Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison #5 Advanced Review

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Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison #5 Advanced Review
By Andy Frisk
September 11, 2012 - 19:54

Dark Horse Comics
Writer(s): Haden Blackman
Penciller(s): Agustin Alessio
Inker(s): Agustin Alessio
Colourist(s): Agustin Alessio
Letterer(s): MIchael Heisler
Cover Artist(s): Dave Wilkins
$3.50 US

Darth Vader, Moff Trachta, Lieutenant Tohm, and their Ghost Prison allies arrive at Coruscant to battle Headmaster General Gentis' coup forces. Despite Gentis' noble cause, a Sith Lord and his Emperor are not easily beaten. Treachery abounds though and several of Palpatine and Vader's allies learn that sometimes loyalty has its consequences...

The ending of the best Star Wars spin off that I've quite possibly ever read reaches it powerful, shocking, and surprisingly moving finale. Blackman's portrayal of the ruthlessness of The Empire, and it's leaders, pulls no punches and is powerfully realistic. Rarely has a mainstream comic book, let alone a Star Wars one, moved me as this series, and its finale, has.

Alessio's superb artwork maintains its high quality all the way through to the last panel of the final page. His dark colors and tones match the dark tone of the tale. They amplify the entire story's dark and dangerous theme.

This is Star Wars for the thinking man. Every panel, word, facial expression, and action sequence are nuanced and meaningful. This isn't your father's Star Wars, unless your father happened to be Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader. A must read that holds up to multiple readings. I want more of this.

Rating: 10/10