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Star Wars Legends Epic Collection #19
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire, Vol. 1
Let the dark times begin! Marvel welcomes Star Wars to the Epic Collection program, with this first volume of a series focusing on the years that follow "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"! After the end of the Clone Wars, the Republic has fallen and Palatine exerts his ruthless grip on his new Galactic Empire. Now, the few Jedi that remain must decide whether to hold true to their faith, or abandon it completely in the face of a brutal purge--one carried out by the new Dark Lord of the Sith. Rise, Darth Vader!
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: REPUBLIC 78-80; STAR WARS: PURGE, PURGE - SECONDS TO DIE, PURGE - THE HIDDEN BLADE ONE-SHOTS; STAR WARS: PURGE - THE TYRANT'S FIST 1-2; STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE LOST COMMAND 1-5; STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: REPUBLIC 78-80; STAR WARS: PURGE, PURGE - SECONDS TO DIE, PURGE - THE HIDDEN BLADE ONE-SHOTS; STAR WARS: PURGE - THE TYRANT'S FIST 1-2; STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE LOST COMMAND 1-5; STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
137 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
John Ostrander
2,082 books172 followersJohn Ostrander is an American writer of comic books. He is best known for his work on Suicide Squad, Grimjack and Star Wars: Legacy, series he helped create.
Originally an actor in a Chicago theatre company, Ostrander moved into writing comics in 1983. His first published works were stories about the character "Sargon, Mistress of War", who appeared the First Comics series Warp!, based on a series of plays by that same Chicago theatre company. He is co-creator of the character Grimjack with Timothy Truman, who originally appeared in a back up story in the First Comics title, Starslayer, before going on to appear in his own book, again published by First Comics in the mid 1980s. First Comics ceased publication in 1991, by which time Ostrander was already doing work for other comics companies (his first scripts for DC Comics were published in 1986).
Prior to his career in comic books, Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes himself as an agnostic. His in-depth explorations of morality were later used in his work writing The Spectre, a DC Comics series about the manifestation of the wrath of God. His focus on the character's human aspect, a dead police detective from the 1930s named Jim Corrigan, and his exploration of moral and theological themes brought new life to a character often thought of as impossible to write. He has also worked on Firestorm, Justice League, Martian Manhunter, Manhunter, Suicide Squad, and Wasteland for DC.
Originally an actor in a Chicago theatre company, Ostrander moved into writing comics in 1983. His first published works were stories about the character "Sargon, Mistress of War", who appeared the First Comics series Warp!, based on a series of plays by that same Chicago theatre company. He is co-creator of the character Grimjack with Timothy Truman, who originally appeared in a back up story in the First Comics title, Starslayer, before going on to appear in his own book, again published by First Comics in the mid 1980s. First Comics ceased publication in 1991, by which time Ostrander was already doing work for other comics companies (his first scripts for DC Comics were published in 1986).
Prior to his career in comic books, Ostrander studied theology with the intent of becoming a Catholic priest, but now describes himself as an agnostic. His in-depth explorations of morality were later used in his work writing The Spectre, a DC Comics series about the manifestation of the wrath of God. His focus on the character's human aspect, a dead police detective from the 1930s named Jim Corrigan, and his exploration of moral and theological themes brought new life to a character often thought of as impossible to write. He has also worked on Firestorm, Justice League, Martian Manhunter, Manhunter, Suicide Squad, and Wasteland for DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 26, 2018
The Empire is a 400-page epic collection featuring the legends from the dawn of the Empire, a powerhouse led by the cunning Emperor and his deadly apprentice, Vader. Many stories from this era is told in these pages, like
Vader and the Invisible apple
Sidious: The loneliest Sith in the Galaxy
Okay, I'm joking. It's a disease.
This collection features many short arcs including the Purge collection, along with two major story arcs: Darth Vader and the Lost Command & first volume of Dark Times. Want to know what's it all about?
Shorts + Purge Collection. ★★★✬
These tales focus on the days after order 66 which led to the massacre of Jedi masters, and Vader's obsession with hunting down the last of Jedi survivors. Most of them are good, with many stories focusing on the despair and last stands of Jedi order. Two of the stories stand out, Primarily because they are told from Vader's point of view. One is Tyrant's fist, which follows Vader's attempts to eliminate a challenging Jedi Master, and another is The Hidden blade, which had a good story and amazing artwork.
Darth Vader and the Lost Command ★★★
After a humiliating failure, Vader is entrusted with the task to track down the Admiral and an entire platoon that went missing during a mission. To make the matters more complicated, the Admiral is none other than Moff Tarkin's Son!
While the premise and the opening act are excellent, the story is riddled with crappy art and an average last act. I really liked the action and attack maneuvers of the troopers, the "civil war", and Vader's alternative timeline dreams. I wish the story had a better artist and an exciting ending.
*Emperor Palpatine or a homeless dude?*
Dark Times ★★★★
Jedi Dass Jennir has joined the courageous Separatist group to fight against the Empire... and they are minutes away from death. But as fate would have it, the world has other plans for the Jedi.
This story was a pleasant surprise. I thought the story won't amount to much, but contrary to my expectation, it was filled with interesting characters and bold story arcs. I loved the harsh characterization and the writing, but I'm not sure why Vader was in it though.
This volume is filled with the Dark side of the force with full-on 'Vader-on-rampage' factor. The Jedi are on defense here, and it's a helluva ride. Recommended!
Vader and the Invisible apple
Sidious: The loneliest Sith in the Galaxy
Okay, I'm joking. It's a disease.
This collection features many short arcs including the Purge collection, along with two major story arcs: Darth Vader and the Lost Command & first volume of Dark Times. Want to know what's it all about?
Shorts + Purge Collection. ★★★✬
These tales focus on the days after order 66 which led to the massacre of Jedi masters, and Vader's obsession with hunting down the last of Jedi survivors. Most of them are good, with many stories focusing on the despair and last stands of Jedi order. Two of the stories stand out, Primarily because they are told from Vader's point of view. One is Tyrant's fist, which follows Vader's attempts to eliminate a challenging Jedi Master, and another is The Hidden blade, which had a good story and amazing artwork.
Darth Vader and the Lost Command ★★★
After a humiliating failure, Vader is entrusted with the task to track down the Admiral and an entire platoon that went missing during a mission. To make the matters more complicated, the Admiral is none other than Moff Tarkin's Son!
While the premise and the opening act are excellent, the story is riddled with crappy art and an average last act. I really liked the action and attack maneuvers of the troopers, the "civil war", and Vader's alternative timeline dreams. I wish the story had a better artist and an exciting ending.
*Emperor Palpatine or a homeless dude?*
Dark Times ★★★★
Jedi Dass Jennir has joined the courageous Separatist group to fight against the Empire... and they are minutes away from death. But as fate would have it, the world has other plans for the Jedi.
This story was a pleasant surprise. I thought the story won't amount to much, but contrary to my expectation, it was filled with interesting characters and bold story arcs. I loved the harsh characterization and the writing, but I'm not sure why Vader was in it though.
Last Word
This volume is filled with the Dark side of the force with full-on 'Vader-on-rampage' factor. The Jedi are on defense here, and it's a helluva ride. Recommended!
April 29, 2019
This is a long one at 432 pages or so. There are several stories collected today in this volume. I enjoyed the last one about Jedi Dass Jenner. Vader has not yet killed him yet and it's a very good story so far about Jenner trying to save a friends wife and daughter from slavery and breaking his Jedi code to do it.
I love the stories between movie 3 and 4 with Darth Vader and seeing him simply fall apart. He is a man in pain obsessed with killing all Jedi. It is great grounds for good stories and really deserves a movie or two about this time period. It is rich for telling stories in. It's a dark time in the universe and it seems like there is very little hope. The rebellion has yet to emerge and times are bleak for everyone. People can see that life is not going to be easy under the empire.
I see that there are several collections of these Legends stories and I want to read the Old Republic ones. These stories go down easy and they entertain. I think the reason it's good to read them is we know that Luke Skywalker will come on the scene and bring back the light. As a reader, I know the hope coming and so I can withstand the darktimes. I still don't like seeing the Jedi die though. I keep wanting them to either escape or kill Vader. It does not happen. I'm still a fan of the Jedi.
If they can keep this level of stories going, then the star wars universe is in good hands.
I love the stories between movie 3 and 4 with Darth Vader and seeing him simply fall apart. He is a man in pain obsessed with killing all Jedi. It is great grounds for good stories and really deserves a movie or two about this time period. It is rich for telling stories in. It's a dark time in the universe and it seems like there is very little hope. The rebellion has yet to emerge and times are bleak for everyone. People can see that life is not going to be easy under the empire.
I see that there are several collections of these Legends stories and I want to read the Old Republic ones. These stories go down easy and they entertain. I think the reason it's good to read them is we know that Luke Skywalker will come on the scene and bring back the light. As a reader, I know the hope coming and so I can withstand the darktimes. I still don't like seeing the Jedi die though. I keep wanting them to either escape or kill Vader. It does not happen. I'm still a fan of the Jedi.
If they can keep this level of stories going, then the star wars universe is in good hands.
November 8, 2021
Fun, well-made, and action-packed comics from a galaxy far, far away.
(Loved that one of the comics used the word "officious"!)
(Loved that one of the comics used the word "officious"!)
November 16, 2017
A solid and hefty collection of various older Dark Horse Star Wars comics set right after Episode III and the Order 66. Mostly one-shots here, some are better than the others, but the most notable thing in this entire collection is the outstanding first five-issue arc of the Dark Times series, which I've read before and came here to read again. This is truly a great story that feels like Star Wars, and yet adds something more to it. It focuses on the rogue jedi Dass Jennir and the crew of the smuggling ship called Uhumele on the run from the Empire. It's pretty dark (hence the Dark Times title), but the characters are very interesting, especially Jennir, and the story is great — certainly better than most of the current Marvel SW titles that are stuck in this weird limbo between episodes IV and V and don't really do anything with anything. Anyway, I can't wait to finally read the rest of the Dark Times series in the next two omnibuses.
February 10, 2016
End of the Republic (R78-80). These are nice stories for how they paint on a wide canvas with lots of one-off characters. "Loyalties" is the better, probably due to Ostrander's writing, but also because it shows the Empire's officers being forced into their new jobs, in a way that gives you sympathy for them [8/10]. "Into the Unknown" instead shows the downfall of the Jedi, and that it's not as surprising or tightly written, it's still a nice piece about a changing galaxy [7/10]. Both of these stories have very attractive art too.
Purge. The Empire ascends and Vadar kills a bunch of Jedi. It's a nice bit of continuity, following on from Episode III, but it really doesn't make for a very suspenseful plot. Ostrander's stories exemplify the problem: they're good enough, but after writing the story once in the original Purge, he then has to play wacky games with chronology in his second outing ("Seconds to Die") to keep things interesting. (Admittedly, he succeeds.) Blackman similarly has to offer a big twist ("The Hidden Blade") to keep his readers on their toes. Nonetheless, all of these stories are shallow, repetitive, and not that interesting [5/10].
Purge: The Tyrant's Fist. Freed is the only author to do anything interesting with the Purge, possibly because he has two issues to tell his story. As a result, he gets to detail minor characters and create a deeper story. However, he also offers a big twist on the Purge and uses it as a bookend to the entire sequence [7/10]
Darth Vader & The Lost Command. This is a nice arc mainly for its depiction of Darth Vader. I'm not convinced that it matches the other comics from the immediate post-III period, but Blackman does a great job of depicting a Vader who is still uncertain of himself and unrespected by his fellows. It's a really nice transition between III and IV, between Anakin and Vader. This arc's only problem is that it's too decompressed. Too many pages go by with few words and many pictures, making this a very quick read. [7/10]
Dark Times (1-5). This is a nice continuation of the characters and plots from issues #79-80 of The Republic. I particularly enjoy the Jedi Dass Jennir, who's being painted with a delicacy that Lucas could have wished for in the prequel trilogy. The plotline and art are also great [7+/10].
Overall, I love this careful collection of a variety of material set in the same time period. Unfortunately, it also shows off the weaknesses of this sort of compilation. Vader, the Emperor, and their relationship seems all over the place throughout this volume, without the consistency I'd like to see. Still, there are lots of good stories here, that feel like they have more depth than recent Marvel publications because the Dark Horse authors were painting on a larger canvas.
Purge. The Empire ascends and Vadar kills a bunch of Jedi. It's a nice bit of continuity, following on from Episode III, but it really doesn't make for a very suspenseful plot. Ostrander's stories exemplify the problem: they're good enough, but after writing the story once in the original Purge, he then has to play wacky games with chronology in his second outing ("Seconds to Die") to keep things interesting. (Admittedly, he succeeds.) Blackman similarly has to offer a big twist ("The Hidden Blade") to keep his readers on their toes. Nonetheless, all of these stories are shallow, repetitive, and not that interesting [5/10].
