Pastrami Comic Review: Star Wars- Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows #1

Review by Jason R. Smith-Pastrami Nation

Writer: Tim Siedel

Artist: Gabriel Guzman

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Released: December 2013

Website: www.darkhorse.com

The first issue to Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows takes place a few months before and a few months after the events we know as Star Wars: Revenge of The Sith. It is a story about a clone trooper (CT-5539) that was wounded in battle and left for dead by his Jedi allies. He was able to survive his injuries alone in the desert until he was able to take refuge in a small town where he became a farmer and led a simple life. During his stay he would hear travelers and pilots that visited the cantinas speak of a dark force that slayed Jedi’s across the galaxy (Vader). These stories combined with his divine hatred towards the Jedi motivate him to pick up a blaster again and become a warrior once more. Only this time it will be different. This time it will be the Jedi that feel his wrath.

This is a good start to the story and is well written, however it has left me asking a few questions that I hope will be answered in the future. I surely want to see how this clone eventually joins the empire and the struggle he goes through to get there. I am also a bit curious as to why he is not under the influence of Order 66. The artwork is great and tells the story itself very well.

I would recommend anyone that has interest in the Star Wars expanded universe to check this one out. A good movie, book or any piece of art has the ability to have you come back wanting more. This story does exactly that. A definite 5 out of 5 on this one!