"Darth Vader #18: Red Revenge" by Greg Pak

"Darth Vader #18: Red Revenge" written by Greg Pak, illustrated by Leonard Kirk and Alex Sinclair

This one was a bit bizarre, but in a really good way...not like the most recent issues of this series. We are introduced to two whole new casts of wacky characters...the second of which thinks Vader is the hero they've been waiting for...yikes!! The mash-up of these new characters with Vader and Ochi of Bestoon is going to be one heck of an interesting ride!! (Note: I'm still unsure of how the "Bounty Hunters" comic is going to be able to coincide with this comic if Ochi continues to play a large role in both.)

Crimson Dawn has been wreaking havoc across the planet Vincorba in the Expansion Region, seducing the Holy Man leader of a settlement of non-humans into working for them. The people have been drained dry of resources as Crimson Dawn demands tribute after tribute. The Holy Man and his little brother arrive on the scene ensconced in a bubble of protective light (see below) and a fight breaks out between the Crimson Dawn enforcers and the locals--the little brother: "There is no danger, Your Holiness, the Provider still blesses us." the Holy Man: "Ha. The Provider has forsaken us, little brother. We chose the power and riches of Crimson Dawn instead. But with these guards, our corporeal safety is assured...no matter what the Provider sends our way."

Then the new cast of crazy characters begins to appear, starting with Chilla Zin, Black Card Master of the Assassins Guild (see below). He's a big, burly, insectoid being who attacks and brings down the Crimson Dawn enforcers with ease. The second to show up is a large spherical droid named G-90 (see below) who just rolls over everyone in its path...and releases thermal detonators. And third is a sniper named Loriach (see below) who manages to finally kill the Holy Man. These three were hired by Ochi to take out Crimson Dawn's presence on Vincorba, "This was just a test to see if you were ready for a permanent job. And you passed." Chilla isn't too happy about this turn of events, "Hang on. We're freelancers. One gig at a time. No exclusive contracts." But of course Vader will not take "No" for an answer...

We then move on to the planet Calior in the Outer Rim where Crimson Dawn is also making a move to exact astronomical tribute from the populace, this time with the help of stormtroopers turned Crimson Dawn operatives, along with Chief Regional Auditor Cygnus Anton (a super cool looking avian being--he looks like a parrot, see below). Cygnus demands that the settlement surrender their claim to the southern water works, telling them they'll have continued access...as long as they pay 5000 credits in MONTHLY tribute!! Gracious alive!! Luckily, this is when the second new cast of characters shows up, bombing the Imperial shuttle, and striding in all bada**, calling the Auditor and his soldiers, "Dawner Trash!" and "Crimson Scum." According to one of the stormtroopers, the Trandoshan, human (?), and Weequay are called the Revengers (see below). They seem to be outnumbered and then Ochi and his new crew from Vincorba show up and wreak havoc on the attacking scout walkers, quickly followed by Vader in his TIE-advanced. The Revengers have never heard of Vader...crazy to think about!!...and so they immediately see him as the settlement's hero: "the hero we've been waiting for" (see below). As Ochi whispers to Vader, "So now we've got a team of true believers...and you're their new hero. So we can send 'em out to soften up the field before we use our real killers." But who are these "real killers"?!? Is Ochi referring to Valance? Cuz that doesn't make any sense...Valance has his own comic series. I'm quite intrigued by this entire set up for what's to come!

We end with an extremely interesting visit to Polis Massa by Sabe herself...she's still out for Vader...but she reveals to the droid she finds there that she doesn't know what to do with him once she finds him...very curious indeed!! And that's not to mention the REAL reveal!!! I'll keep that one a surprise for now...but you might be able to guess seeing as this comic has taken a very clear turn in its direction...

This was a great issue that truly re-invigorated what I felt like was a comic series that had completely lost its way. It feels like we're starting fresh with a new storyline and new characters and a new "bad guy" (bad guy toward Vader that is) so I'm hoping that next issue will continue this trend!

-Marie E. Wilson a.k.a. @AliaMorgaine