Purge: The Tyrant's Fist. Freed is the only author to do anything interesting with the Purge, possibly because he has two issues to tell his story. As a result, he gets to detail minor characters and create a deeper story. However, he also offers a big twist on the Purge and uses it as a bookend to the entire sequence [7/10]
Darth Vader & The Lost Command. This is a nice arc mainly for its depiction of Darth Vader. I'm not convinced that it matches the other comics from the immediate post-III period, but Blackman does a great job of depicting a Vader who is still uncertain of himself and unrespected by his fellows. It's a really nice transition between III and IV, between Anakin and Vader. This arc's only problem is that it's too decompressed. Too many pages go by with few words and many pictures, making this a very quick read. [7/10]
Dark Times (1-5). This is a nice continuation of the characters and plots from issues #79-80 of The Republic. I particularly enjoy the Jedi Dass Jennir, who's being painted with a delicacy that Lucas could have wished for in the prequel trilogy. The plotline and art are also great [7+/10].
Overall, I love this careful collection of a variety of material set in the same time period. Unfortunately, it also shows off the weaknesses of this sort of compilation. Vader, the Emperor, and their relationship seems all over the place throughout this volume, without the consistency I'd like to see. Still, there are lots of good stories here, that feel like they have more depth than recent Marvel publications because the Dark Horse authors were painting on a larger canvas.
March 13, 2021
Really enjoyed this. Hunting jedi was the main premise. Different writers and artists but the stories all resemble similar plots in that someone was being hunted or Hunting. Good fun
June 9, 2017
This is a collection of various STAR WARS comics that take place directly after the events of Episode 3 (Revenge of the Sith) and primarily are focused around the Empire's role in eliminating the remaining Jedi in the galaxy. The comics in this collection come from the Republic, Purge, and Dark Times series along with the miniseries Darth Vader and the Lost Command.
The first three comics introduce us to a few of the major characters we will be following in the EMPIRE volumes of the epic collection: a Jedi knight named Dass Jennier, Bomo Greenbark, and, of course, Darth Vader. They serve their purpose well enough, but showing right away the full brutal, relentless force of the Empire as they slay any Jedi they see without question. We also get a sense of the resilience of the survivors and see how they'll try to band together in the face of tyranny. Vader doesn't play a huge role in these first few comics though.
The Purge comics are where Darth Vader really starts to flex his powers. There are four separate stories told here, the last one over two comics. They each tell a story of Jedis attempting to band together to take down Vader and the brutal, inevitable outcomes. They are great, you really never get a sense of just how powerful Vader can be in most Star Wars stories, he's more of a foreboding presence that can choke someone from across the room. These comics really display his awesome strength and abilities very well.
Darth Vader and the Lost Command is about Darth Vader's mission to find Grand Moff Tarkin's son, who went missing on a expedition. The mission will take Vader to the mysterious Ghost Nebula and have him at odds with Lady Soro, the religious leader of that system. Vader really gets taken to some dark places here and we see him dealing with the events of Episode 3 on a very deep level. It's the best part of this collection.
The Dark Times comics are the majority of what's collection the EMPIRE volumes of the Epic Collection series. The first five issues are collected here and they further introduce us to Dass and Bomo, but also to the crew of the ship they'll be flying with throughout these comics. They are making their way to a slave colony to rescue Bomo's wife and daughter who were taken there during a battles between the natives of Bomos planet and the Empire. Much like the name of the series, it's an incredibly bleak, dark story that these comics tell. They are decent though, but suffer because some of the characters just really weren't that memorable to me. The story is great though.
All in all, this is an awesome collection of Star Wars comics. The best thing is that they focus purely on the darker, Empire based stories and allow for anyone looking for those types of stories to have them in one collection. Highly recommended.
The first three comics introduce us to a few of the major characters we will be following in the EMPIRE volumes of the epic collection: a Jedi knight named Dass Jennier, Bomo Greenbark, and, of course, Darth Vader. They serve their purpose well enough, but showing right away the full brutal, relentless force of the Empire as they slay any Jedi they see without question. We also get a sense of the resilience of the survivors and see how they'll try to band together in the face of tyranny. Vader doesn't play a huge role in these first few comics though.
