The conclusion to the six part Star Wars comic event, Vader Down! Luke Skywalker- captured by the Empire! Darth Vader- beset by enemies on all sides!

Star Wars: Darth Vader #15 is the fitting conclusion of the impressive first event for Marvel‘s new line of Star Wars comics Vader Down. The issue nicely wraps up a lot of the various things going on in the series, though feels a bit hollow in how it ends and wraps up.

In the end, the series doesn’t actually result in a lot of growth or major ramifications for the main characters. That’s a constraint of who’s involved. Major events, such as death, are left for newly introduced characters or nameless fodder. It’s not like Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, or Darth can be killed or harmed in a major way. That’s a long term issue for the entire line, but is present here, where things just sort of… end. This hurdle may have to be addressed in the future to keep the stakes high and the pulp like fun going. The creative team does do a fantastic job even with their hands tied.

Writer Kieron Gillen knows how to deliver amazing moments, and it feels like throughout his run he’s had his finger on the button with at least one per issue that’s so over the top fun it makes you feel like a kid again.

The art by Salvador Larroca is beautiful as always with fantastic renditions of the characters and some visually amazing moments, especially when they involve Vader. There’s some panels I want as a poster they’re so good, and the art emphasizes those big moments Gillen sets up.

This issue has some awesome moments. There’s two pages in particular that reiterate how much of a bad-ass Darth Vader is, which seems to be the point of the series. A fitting ending, though it doesn’t look like a lot has changed from it.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Salvador Larroca
Story: 8.1 Art: 8.7 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy