10 Best Darth Vader Comics You Can't Afford to Miss

The following is a guest post from SabersGuru.com

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Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey to a galaxy far, far away as we immerse ourselves in the depths of one one of the most legendary villains in history: Darth Vader!

With his formidable stature, command of the Force, and his terrifying respirator, Vader has captivated the hearts and ignited the imaginations of fans across the globe.

Let’s go on an exhilarating exploration through the top 10 comic book appearances of this iconic character. From his earliest exploits within the pages of Star Wars comics to his latest gripping adventures, these extraordinary narratives offer unparalleled glimpses into the psyche of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Best Darth Vader Comics

If you're a fan of Darth Vader and have yet to explore the captivating realm of comics featuring this iconic character, you're definitely missing out! Over the years, a ton of extraordinary tales featuring the Dark Lord of the Sith have been crafted, no doubt leaving a mark on the Star Wars universe. 

To embark on your journey into the enthralling world of Vader comics, we present our curated top picks that are guaranteed to leave you awestruck. 

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#1 Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith Vol 1: Imperial Machine

Prepare to be immersed in the gripping world of Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith! This exhilarating series delves deep into the psyche of Vader, picking up the story after the explosive events of "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith."

Follow the journey of the newly anointed Sith Lord as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of the Galactic Empire while grappling with the haunting ghosts of his past life as Anakin Skywalker. With breathtaking artwork and compelling storytelling by Charles Soule and Giuseppe Camuncoli, this comic uncovers the uncharted depths of Vader's tormented soul. Witness the inner turmoil and conflicting forces that propel him to become one of the most feared and formidable figures in the galaxy.

Star Wars: Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 1 — Imperial Machine is a Canon trade paperback comprising the first six issues of the acclaimed comic-book series by Charles Soule. Additionally, it includes the captivating story "No Good Deed..." by Chris Eliopoulos and Jordie Bellaire. Published by Marvel Comics on December 5, 2017, this volume is an essential addition to any fan's collection.

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#2 Darth Vader And The Ghost Prison

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Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison picks up immediately after the events of Star Wars: Episode III and follows the infamous Darth Vader as he embarks on a mission to quell a potential rebellion brewing within the Empire's ranks.

However, his path takes a treacherous turn when he stumbles upon the Ghost Prison, a clandestine facility where the Empire houses its most dangerous prisoners. As Vader investigates, he becomes ensnared alongside a group of rebels who seek to wrest control of the prison.

For those craving intense lightsaber action, "Darth Vader: Ghost Prison" is a must-read. Witness Vader wielding his iconic red blade with unrivaled ferocity as he confronts the rebels and navigates the perils of the Ghost Prison. By delving into the lightsaber color meanings, you can elevate your status as an even more devoted Star Wars fan.

With the future of the Empire hanging in the balance, Vader must traverse the treacherous corridors of the prison, battling both his internal demons and the captivating leader of the rebels. This adrenaline-filled experience offers non-stop action, breathtaking artwork, and a gripping storyline that will leave you enthralled until the very end.

The "Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison" comic mini-series, written by W. Haden Blackman, consists of five thrilling issues and is a must read for any Darth Vader fan. 

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#3 Dark Lord's Gambit

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Dark Lord's Gambit is a comic released on February 5, 1980, by the talented Archie Goodwin as part of the original Star Wars Marvel comics. 

The story takes place in the aftermath of the Empire's devastating loss—the destruction of the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon. Fueled by a deep-seated thirst for revenge, Darth Vader, sets a cunning plan into motion as he learns the name of the boy responsible for the Empire's downfall.

As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed, illuminating the boy's origins and the profound significance of his encounter with the Death Star. Each revelation stokes the flames of Vader's burning desire for retribution, while other characters grapple with the complexities of their loyalties and the moral implications of their actions.

This iconic comic issue stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the franchise. Prepare to be enthralled by Archie Goodwin's masterful storytelling, as the vivid artwork and engaging narrative transport you to a galaxy far, far away, where darkness and redemption collide in an unforgettable clash.

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#4 Darth Vader and the Lost Command

Experience an exciting journey with Darth Vader in "Darth Vader and the Lost Command"! The book was written by Haden Blackman and illustrated by Rick Leonardi.

The story occurs right after "Star Wars Episode III:Revenge of the Sith." Emperor Palpatine assigns Vader the task of retrieving a missing Imperial fleet that holds valuable resources and technology essential for the Empire's dominance.

But the journey will be challenging. He knew he had to suppress his desire for revenge, to focus on the mission's success rather than succumbing to the darkness within him.

As they pursue the rebels, Vader faces numerous setbacks and begins to question his loyalty to the Empire and his relationship with Emperor Palpatine. 

Will he overcome these obstacles and complete his mission, or will the rebels prove too powerful? Find out in "Darth Vader and the Lost Command"!

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#5 Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 2 — Shadows and Secrets

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Prepare yourself for an exhilarating experience with Darth Vader Book II: Shadows and Secrets which brims with heart-pumping excitement.

In this captivating installment in the 2015 Darth Vader comic run, Kieron Gillen expertly weaves together the elements of intense combat and strategy, while Salvador Larroca's stunning illustrations breathe life into the mesmerizing lightsaber battles that unfold on the pages.

Following the devastating obliteration of the Death Star, Darth Vader embarks on a high-stakes mission to unveil the culprits behind the audacious attack. As he seeks justice, Vader acknowledges the crucial role of wielding the best lightsaber for dueling. His iconic red lightsaber, boasting a menacing crimson blade, becomes an extension of his indomitable power.

As the story unfolds, the stakes escalate when Vader unexpectedly forms an unlikely alliance with Doctor Aphra, a brilliant and resourceful companion. Together, they race against time, striving to unravel the mystery behind the attack and aid the Emperor's grand designs.

Venturing deeper into the treacherous realm of political intrigue and betrayal, Vader confronts his haunting past and grapples with the guilt stemming from his relationship with Padmé Amidala.

Will Vader emerge victorious, securing his grip on power, or will the galaxy witness the shattering of the Sith Lord's dominance? This is a gripping tale that will leave you eagerly turning each page, yearning to discover the fate of the galaxy itself.

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#6 Darth Vader And The Ninth Assassin

Brought to life by Dark Horse Comics in 2013, this series continues the saga after the Prequel Trilogy. This epic tale follows Darth Vader as he embarks on a perilous mission, relentlessly pursuing a group of deadly assassins intent on ending his reign as dark lord of the Sith.

As Vader ventures into the treacherous unknown, an ominous and sinister plot begins to unfold, casting a shadow over the entire Galactic Empire. With each encounter, Vader must draw upon his formidable skills and cunning to navigate the lethal confrontations. Yet, amidst the relentless battles, he also grapples with the haunting memories of his past and confronts the inner demons that plague him.

Written by the talented Tim Siedell and brought to life through the captivating illustrations of Ivan Fernandez, this series has garnered a devoted fan base for its compelling storytelling. Prepare to be enthralled as the narrative delves into the depths of darkness, leaving you on the edge of your seat, eagerly consuming each gripping installment.

If you crave an epic adventure filled with action, intrigue, and imminent peril, join Darth Vader on his quest to uncover the truth and safeguard the Empire. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey that will captivate your imagination and redefine your perception of the Sith Lord.

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#7 Star Wars: Purge

Experience the gripping aftermath of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith as you join Darth Vader on his relentless mission to hunt down and eliminate any surviving Jedi who managed to escape the devastating Order 66.

Within the pages of this exceptional comic series, you'll embark on an electrifying and action-packed journey across the galaxy. Masterfully written by John Ostrander and brought to life by a talented team of artists including Doug Wheatley, Jim Hall, Jan Duursema, and more, this series will captivate your imagination.

The series unfolds in two compelling story arcs: "Purge" and "Purge: Seconds to Die." In the first arc, Vader pursues Jedi Master Tsui Choi and his Padawan, who courageously attempt to liberate a group of imprisoned Jedi from the clutches of the Empire. The second arc follows Vader's relentless pursuit of a hidden enclave of Jedi on a remote planet, as he seeks to extinguish the last remnants of the Jedi Order.

