Darth Vader (comic)

Darth Vader (comic)
Title	Darth Vader
Schedule	Monthly
Publisher	Marvel Comics
Date	2015–2016; 2017–2018
Issues	25 (2015–2016 run); 25 (2017–2018 run)
Writers	Kieron Gillen; Charles Soule
Artists	Salvador Larroca; Guzmán
Creators	Lucasfilm

Darth Vader (comic) is a Marvel Comics series centering on the Sith Lord Darth Vader during the aftermath of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope and in periods between Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The title explores Vader's missions for the Galactic Empire, his conflict with rivals such as Grand Admiral Thrawn and Doctor Aphra, and his pursuit of power amid the politics of Imperial Navy and Imperial Security Bureau. The series expanded the Star Wars expanded universe under Lucasfilm's supervision and tied into events from Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015) era storytelling.

Publication history

Marvel announced Darth Vader as part of a 2015 relaunch under a licensing deal with Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Company, joining titles like Star Wars and Princess Leia. The initial 2015–2016 run was written by Kieron Gillen with art by Salvador Larroca; a second 2017–2018 run was written by Charles Soule with art by Guzmán and others. The series debuted following the success of the flagship Marvel Star Wars title, and tied into crossovers and events including Star Wars: Vader Down and moments related to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story continuity. Publication shifts reflected editorial decisions at Marvel Comics and coordination with Lucasfilm Story Group to align with Star Wars canon.

Plot

Gillen's run opens with Vader investigating a schism within the Galactic Empire and hunting survivors of Order 66 conspiracies while contending with Leia Organa's indirect influence and remnants of the Jedi belief system. The narrative threads involve Vader's search for the mysterious Emperor Palpatine's secrets, clashes with Imperial bureaucrats such as the Directorate of the Imperial Security Bureau, and encounters with archetypal figures like Doctor Aphra and Hera Syndulla-adjacent characters from the broader Star Wars Rebels milieu. The Soule run shifts focus to Vader's personal vendettas, his efforts to locate and manipulate Force-sensitive artifacts, and a complex rivalry with Grand Moff Tarkin and operatives of the Imperial Remnant. Key arcs include Vader's vengeance-driven pursuit of Obi-Wan Kenobi-linked remnants, his navigation of intra-Imperial politics involving the Imperial Navy and Sith ideology, and his reluctant alliances with criminals and archaeologists tied to Sith relics.

Characters

The series centers on Darth Vader as antagonist-turned-protagonist, supported and opposed by a rotating cast from Star Wars media. Prominent allies and foils include Doctor Aphra, an archaeologist aligned with Imperial objectives; AP-5-style droids and other astromech figures; Grand Moff Tarkin as a political rival; and operatives of the Imperial Security Bureau who act as both bureaucratic obstacle and covert ally. Guest appearances and crossovers feature Emperor Palpatine, Luke Skywalker-adjacent plot ramifications, and cameos from Boba Fett-linked bounty hunter networks and Moff Gideon-esque Imperial agents. The creative runs also introduced new figures such as original Sith cultists, Imperial scientists, and morally ambiguous scavengers who intersect with Vader's goals.

Creative team

Kieron Gillen served as writer for the 2015–2016 volume, collaborating with artist Salvador Larroca, colorists, letterers, and editors from Marvel Comics’ Marvel Now! era. Gillen's scripts emphasized psychological depth, combining references to Star Wars film beats with original storylines approved by Lucasfilm Story Group. The 2017–2018 volume was helmed by writer Charles Soule, with primary artist Guzmán and contributions from Goran Sudžuka, Leinil Francis Yu, and other pencillers and inkers across issues. Editors such as Jordan D. White coordinated continuity with Marvel's Star Wars line, while cover artists and variant creators included names like Adrian Alphona and Mike Deodato Jr., tying visual identity to mainstream Marvel Comics aesthetics.

Reception and sales

The series received generally positive reviews for its characterization of Darth Vader and its expansion of Star Wars lore. Critics praised Gillen's psychological interpretation and Larroca's cinematic layouts, while some reviewers highlighted Soule's emphasis on political intrigue involving figures like Tarkin and Imperial Security Bureau operatives. Sales tracked strongly in the contemporary comic market, with early issues placing high on Comichron-style retail charts and consistently selling through multiple printings and variant covers popular among collectors. Trade paperback and hardcover collections performed well in bookstore and comic shop channels, buoyed by demand following Star Wars film releases like Rogue One and the anthology film cycle.

Collected editions

Issues from both runs were compiled into multiple trade paperbacks and omnibus volumes by Marvel Comics. Collections organize story arcs such as "Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith" and "Vader: Shadows of the Empire" (names illustrative of collected arcs) into sequential volumes with cover art and extras, and omnibus editions gather complete runs for archival readers. These collected editions are available through retail partners including Disney Publishing-adjacent outlets and bookstore distribution networks, often featuring variant covers and behind-the-scenes material from creators like Kieron Gillen and Charles Soule.

Category:Marvel Comics titles Category:Star Wars comics