the series' storytelling for the past few issues. Although it seems the writers have attempted to regain momentum by connecting certain story elements from previous issues, this particular installment overall falls a bit flat.



It is somewhat tiresome to read, even as someone who has been following this series for a long time, as it is necessary to refresh your memory on issues long since past. Although #43 is very exposition heavy, it still fails to really achieve much sophistication in its callbacks or navigate readers into this new Schism Imperial arc.



Spoilers ahead... 



GREG PAK (W) • ADAM GORHAM (A) • Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU



In the previous issue, we were introduced to the Schism Imperial, a faction of the Empire intent on overthrowing the Sith led by the Umbaran Sly Moore. The issue opens with Sly Moore recruiting corrupt Imperial officials to the Schism, and killing those with loyalty to the Emperor. Governor Tauntaza, the Imperial found to be colluding with Crimson Dawn in Issue #27 of the series is one of the recruits.



This opening scene appears to demonstrate the brutality of the Schism which is near indistinguishable to that of the Empire itself. Council member Xanto is even electrocuted to death by Sly Moore, very reflective of the Emperor's own abilities and reactions to traitors, even as the Schism directly opposes his rule. However, this whole scene still seemed rather lengthy and unnecessary.







Darth Vader's complicated relationship with the Emperor has once again manifested in another attempt to overthrow him, this time with Vader joining the Schism Imperial. I will be waiting on a satisfying conclusion to this attempt that creates the disillusioned Vader we see in Return of the Jedi. 



Governor Tauntaza is tormented by Vader who challenges her and the nature of this unruly band of traitors he has joined to ensure they will not cross him. Tauntaza seems to be indifferent as to whether she lives or dies. Another interesting element here is Vader's use of his cyborg M.A.R Corps, his elite troops whose minds have been overtaken by Imperial processing units. One's free will starts to return through, and Vader reprograms him into a slave once more.













Once again recalling Issue #27, the weapon created by Governor Tauntaza - Tauntaza's fortress - which was used against Darth Vader on the planet Gabredor III and could convert organic energy into destructive power, is revealed to have been taken by the Rebel Alliance to an uninhabited planet in the Outer Rim. Kitster, Wald and their team have been working with the Rebellion to rebuild it, but they remain hesitant as to the use of the machine. I have been critical of this issue so far, but it is good to see those two again and there will always be emotional payoff watching their interactions with Lord Vader.



The planet is attacked by Lord Vader and the M.A.R Corps, and once more we see the brutality of the Rebellion, a theme popularised by Rogue One which has been threading its way through a lot of newer Star Wars content, particularly as seen in Andor. The rebel General attempts to lock Kitster and his people inside, giving orders to the rebels to kill them if the Empire breaches the facility. Vader saves Kitster and the others by killing the General almost before the words are out of his mouth. This image would have to be the highlight of the issue for me.







Kitster thanks Vader for saving them again (so wizard Ani!) before immediately realising that Vader intends to use the machine for himself.



My opinion on this issue has improved as I've been writing this, and maybe my hesitation was merely a result of the radical change in pace, but I still remain apprehensive. Only time will tell, as I believe the conclusion to the arc will make or break it.



In the meantime, check out our review of Issue #27 to refresh your memory, as this issue will be far more accessible that way.






<p style='text-align: center;']Rating: 5/10</p>


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