Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 – Vader

Set immediately after the destruction of the Death Star, this volume follows Darth Vader as he navigates the aftermath of his greatest military failure. Stripped of favor and forced to answer to a suspicious Emperor, Vader must restore his standing while secretly pursuing his own investigations into the rebel pilot who destroyed the battle station. Along the way he forges uneasy alliances, including with the fan‑favorite archaeologist Doctor Aphra, and maneuvers through the treacherous politics of the Empire. Written by Kieron Gillen, known for his character-driven work at Marvel and in independent comics, the story blends space opera action with intrigue and psychological depth. It offers a compelling portrait of Vader as both ruthless enforcer and calculating survivor, making it an essential read for Star Wars fans interested in the dark side’s inner workings.