STAR WARS: VADER'S QUEST
The Death Star is destroyed, and Vader seeks vengeance on the one responsible

Writer: Darko Macan
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Colorist: Angus McKie
Letterer: Dave Gibbons
Trade Paperback
Published by Dark Horse/Titan Books 2000
$11.95/£9.99

Reviewed by Christian Adams

When the names went into the hat the Science Fiction buff in me secretly prayed to be drawn for the Star Wars TPB's. The Force was obviously with me, because 'Vader's Quest' landed on my doorstep and I eagerly tore open the package to stare at the cover. Drawn and Coloured by the book's creative team of Dave Gibbons and Angus McKie, it is instantly at once familiar and spectacular. With all the hallmarks of a Star Wars movie poster and looking beautiful, it appeared to bode well for the contents of the book.

"Traditionally, STAR WARS films begin with a large area spectacular, imposing a sense of awe and scale."

Traditionally, STAR WARS films begin with a large area spectacular, imposing a sense of awe and scale. So I was pretty surprised to find myself looking at a full page close up of a man's face, my scale and scope reduced to the most confined and minimalistic view. This puts you instantly in the location, grounds you in the story straight away and, while very different from a traditional STAR WARS beginning, is no less captivating or potent.

This story takes place just after Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star, and brings us in right at the start of Vader's search for the Rebel pilot responsible. Macan never fully explains the reason for Vader's initial commencement of this quest, but gives us enough information in the dialogue that we can draw our own conclusions.

There is one nice touch in this plot; personally, I always wondered how the Rebellion found an extra X-Wing for Luke to use. Macan has evidently been bugged by the same question, and offers us an explanation which, if a little slapstick, is better than nothing: Luke took the fighter of a Veteran pilot called Jal Te Gniev, who was ill with measels during the Battle of Yavin. But Jal is jealous of Luke's new found glory and sets out to prove himself... which leads straight to the heart of the problems Luke faces trying to outrun Darth Vader.

"The artwork is fantastic, having all the elements of the movies and feeling true to the mini-genre."

The artwork is fantastic, having all the elements of the movies and feeling true to the mini-genre. McKie's colours work well with Gibbons' pencils, and I'd like to see these two work together again. The dialogue was generally weak, notwithstanding that STAR WARS dialogue is often pretty dire anyway. But Macan does get the existing characters spot on; I particularly enjoyed his portrayal of Luke, the Farmboy-turned war hero and ambassador for the Alliance, as he struggles to reconcile his modesty and newfound fame.

The story isn't epic, and isn't likely to be remembered as a STAR WARS classic among fans. But it is very readable, and one I will have in my bookshelf to enjoy again.

Recommended (with reservations: You're not likely to enjoy this if you aren't already a Star Wars fan)

Christian Adams is a regular contributor to PopImage.

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