Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 2: Shadows and Secrets

Since this is the second volume of this ongoing comic series, I knew more of what to expect. But just as the first volume did, this volume started out in a very interesting place and then just meandered along with the story. I have definitely found that I like event miniseries more than just this continuing story. Hopefully that means I'll love Vader Down, which is a crossover event with the other ongoing series, Star Wars.

This volume begins with Darth Vader at the remains of the Lars homestead, where Luke grew up. I really enjoy how Marvel is taking characters and places from the movies that didn't interact and placing them together.

Aphra is yet again a big part of this story. For part of this volume, she seemed more of a lead character than Vader. Her droids are coming into their own, paving their own path as not just evil clones of C-3PO and R2-D2.

A new Imperial investigator is assigned to Vader, Thanoth. I enjoyed his Sherlockian deduction skills. A far better character than the twins and the robo-Mon Calamari, in my opinion.

I enjoyed this volume and will continue reading it. I want more big things to happen, but I can tell all these missions are leading up to some huge things. I give this volume a 4/5.

Issues #7-12 of the new Marvel Comics’ ongoing Star Wars - Darth Vader series are collected as Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 2: Shadows and Secrets (Star Wars (Marvel)). This is a superb new series, set in the immediate aftermath of the destruction of the (first) Death Star, in which one of Marvel’s top writers has, in the opening volume Star Wars: Darth Vader Volume 1 - Vader (Star Wars (Marvel)), given our Mr Darth a makeover, and a three-dimensional personality, along with some serious motivation (something that George Lucas and his team failed to do in the films).

In this volume, Lord Vader and his henchpersons, Aphra the young computer genius and her two homicidal droids, 000 (“Triple Zero”) and BT (“Beetee”), set out to secretly acquire a massive fortune by stealing it from the Imperial evidence vault, having first put it there by taking down a master criminal’s organisation (with a little help from a rival Hutt). Unfortunately, Vader’s current boss, Grand General Tagge, assigns him a new “assistant”, Inspector Thanoth of the Yard, who has spotted that the loss of the ship carrying the massive fortune was not an accident, and is soon leading his superior on a hunt for the criminal responsible… and finds her. Oops.

This is a spectacular space adventure - superb artwork helps no end in making it look spectacular - but also a black comedy of sorts - homicidal droids help no end with that - with destruction and carnage on an industrial scale, as well as cunning plans and many ingenious twists that fooled me completely. There is also character-development and downright characterisation and people-stuff - anyone with a speaking part is depicted as a ‘real’ person and not just an extra. Vader himself does little speaking, as befits his character, but lets the people around him do the talking and lead themselves down their own garden paths. This is Marvel Comics at their best.

Shadows and Secrets is the second volume of the Marvel Darth Vader series, collecting issues 7-12 of the serialized comic. The first volume of the book felt a bit off to me. This second series, though, seemed a bit more in-line with the character of Darth Vader. Additionally, there was much more plot to the overall story arc. The book begins with a return visit to Tatooine by Vader and Doctor Aphra, the rogue archaeologist Vader enlists to assist in building his droid army. The visit sets the tone for the rest of the book -- Kieron Gillen weaves together elements of the storys from the prequel films with plot elements from "A New Hope." In addition, he extends the storylines he began establishing in the first volume, such as the Emperor's pursuit of a potential replacement for Vader given his disappointment with his star pupil. Characters that were introduced, such as Aphra, Triple Zero, and BT-1, are used effectively, and the comic relief from the droids was toned down a bit. Other players such as Black Krrsantan, the Astarte Twins, and Karbin also have their backgrounds and characteristics fleshed out effectively.

As with the first volume, the artwork by Salvador Larroca was excellent and enhances (or, in many cases, conveys) the storyline. The characters look like their film versions, and the panels are clear and well laid out.

Overall, the volume is actually an improvement over the first arc and makes for a solid read. The inclusion of letter columns throughout the work are also an added bonus -- reading the viewpoints of the readers from the serialized comic is interesting.

Now this is a good Star Wars book. Darth Vader continues his search for Luke Skywalker, Dr. Aphra pulls off a heist, and they both must evade an Imperial investigator that is closing in on them. It showcases the calculating side of Darth Vader to great effect. I'd heard a lot of good things about Dr. Aphra, but I wasn't convinced until I read this volume. She is more than capable of matching Darth Vader without feeling contrived.