The Purge comics are where Darth Vader really starts to flex his powers. There are four separate stories told here, the last one over two comics. They each tell a story of Jedis attempting to band together to take down Vader and the brutal, inevitable outcomes. They are great, you really never get a sense of just how powerful Vader can be in most Star Wars stories, he's more of a foreboding presence that can choke someone from across the room. These comics really display his awesome strength and abilities very well.
Darth Vader and the Lost Command is about Darth Vader's mission to find Grand Moff Tarkin's son, who went missing on a expedition. The mission will take Vader to the mysterious Ghost Nebula and have him at odds with Lady Soro, the religious leader of that system. Vader really gets taken to some dark places here and we see him dealing with the events of Episode 3 on a very deep level. It's the best part of this collection.
The Dark Times comics are the majority of what's collection the EMPIRE volumes of the Epic Collection series. The first five issues are collected here and they further introduce us to Dass and Bomo, but also to the crew of the ship they'll be flying with throughout these comics. They are making their way to a slave colony to rescue Bomo's wife and daughter who were taken there during a battles between the natives of Bomos planet and the Empire. Much like the name of the series, it's an incredibly bleak, dark story that these comics tell. They are decent though, but suffer because some of the characters just really weren't that memorable to me. The story is great though.
All in all, this is an awesome collection of Star Wars comics. The best thing is that they focus purely on the darker, Empire based stories and allow for anyone looking for those types of stories to have them in one collection. Highly recommended.
May 17, 2015
"For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire" - Obi-Wan Kenobi
"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin
Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.
This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:
Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5
Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
"The Jedi are extinct, their fire has gone out of the universe. You, my friend, are all that's left of their religion ... " - Grand Moff Tarkin
Set between the times of 'Episode III: Revenge of the Sith' and 'Episode IV: A New Hope', this is the first of two collections that deals with just how the Jedi Order became (all but) extinct; just how Darth Vader went about hunting and purging his former comrades.
This collection consists of the following comic-books runs:
Star Wars: Republic #78-80
Star Wars: Purge
Star Wars: Purge - Seconds to Die
Star Wars: Purge - The Hidden Blade
Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant's Fist #1 and #2
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5
Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5
Obviously, then, Vader plays a large role in it, but not in *all* the stories contained. As a collection, as well, some of the stories are better than others, with (similarly) some of the art also stronger than others.
June 19, 2016
This was an eclectic collection of comic book stories based in the Star Wars Universe. The stories appear to occur immediately (or within a year or two) after the end of the Clone Wars (Revenge of the Sith). Most of the stories were good, a couple were bad. This is a collection of old comic books after all. While the death of more Jedi might appeal to some the stories of survival are more interesting. More stories about "normal" people dealing with the Empire would have been appreciated. There was just too much Darth Vader stomping around killing stuff for my liking.
I am not completely sure but since this is a new Disney / Marvel publication it might mean that these stories are cannon again.
I am not completely sure but since this is a new Disney / Marvel publication it might mean that these stories are cannon again.
September 20, 2016
The ending of this one takes a very dark turn.
December 25, 2021
WARNING! Here there be spoilers!
A very dark read in comparison to most of the traditional Star Wars fare from Disney and LucasFilm in terms of the films and shows. It is set in the Legends Universe moments after Order 66 is issued and Anakin becomes Vader. The majority of the Jedi are being massacred and insurgencies are being put down, mostly by Darth Vader himself. It's a grim and dark time for Hope.
Naturally, since this was written mostly in the times of the Prequel Trilogies' releases, you won't see most of the characters from The Clone Wars appear. Vader is mostly still a wild and reckless force of nature, and occasionally, he is too reckless and gets chastised. Most of the stories here are one-shots or just one-issue stories that link together, mostly about Vader hunting down his former brethren and his dark legend growing. The two main multi-issue stories are The Lost Command, where Vader is frequently haunted by a ghost of a dead character, while the other story is Dark Times, which is a really sad story that, like the Shawshank Redemption, shows that too much hope can hurt more than help. It was a good read and some interesting characters are introduced.
May the Force be with you!
A very dark read in comparison to most of the traditional Star Wars fare from Disney and LucasFilm in terms of the films and shows. It is set in the Legends Universe moments after Order 66 is issued and Anakin becomes Vader. The majority of the Jedi are being massacred and insurgencies are being put down, mostly by Darth Vader himself. It's a grim and dark time for Hope.
