We all know that inevitably this assassin’s schemes will be unsuccessful due to the fact that Darth Vader survives the era between the two trilogies, but is this still a story worth following?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

An unknown enemy obliterates a star destroyer. An attempt is made on the life of the Emperor. A new evil has made itself known in the galaxy, and Darth Vader is going to find it and crush it. But beware, warns the Emperor, this new adversary appears to wield a sorcery very old and very dark.

When dealing with a universe that’s been as thoroughly explored as this one, it can be rather difficult to offer up something compelling to its already captive audience.  This comic mini-series is not attempting to do that, but instead it’s focused in on yielding brutality in the form of faceless vengeance and never ending style.  In short: the creative team’s got something worthwhile here.

Tim Siedell pens the script and the author does a fine job giving his audience a shocking adventure that sees Darth Vader be the master of his own destiny.  In a broad stroke sense the story reads rather simply with some creative tangents along the way but it doesn’t do much to offer any depth.  Which admittedly on face value that might seem like a detriment but truth be told it’s a blessing, as it keeps the festivities contained and rather lively as they move in a strict forward momentum toward whatever the seasoned scribe has in store.

The art by Stephen Thompson is more than solid as it exudes just enough substance to match the quality of the narrative.  There are moments where the pencil work lacks the same precision and detail found in select panels but these instances are few and far between.  Overall the package contained in this comic book is exemplary and more than worth the time of devoted fanboys and fangirls.

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2 is not amazing but it’s a good romp in space nonetheless.  Recommended.

3.5/5