The supporting characters introduced in volume one that I wasn't fond of, specifically the murder droids and the potential replacements for Vader, are used really well here. The droids are a lot more fun to read and felt less like one note characters. Vader's rivals serve more of a purpose without cluttering up the story. They were more believable because they had something to do aside from vying for the Emperor's attention.

And the art is great. The characters are portrayed well and the different locations look wonderful. This book pulls together a lot of elements to make a great story. I want more.

It is a bad thing when the boss blames you for the destruction of his favorite project. When you upset the Emperor and you are Darth Vader you take matters in your hands in Star Wars: Darth Vader Volume 2: Shadows And Secrets. The investigation and pursuit of those responsible as outlined in the first book, Star Wars: Darth Vader Volume 1: Vader, continues in this second volume of the series published by Marvel.

As the colorful graphic novel opens, Darth Vader has returned to Tattooine. Accompanying him is the archeologist Doctor Aphra. They are on the trail of Boba Fett and Skywalker. As the good Doctor points out to Darth Vader while they consider the scene of the crime, if not for the murder of his family, the Empire would still probably have the Death Star. Their deaths and destruction of his home set Skywalker on a journey of revenge that directly led to the destruction of the Death Star and Vader’s far diminished place in the eyes of the emperor. That result and Darth’s anger has led him to seek Skywalker for his own revenge.

Deep, the irony is.

After making sure what remains of the home is destroyed and obliterating any trace of Vader’s presence, Vader moves on to attend to other duties. That means dealing with various issues on The Outer Rim, The Plasma Devils, and various threats against him by those who see his weakened status and believe they can make a move.

They would be very mistaken. Those issues, as well as his latest assignment from the Emperor, will not impede Vader’s ongoing hunt for the young rebel pilot. Vader intends to administer some payback and his hunt goes far and wide in the latest installment, Star Wars: Darth Vader Volume 2: Shadows And Secrets.

As befitting a title with the phrase “shadows and secrets” most of the artwork in this volume is of the dark variety as befitting a tale of the hunt for vengeance. Many of the panels are done in shades of blue and black and tend to be dark in tone whether they depict space situations, underground tunnels, or justice meted out by Vader. The coloring from start to finish, even with the occasional rare use of the brighter colors of the pallet, is of a dark nature as is the tone of the text.

Star Wars: Darth Vader Volume 2: Shadows And Secrets collects issues seven through twelve of the comic. Written by Kieron Gillen, drawn by Salvador Larroca, and colored by Edgar Delgado, this second volume of the series is a good one. It continues the tale of the aftermath of the Death Star destruction from Vader’s perspective. He is not a happy camper and those who test him make a serious mistake.

Material supplied by the good folks of the Plano Public Library System.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2016

Title: Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 2: Shadows and Secrets
Publisher: Marvel
Writers: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Salvador Larocca (pencils, inks), Edgar Delgado, (colors), Adi Granov (covers)
Collects: Darth Vader #7-12
Price: $19.99

First off, let me strongly recommend you go read the first volume in this series before you read this one. You really need to know who the supporting characters are and what has come before to truly appreciate everything that you will read in this book! If you have already read that book, there shouldn’t be any spoilers for you in this review. If you HAVEN’T read that book, yet, be warned that this review will have spoilers in it.

This book seamlessly continues the storyline that began in this series in issue #1. Vader is on the hunt for Luke Skywalker – a son that he has just discovered he has. He is determined to find young Skywalker and bring him to his side to work with him and take down Emperor Palpatine. He has ascertained that the Emperor lied to him many years ago about the existence of his children and the death of his wife in order to more fully bind Anakin to him and bend him to his own agenda. Vader now has a growing resentment for Emperor Palpatine and no longer trusts him. Because he no longer trusts his master, he devises his own plans to learn the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker and a means to take him by force, if necessary.

This book has everything that Star Wars fans love about Star Wars: dark villains, space battles, bounty hunters, alien-filled cantinas, Imperial military muscles, and really cool central characters. I enjoyed this second volume just as much as the first, and the more I read of the newly-introduced characters, the more I like them.

As was the case in the first volume, Larocca and Delgado do an outstanding job on the artwork! Vader looks just as cool and intimidating as he should, and all of the many distinct and colorful alien races look authentic under the hands of these too. The lighting effects and explosions are top-notch. The ultra-realistic style of art is my personal favorite, so the book earns high marks for me in regards to the art, as well.