Naturally, since this was written mostly in the times of the Prequel Trilogies' releases, you won't see most of the characters from The Clone Wars appear. Vader is mostly still a wild and reckless force of nature, and occasionally, he is too reckless and gets chastised. Most of the stories here are one-shots or just one-issue stories that link together, mostly about Vader hunting down his former brethren and his dark legend growing. The two main multi-issue stories are The Lost Command, where Vader is frequently haunted by a ghost of a dead character, while the other story is Dark Times, which is a really sad story that, like the Shawshank Redemption, shows that too much hope can hurt more than help. It was a good read and some interesting characters are introduced.
May the Force be with you!
April 22, 2025
5/5 stars.
oh my god. you guys don't understand. i spontaneously went to this used bookstore with a friend and decided to look at the comic section AND I FOUND THIS.
originally i was like oh interesting i don't want to spend a lot of money so i'm not sure if i'll buy it
BUT THEN AS I'M RANDOMLY FLIPPING PAGES... YOU KNOW WHO I SEE.
PLO KOON. AND SHA KOON. you're kidding me. and i was sold
on the comic collection itself, god this hurt me SO much. like i genuinely got so sad reading these. the post-republic era makes me SO sad but it's so devastatingly interesting and captivating. my heart genuinely hurts.
it also
oh my god. you guys don't understand. i spontaneously went to this used bookstore with a friend and decided to look at the comic section AND I FOUND THIS.
originally i was like oh interesting i don't want to spend a lot of money so i'm not sure if i'll buy it
BUT THEN AS I'M RANDOMLY FLIPPING PAGES... YOU KNOW WHO I SEE.
PLO KOON. AND SHA KOON. you're kidding me. and i was sold
on the comic collection itself, god this hurt me SO much. like i genuinely got so sad reading these. the post-republic era makes me SO sad but it's so devastatingly interesting and captivating. my heart genuinely hurts.
it also
January 28, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. Most of the artwork is very good. The stories moved at a good pace. I did like some of the stories more than others. There was good character development for some of the various characters in this compilation. The stories collected were chosen and placed in a "chronological order" to show the how the Empire began forming over the years between Episodes III and IV. Overall, I thought it was well-done; the artwork in this collection was much superior than in the Rebellion collection.
It was a very good compilation; it put together a great batch of stories that were all interconnected, in some way. I am glad that I read this compilation; it was enjoyable, entertaining, and did a good job relating the history of what might have happened to various individuals during this "dark time" in galactic history.
It was a very good compilation; it put together a great batch of stories that were all interconnected, in some way. I am glad that I read this compilation; it was enjoyable, entertaining, and did a good job relating the history of what might have happened to various individuals during this "dark time" in galactic history.
January 31, 2020
Another absolutely fantastic collection of stories from the Dark Horse era of Star Wars novels.
The Path to Nowhere arc is heartbreaking.
The Path to Nowhere arc is heartbreaking.
January 28, 2017
To the best of my knowledge, this is an impressively cohesive volume of Dark Horse Star Wars comics, now re-published by Marvel in chronological - not release- order. The result, as is so often the case with these omnibus-style collections, is that there's no real standard of quality that runs through the whole book - there's stories here that are really great, and there's stories here that are considerably less great. It's, sadly, to be expected.
However, this volume seems, at least a little, less subject to the idea that there's an obvious stinker. There was something I enjoyed about all these stories, which is actually bizarre, because Darth Vader is not a character I consider as being able to hold up a narrative all on his own. The writers seem to understand - Darth Vader may be the focus (there's disappointingly no actual focus on the Empire as a whole, as the title might imply), but more often, he is still used sparingly, if not as the primary antagonist. This is good. I know there are a lot of fans of Darth Vader, but he really does work better when he's more of a metaphor, or cautionary tale, for the lives of other characters to bounce off of.