This series offers a captivating exploration of one of the most enigmatic and iconic characters in the vast Star Wars universe. Along the way, beloved characters like Shaak Ti and Ki-Adi-Mundi make memorable appearances, adding to the rich tapestry of this thrilling addition to the "Star Wars" canon.

Prepare yourself for a compelling narrative that unravels the complex layers of Darth Vader's existence and sheds light on the enduring legacy of the Jedi. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this extraordinary chapter in the Star Wars saga.

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#8 Vader Down

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Get ready for an epic showdown in Vader Down, the thrilling six-issue crossover event brought to life by Marvel Comics. Set in the aftermath of Darth Vader - Shadows and Secrets, between the events of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope and Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, it combines the ongoing Darth Vader and Star Wars comic book series.

The story begins as Darth Vader tracks down Luke Skywalker to the planet Vrogas Vas. Vader's intention is to capture Skywalker and bring him before the Emperor, however, during his pursuit, Vader's TIE is shot down by Rebel forces, and he crash-lands on the planet's surface.

Meanwhile, the Rebel Alliance, led by Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Chewbacca, receives information about Vader's crash landing. Recognizing the opportunity to strike a blow against the Empire, the Rebels mobilize their forces to engage Vader. As these iconic characters collide, the intensity escalates, and both sides employ every resource at their disposal to gain the upper hand in this high-stakes encounter.

Within the pages of "Vader Down," readers will delve into the depths of Darth Vader's dark and twisted past, as thrilling flashbacks shed light on the Sith Lord's past. With its gripping storyline and masterful artwork, "Vader Down" is a must-read for any fan of the Star Wars universe, offering an immersive experience that will leave you craving more.

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#9 Target Vader

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Star Wars: Target Vader is an action-packed comic written by Robbie Thompson and brought to life by a talented artistic team. This thrilling adventure sets a team of bounty hunters against the formidable Darth Vader himself, as they attempt to take down the notorious Dark Lord of the Sith.

In the comic, a criminal organization known as The Hidden Hand attracts Vader's attention by supplying weapons to the Rebel Alliance. Desperate to save themselves from Vader's wrath, The Hidden Hand hires a team of vengeful bounty hunters led by the infamous Beilert Valance. Each hunter harbors a personal grudge against Vader and is willing to go to any lengths to bring him down. However, they soon realize that defeating Vader requires more than just firepower. Trust issues and secrets emerge within the team, adding to the suspense as they navigate a dangerous game of betrayal and redemption.

Robbie Thompson's expert storytelling and the dynamic artwork in Target Vader create an immersive and thrilling reading experience. The comic is a standalone series that can be enjoyed by both casual fans and avid Star Wars enthusiasts. 

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#10 Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 18: Bad Ground

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Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 18: Bad Ground engages readers in a heart-pounding and high-stakes chase between Governor Wilhuff Tarkin and Darth Vader. From the perspective of Tarkin, the story unfolds on Chandar's Folly in the Outer Rim Territories, where he leads a group of bounty hunters on a relentless pursuit of Vader. 

The tension escalates as Tarkin and his dwindling team maneuver through treacherous terrain, always aware of Vader's presence. Vader deliberately exposes himself, donning the hide of a Valath to blend into the environment, enticing Tarkin and his hunters to pursue him. With an arsenal of flamethrowers and slugthrowers, Tarkin's group aims to exploit Vader's weaknesses. However, the Sith Lord proves to be an unyielding adversary, leaving behind a trail while simultaneously hunting those who seek him.

With its relentless pace, the dynamic relationship between Tarkin and Vader, and the exploration of Vader's formidable abilities, Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 18: Bad Ground is an essential addition to any Star Wars enthusiast's collection. This comic immerses readers in the thrilling action, captures the essence of iconic characters, and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Don't miss out on this captivating and immersive experience that will leave fans eager for more.

Conclusion

Exploring the fascinating world of Darth Vader through comics is an absolute must for any Star Wars fan. These comics we’ve curated here are essential additions to any fan's collection, offering an immersive experience that will leave you wanting more from one of the most iconic villains in history.

Whether you're seeking tales of redemption, further insights into Vader’s past, or just thrilling adventures within the Star Wars universe, these comics deliver on every front. So, grab a comic, immerse yourself in the dark side, and experience the epic saga of Darth Vader in a whole new light.