If you are a Star Wars fan, definitely pick up this book! Even if you are not a big Star Wars fan but enjoy a thrilling story set in a sci-fi universe, you will really enjoy this book.

Writing: 9/10
Artwork: 9/10
Cool Factor: 9/10
Value: 7/10

Overall: 8.50/10

This continues where the last one left off. Vader is busy setting up his own resources and contingency plans if the Emperor decides to not go in his favor. However he has a pesky new Adjutant assigned to him by Grand General Tagge who is almost Sherlock Holmes level of brilliant. Vader must be a step ahead of him while constantly being shadowed by this Adjutant at the same time.

These comics have some very good artistry and writing to them. I am really enjoying the story and the cat and mouse like chase behind the scenes as well as in front. I kinda wish more of this series was available on Kindle Unlimited so I could continue reading them. That’s probably why they are in KU so you would buy them.

Anyway, as anything big publisher wise, it has DRM. -1

I've never been a fan of Vader Anakin, but I read this and the first volume because the other Marvel Star Wars (both the ongoing SW book and the mini-series) have been great. Unfortunately this just didn't do anything for me.

I found myself a bit confused by character motivations at certain points, and worse, certain scenes just didn't flow well for me, making me think I was missing panels. In particular when the twins were chopping up some rando and Vader interrupted, I didn't really know what was going on.

Aphra is a decent character... but nothing has really made her stand for me out so far. The less said about the twins and Grevious knock-off the better. They are empty vessels. The evil C-3PO and R2 still feel like they exist solely for "LOL bizzaro" purposes and their antics often feel like obvious overkill.

Finally, while the art is great (although Aphra seems to have a different body type in each scene), I found a lot of the art to be lazy, with lots of assets recycled instead of re-drawn. This was particularly so in a scene where Vader stands in front of a squad of stormtroopers - I spotted 4 original troopers and about 50 literal copies, without even an attempt to cover it up. Bleh.

Yeah anyway, I know a lot of people like this. I just didn't. My two cents.

Now that Darth Vader knows that the mysterious pilot who destroyed the Death Star is his own son, he’s determined to reach him before the Emperor can. Slowly, he’s amassing his own resources, unafraid to do what he feels needs to be done but determined to keep his own secrets for now. Doctor Aphra continues to work for Vader despite her own personal fears. But the Empire is following the trail Vader and Aphra have inadvertently left behind, and it remains to be seen how Vader will react when his Imperial mission crosses paths with his personal one.

Volume 2 of Marvel’s "Darth Vader" comic, "Shadows and Secrets," picks up where the first leaves off, and readers will find themselves quickly sucked back into the world of the dark Sith Lord. The fantastic art helps breathe new life into this famous villain, while the text perfectly captures him as we all remember him from the movies; readers will no doubt be hearing Vader’s infamous voice–and breathing–in their minds as they read. The only way this trade paperback could be better would be if it contained more than six issues; readers will eagerly be awaiting volume 3!

Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.

Didn’t really think you could tell so many compelling stories about Vader outside of the movies, but I was VERY wrong. This series continues to be excellent. Vader is Vader, but he is put in interesting situations where he doesn’t have complete authority, respect, or control and we see the interesting ways he responds. Vader always seemed to be beyond political maneuvering, but this series forces him to do exactly that and it shows an interesting side of the character.

On top of that the supporting cast is excellent as well. Really fun characters for Vader to interact with and play off of. Awesome series.

This comic just keeps getting better. It really does feel like watching a Star Wars movie.

Darth Vader has hired a small army to locate the pilot that destroyed the Death Star, a doctor and two droids. I really like the droids since one of them is a torture-happy C3PO.....and the other is an assassination droid.

I would highly recommend this to all sci-fi fans as well as Star Wars fans

First off, I love star wars. I needed something to make me feel better after watching the last jedi. This book and it's predecessor were something to make me have faith that there are people that are conscious of how powerful this franchise is. Also, there are some that know how to make a story that is original but also adds something fresh to the established canon.

