Sirk TV Graphic Novel Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES - TALES FROM VADER'S CASTLE [IDW]

Seeing the textures of this series put together doesn't diminish its tale at all but gives it a fuller conception as a cautionary tale. "Star Wars Adventures: Tales From Vader's Castle" [Cavan Scott/IDW/120pgs] tells the approach of a rebel team into the planet of Mustafar which has become Anakin/Darth Vader's home either by conscious or unconscious perception. It is fitting but also bathed in metaphor as it should be. As seen in parallel to say "The Mummy" from 1999, every character has their own flaws but also must know their limits. The lead character, a female pilot Llla, does not seem aware of Vader but the stories here correlate to the actual confidence building of a small insect-like crew member in Skritt (honestly the weakest part of the story). Different characters tell different stories like Han Solo on one of his misadventures where he is caught in the path of one of the disgraced witches who helped resurrect Darth Maul or an Ewok who was led astray in his aspect to avoid strife and appease his predators. Ultimately this reflects back on Vader's merciless pursuit of the rebels until they leave. He takes down one of their ranks in Hudd, a gluttonous thief but does so off-screen while also dismantling one of the droids with his light saber. But ultimately there is a sadness in Vader simply because you almost understand he wants to be left alone but yet is brought out as a blunt instrument as that is his purpose.B+

By Tim Wassberg