A few of these stories don't quite nail it, and those are easily the weakest ones. In particular, a few of these issues just use Darth Vader as a sort of cool looking robot guy, which is obviously rather shallow, but it does result in some admittedly ridiculous situations, like Darth Vader getting his arm cut off and wielding his now detached limb as a weapon in and of itself? There's a metallic sword that disables the blade of any lightsaber that clashes with it, which is... I mean, it sort of invalidates lightsabers as a weapon entirely, supposing you can get it sharp enough to cut through whatever a lightsaber can? Honestly, it's all quite stupid, and there's an audience for this stuff, but it errs on the side of the busy, overblown, technicolor nightmare of unrelated concepts that made up any given frame of the hapless Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Thankfully, the bulk of the plots in here are very much reminiscent of the sort of storytelling tenor that make the original trilogy work. It's creative, yet subdued, and works with rather strict (and ergo, familiar) archetypes. These are the stories that work best, and while they are initially presented as vignettes - single issues that don't really form an arc together - the back end of the book consists of two five-issue miniseries, and they're both the absolute highlight of the collection. It all plays on familiar Star Wars imagery - as all this sort of spin-off media inadvertently does - but there's always something new, a gimmick to hold one's interest, and the authorial tone varies wildly, so it's hard not to be engrossed by what is quite clearly unique interpretations of the Star Wars universe by impassioned artists who undoubtedly grew up with the franchise, as so many of us who consume fiction did.
Hardly a perfect collection, especially if you're not the biggest fan of Darth Vader (and I can't blame you; he's synonymous with possibly the worst of modern-day Star Wars), but it's a huge chunk of content, and it's all intriguing, if not inherently good, so I can't think of any reasons not to recommend it. Though, to be fair, Star Wars comics are rarely bad, in my experience - and there's a lot of them, so "pretty good" might not really be overwhelmingly positive praise, considering how saturated the market is.
However, this volume seems, at least a little, less subject to the idea that there's an obvious stinker. There was something I enjoyed about all these stories, which is actually bizarre, because Darth Vader is not a character I consider as being able to hold up a narrative all on his own. The writers seem to understand - Darth Vader may be the focus (there's disappointingly no actual focus on the Empire as a whole, as the title might imply), but more often, he is still used sparingly, if not as the primary antagonist. This is good. I know there are a lot of fans of Darth Vader, but he really does work better when he's more of a metaphor, or cautionary tale, for the lives of other characters to bounce off of.
A few of these stories don't quite nail it, and those are easily the weakest ones. In particular, a few of these issues just use Darth Vader as a sort of cool looking robot guy, which is obviously rather shallow, but it does result in some admittedly ridiculous situations, like Darth Vader getting his arm cut off and wielding his now detached limb as a weapon in and of itself? There's a metallic sword that disables the blade of any lightsaber that clashes with it, which is... I mean, it sort of invalidates lightsabers as a weapon entirely, supposing you can get it sharp enough to cut through whatever a lightsaber can? Honestly, it's all quite stupid, and there's an audience for this stuff, but it errs on the side of the busy, overblown, technicolor nightmare of unrelated concepts that made up any given frame of the hapless Star Wars prequel trilogy.
Thankfully, the bulk of the plots in here are very much reminiscent of the sort of storytelling tenor that make the original trilogy work. It's creative, yet subdued, and works with rather strict (and ergo, familiar) archetypes. These are the stories that work best, and while they are initially presented as vignettes - single issues that don't really form an arc together - the back end of the book consists of two five-issue miniseries, and they're both the absolute highlight of the collection. It all plays on familiar Star Wars imagery - as all this sort of spin-off media inadvertently does - but there's always something new, a gimmick to hold one's interest, and the authorial tone varies wildly, so it's hard not to be engrossed by what is quite clearly unique interpretations of the Star Wars universe by impassioned artists who undoubtedly grew up with the franchise, as so many of us who consume fiction did.
Hardly a perfect collection, especially if you're not the biggest fan of Darth Vader (and I can't blame you; he's synonymous with possibly the worst of modern-day Star Wars), but it's a huge chunk of content, and it's all intriguing, if not inherently good, so I can't think of any reasons not to recommend it. Though, to be fair, Star Wars comics are rarely bad, in my experience - and there's a lot of them, so "pretty good" might not really be overwhelmingly positive praise, considering how saturated the market is.