Vader is a butcher of Sand People (he dispatches a few more here in chapter one), a murderer of innocent Jedi children, a man who killed his pregnant wife and later his teacher, a psychological cripple who became a black-robed space fascist. I was apprehensive of a comic book series that might try to normalize his behavior, or serve as little more than a venue for lightsaber slashing and force chokes against a parade of anonymous enemies. It was some relief, then, to find through the first twelve issues that writer Kieron Gillen has not (yet) valorized Vader and has created, along with artist Salvador Larroca, a well-paced, clever series populated by a varied and intriguing cast. The troubling character here is Dr Aphra, described as an archaeologist but who appears to be little more than another space grifter, this time female in tight-fitting clothing, with an interest collecting and reselling defunct and derelict weapons and droids. She is recruited by Vader against her wishes and carries out her unenviable assignments with the aid of a pair of hacked droids, evil twins of C3P0 and R2D2, whose relish of torture and murder are typically treated as comic episodes. It’s one thing when Vader, Aphra and the droids are killing fellow imperials, gangsters and other riff-raff, but quite another when Aphra sets up an innocent mortician for torture (to extract information) and murder (to cover her tracks). Questioned by the man she’s about to have killed, Aphra dismisses ethics as inferior to strength, justifying her cynicism on war and a difficult childhood. Aphra has since gone on to appear in further issues and episodes in this and other Star Wars comic book series, so we will have to see if she grows a heart – or if there are any depravities to which she will not stoop.

Build up storyline of the Darth Vader comics that fill in the gap between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back while also expanding the Star Wars mythos. While a build up volume is a great one at that, it immerse you in the Darth Vader story that Gillen and Larroca are telling while also pledging the promise of what's to come. The addition of the new characters is also a great: the "Indiana Jones in space" Dr. Aphra, Triple Zero the bloodthirsty version of 3P0 and the twisted killing astromech BT0 may sound cheesy but work beautifully as counter parts to Vader.

Wait, you are saying that you don't want to read a comic about a space heist featuring bounty hunters, one of Vaders weapon dealer helpers, plus murderous Droids. You are crazy. Well I am going to stop writing this review since I can see that you are not interested.

This continues where the last one left off. Vader is busy setting up his own resources and contingency plans if the Emperor decides to not go in his favor. However he has a pesky new Adjutant assigned to him by Grand General Tagge who is almost Sherlock Holmes level of brilliant. Vader must be a step ahead of him while constantly being shadowed by this Adjutant at the same time.

These comics have some very good artistry and writing to them. I am really enjoying the story and the cat and mouse like chase behind the scenes as well as in front. I kinda wish more of this series was available on Kindle Unlimited so I could continue reading them. That’s probably why they are in KU so you would buy them.

Anyway, as anything big publisher wise, it has DRM. -1

I've never been a fan of Vader Anakin, but I read this and the first volume because the other Marvel Star Wars (both the ongoing SW book and the mini-series) have been great. Unfortunately this just didn't do anything for me.

I found myself a bit confused by character motivations at certain points, and worse, certain scenes just didn't flow well for me, making me think I was missing panels. In particular when the twins were chopping up some rando and Vader interrupted, I didn't really know what was going on.

Aphra is a decent character... but nothing has really made her stand for me out so far. The less said about the twins and Grevious knock-off the better. They are empty vessels. The evil C-3PO and R2 still feel like they exist solely for "LOL bizzaro" purposes and their antics often feel like obvious overkill.

Finally, while the art is great (although Aphra seems to have a different body type in each scene), I found a lot of the art to be lazy, with lots of assets recycled instead of re-drawn. This was particularly so in a scene where Vader stands in front of a squad of stormtroopers - I spotted 4 original troopers and about 50 literal copies, without even an attempt to cover it up. Bleh.

Yeah anyway, I know a lot of people like this. I just didn't. My two cents.

Now that Darth Vader knows that the mysterious pilot who destroyed the Death Star is his own son, he’s determined to reach him before the Emperor can. Slowly, he’s amassing his own resources, unafraid to do what he feels needs to be done but determined to keep his own secrets for now. Doctor Aphra continues to work for Vader despite her own personal fears. But the Empire is following the trail Vader and Aphra have inadvertently left behind, and it remains to be seen how Vader will react when his Imperial mission crosses paths with his personal one.

Volume 2 of Marvel’s "Darth Vader" comic, "Shadows and Secrets," picks up where the first leaves off, and readers will find themselves quickly sucked back into the world of the dark Sith Lord. The fantastic art helps breathe new life into this famous villain, while the text perfectly captures him as we all remember him from the movies; readers will no doubt be hearing Vader’s infamous voice–and breathing–in their minds as they read. The only way this trade paperback could be better would be if it contained more than six issues; readers will eagerly be awaiting volume 3!

Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.

Didn’t really think you could tell so many compelling stories about Vader outside of the movies, but I was VERY wrong. This series continues to be excellent. Vader is Vader, but he is put in interesting situations where he doesn’t have complete authority, respect, or control and we see the interesting ways he responds. Vader always seemed to be beyond political maneuvering, but this series forces him to do exactly that and it shows an interesting side of the character.

On top of that the supporting cast is excellent as well. Really fun characters for Vader to interact with and play off of. Awesome series.

This comic just keeps getting better. It really does feel like watching a Star Wars movie.

Darth Vader has hired a small army to locate the pilot that destroyed the Death Star, a doctor and two droids. I really like the droids since one of them is a torture-happy C3PO.....and the other is an assassination droid.

I would highly recommend this to all sci-fi fans as well as Star Wars fans

First off, I love star wars. I needed something to make me feel better after watching the last jedi. This book and it's predecessor were something to make me have faith that there are people that are conscious of how powerful this franchise is. Also, there are some that know how to make a story that is original but also adds something fresh to the established canon.

Vader is a butcher of Sand People (he dispatches a few more here in chapter one), a murderer of innocent Jedi children, a man who killed his pregnant wife and later his teacher, a psychological cripple who became a black-robed space fascist. I was apprehensive of a comic book series that might try to normalize his behavior, or serve as little more than a venue for lightsaber slashing and force chokes against a parade of anonymous enemies. It was some relief, then, to find through the first twelve issues that writer Kieron Gillen has not (yet) valorized Vader and has created, along with artist Salvador Larroca, a well-paced, clever series populated by a varied and intriguing cast. The troubling character here is Dr Aphra, described as an archaeologist but who appears to be little more than another space grifter, this time female in tight-fitting clothing, with an interest collecting and reselling defunct and derelict weapons and droids. She is recruited by Vader against her wishes and carries out her unenviable assignments with the aid of a pair of hacked droids, evil twins of C3P0 and R2D2, whose relish of torture and murder are typically treated as comic episodes. It’s one thing when Vader, Aphra and the droids are killing fellow imperials, gangsters and other riff-raff, but quite another when Aphra sets up an innocent mortician for torture (to extract information) and murder (to cover her tracks). Questioned by the man she’s about to have killed, Aphra dismisses ethics as inferior to strength, justifying her cynicism on war and a difficult childhood. Aphra has since gone on to appear in further issues and episodes in this and other Star Wars comic book series, so we will have to see if she grows a heart – or if there are any depravities to which she will not stoop.

Another great entry in the Vader series. The Dark Lord manages to stay one step ahead of his enemies in this chapter. Still not back in the Emperor's good graces, Vader continues his pursuit of the young Skywalker. The storyline and artwork are excellent. This is a must read for Star Wars fans.

Build up storyline of the Darth Vader comics that fill in the gap between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back while also expanding the Star Wars mythos. While a build up volume is a great one at that, it immerse you in the Darth Vader story that Gillen and Larroca are telling while also pledging the promise of what's to come. The addition of the new characters is also a great: the "Indiana Jones in space" Dr. Aphra, Triple Zero the bloodthirsty version of 3P0 and the twisted killing astromech BT0 may sound cheesy but work beautifully as counter parts to Vader.

Wait, you are saying that you don't want to read a comic about a space heist featuring bounty hunters, one of Vaders weapon dealer helpers, plus murderous Droids. You are crazy. Well I am going to stop writing this review since I can see that you are not interested.

Entertaining and slightly suspenseful, only because we dont know if Vadar might kill someone or just tolerate their presence. And of course Vadar is sneaking around the Empire on his own mission so we don't know if he will get caught or not.

Justice in Darth's language is an amazing guilty pleasure... So if you have the time take a look at this four part story.. .. The way your tablets programming is designed to show the story boards is just really fun and makes it come to life

I've no idea why I bought vol. 2 given the poor quality of paper they printed these on. The story is one thing but there's no way to keep these that will not result in the covers curling. I've bought many paperback graphic novels and this is the first and I hope only time I come across such shoddy print material...

I haven't purchased this comic yet. Reason being; the volume number doesn't match with what Marvel claims it to be. This actually goes for most of the volumes listed here on the store. The following link will direct you to the correct order that the volumes should be in. It's very frustrating, because I would much rather purchase these via the store.

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