Written by Greg Pak
Art by Raffaele Ienco
Published by Marvel Comics
Like the previous issue of War of the Bounty Hunters: Darth Vader, we brilliantly build upon the living myth that is Darth Vader.
This is another back story issue that gives us the lead up to Vader’s arrival on Jekara to re-claim carbonite frozen Han Solo from crime syndicate Crimson Dawn.
We begin to resolve the question of what happened to Ochi, the henchman who stole Rey’s parents from her in the sequel trilogy.
Ochi was not with Darth Vader when he arrived on Jekara, although he was with him when Vader began to aggressively figure out a way to confront Luke Skywalker.
At some point, he just vanished!
We spend most of the issue with Ochi, trying to figure out whether he’s double-crossing Vader whilst trying to work out if Vader’s testing his loyalty. Ochi’s smarminess is so well written, we just can’t tell. This never gets old.
Once again, we’re talking about Darth Vader more than we see him.
The issue begins with Vader being a master manipulator making a behind the scenes deal with Bokku the Hutt, last seen on Jekara bidding on Han Solo and losing. Post-auction, Darth Vader made a rather ‘out of the blue’ effort to put Bokku in his place. Now we know why; the promise of taking over Jabba the Hutt’s status.
In an issue relatively devoid of the issues I have with Darth Vader trying to win back something he willingly gave away in the first place, I still found some fault in Vader’s portrayal.
I’ve always viewed Darth Vader as a blunt instrument. I’d never dare suggest he’s not intelligent, it’s just that the moves Vader makes here is Emperor Palpatine level manipulation. That isn’t really Darth Vader though, is it?
One of the more interesting concepts in the entire War of the Bounty Hunter series comes when Ochi runs afoul of an army of Crimson Dawn Acolytes. Ochi may be able to handle himself and take out a handful. But how many can he kill?
The implication is, when the numbers are against you, your luck will run out. Whether intended or not, I saw this as a political statement. The minority cannot rule the majority indefinitely.
Commentary I truly dig.
Despite Darth Vader’s doubts about Ochi’s loyalty, we end on anther exciting panel: Darth Vader and Ochi fighting side by side against overwhelming odds.
