Darth Vader (2020) #26 - Comic Review

Sabé has gone missing, lost in an artificial sandstorm as she attempted a futile effort to stop Governor Tauntaza from draining the planet. Vader, left with little time and Kitster’s old but pimped pod racer, is not going to let sand stand in his way from rescuing Sabé.

Darth Vader (2020) #26 is one hell of a comic issue, with writer Greg Pak heavily relying on flashbacks to tell a story full of emotional moments for the Dark Lord of the Sith. Anakin’s hate for sand and attachment to his mother, Padmé, and now Sabé are the main themes of this comic issue—with the Dark Lord determined to save the former handmaiden and erase the mistakes he has made as Anakin Skywalker. The most intriguing part of the issue is not necessarily the parallels between timelines, but more so Vader’s fondness for Sabé: does he see her as merely a shadow of his former love, Padmé or is the Dark Lord slowly developing an attachment to Sabé? Vader certainly needs some love after all the loss he’s experienced in his traumatic past, and Sabé could easily be the perfect match, could easily be what Padmé couldn’t when Anakin joined the Sith.

As always, artist Raffaele Ienco perfectly translates Pak’s storytelling in a bold and impactful way, with panels full of action and emotion. The red toned flashbacks (thanks to colorist Carlos Lopez) are a nice contrast to the intensity of Vader’s high speed rescue mission, all topped with VC’s Joe Caramagna’s dynamic lettering for depicting the artificial sandstorm, various explosions and other sound effects throughout the issue. The main cover for Darth Vader (2020) #26 is from Rahzzah, and it’s the best of the best—depicting Vader being buried by the sandstorm. Variant covers include one from artist Alex Maleev, showcasing a two faced version of Vader’s helmet, and yet another Choose your Destiny cover from the trio Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Rachelle Rosenberg featuring Darth Sidious and his iconic lightsaber.

Will Vader ultimately rescue Sabé and save the planet from certain doom? Make sure to find out by hopping on your custom pod racer and zooming down to your favorite comic book store today!