Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Raffaele Ienco
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $3.99
Release Date: July 21, 2021
Reviewed by: Glimmer
STORY
Star Wars: Darth Vader #14 – “The Blade Behind the Curtain” written by Greg Pak with art by Raffaele Ienco is a tie-in with the current “War of the Bounty Hunters” crossover storyline. Although Darth Vader appears throughout this issue, the real central figure in the story is Administrator Moore. Failing to carry out her mission to destroy Lord Vader, she is demoted to the position of sub-administrator. With new determination, she continues her plot to carry out her mission to please the Emperor. But she soon finds Vader to be two steps ahead of her. Learning of the auction of carbonite frozen Han Solo, Moore presents a plan to work with Vader to help him secure his greatest prize – Luke Skywalker. But will Vader really work with an Umbaran?
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OVERALL THOUGHTS
Star Wars: Darth Vader #14 is an entertaining look into the inner circle of the Emperor through the eyes of an imperial administrator. Most Star Wars stories focus on the inner workings of the Rebellion, so it is nice to read a story through the eyes of the Empire. Administrator Moore is a very interesting character who will stop at nothing to please her Emperor. Pak does a nice job of showing us her gritty determination, but makes it clear – she’s no Vader! Although there’s not a lot of action scenes, there is a nice confrontation between Moore and Vader. And although the focus of the issue is not centered around the “War of the Bounty Hunters” crossover storyline, Pak does a nice job of weaving the final pages into “War of the Bounty Hunters #2.” The artwork by Raffaele Ienco is very good and enhances the overall story. Ienco has been very consistent in his artwork throughout this series and this issue is no exception. I especially like the way he draws the Emperor.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Star Wars: Darth Vader #14 is another enjoyable issue by Pak & Ienco, and worth the price of admission. Most Star Wars fans will be satisfied with the overall story and artwork. If you are currently reading this series or reading the tie-in issues of the “War of the Bounty Hunters” crossover, this is a must-have. If you’re a new reader, I would suggest passing on this issue, as it can be confusing trying to understand the storyline without any previous knowledge of what has come before.