January 10, 2018
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol. 1, was a thrilling, epic, edge of your seat adventure through the galaxy. Now the stories contained in this volume are set during the Dark Times, between Revenge of the Sith & A New Hope, which means that there's lots of betrayal, corruption, rising of the Dark Side, & how did this happen to the galaxy vibe going on here. None of the stories collected herein have happy endings, one might even say that they're depressing. One great story takes place in issues of Star Wars Repbulic #79-80 & Star Wars Dark Times #1-5. In this story, a Jedi named Dass Jennir & a Nosaurian named Bomo Greenbark, once enemies during The Clone Wars, are now force to work together to survive. Bomo takes Jennir back to his camp, where the other Nosaurians, unaware of Order 66, want to hang, torture, beat, & tie up Jennir, but Bomo quickly comes to Jennir's rescue, stating that Jennir is now in hiding from the Clones, just as they are themselves. Then General Rootrock steps forward & puts an end to the situation, by telling the other Nosaurians, that Jennir is no longer their enemy & to let him go. After a couple of pages explaining why the Nosaurians & The Repbulic were enemies during The Clone Wars, Jennir sets off for Coruscant, where he sees first hand, the destruction of The Jedi Temple & everything that has happened as a result of Order 66. Feeling as though the Sith are victorious & the Jedi are no more, Jennir returns to New Plympto, where he decides to stay & fight with the Nosaurians. During their final battle, to hold the Clones back, Bomo's wife Mesa & daughter Resa escape the area with other escapees via transport & are headed for the planet Sullust. Once at the spaceport, they are taken as prisoners of the Empire, to be sold as slaves on Orvax IV. Back at the battle, only Dass Jennir & Bomo Greenbark have survived/escaped the annihilation of the Nosaurians by the Clone Army. Soon after they learn of the prisoners taken to be sold as slaves, & that Bomo's wife & daughter are two of those prisoners. So they end up hitching a ride with a lively crew, who agrees to help them with their rescue attempt & off they go to rescue Bomo's wife & daughter. I won't spoil the ending for you, but I will say that it doesn't end happily. The next story that stands out is, Darth Vader and the Lost Command. This story does something that most Star Wars stories don't, & that is, that it makes you feel sorry for Darth Vader instead of feeling afraid or showing how powerful he is. It actually has flashbacks of the life he could have had, had he not went to the Dark Side. It also shows how that losing Padme is slowly driving him insane, as he sees visions of her throughout the story. This story takes Darth Vader and shows him at his weakest, something that is hardly seen. I guess that's all I'll say, for I don't want to end up giving everything away that this collection of stories holds. So sit back, & prepare yourself for an edge of your seat adventure through the Star Wars Universe during the Dark Times.
March 21, 2019
This is the best collection of comics/graphic novels that I have ever read. The stories are action packed and emotional, yet very easy to follow. The characters we know act like we expect them to, and the world functions well within the rules set up by Lucas. The art is gorgeous, and diverse enough that it adds flavor to each story, yet not so different that it takes you out of the experience.
This specific grouping of stories takes place directly after the events of Revenge of the Sith- so the majority of the stories center around denizens of many planets dealing with the fact that the republic has been destroyed, Palpatine has named himself Emperor, and the Jedi have been named traitors to the Empire and are being hunted down and eliminated. Vader is still growing into is role- learning his limitations, dealing with his feelings and anticipating what is to be expected of him from the Emperor. Each section was concise and easily flowed right into the next. I'd highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves Star Wars, and is curious to see what happens after Anakin becomes Vader and the Empire begins to take over.
This specific grouping of stories takes place directly after the events of Revenge of the Sith- so the majority of the stories center around denizens of many planets dealing with the fact that the republic has been destroyed, Palpatine has named himself Emperor, and the Jedi have been named traitors to the Empire and are being hunted down and eliminated. Vader is still growing into is role- learning his limitations, dealing with his feelings and anticipating what is to be expected of him from the Emperor. Each section was concise and easily flowed right into the next. I'd highly recommend this collection to anyone who loves Star Wars, and is curious to see what happens after Anakin becomes Vader and the Empire begins to take over.
May 3, 2019
This is a good anthology of Star Wars tales taking place just after the end of the new Lucas Trilogy ('Revenge of the Sith') aka the end of The Clone Wars. It looks at the fate of various Jedi who survive the initial 'Order 66' purge (and some non-Jedi, eg Imperial officers), and focuses a lot on Vader as he hunts them down. Vader is fleshed-out, and various issues from his recent past are dealt with, as well as his relationship with The Emperor -- plus there are some climactic battles featuring him versus Jedi. Vader's rage is awesome to behold, and he will let almost no one stand in his way, of any sex or species. The newly-introduced characters are all fairly generic, yet they are interesting given the level of depth you typically expect from Star Wars comics.
Overall, this was a pleasant surprise. General to big fans of Star Wars should love it, from teens on up, and anyone interested in what happened to the Jedi, Vader, or just events after The Clone Wars should have a particularly good time.
May 31, 2019
The Empire, vol. 1 is probably the best Star Wars EPIC collection since the entire Legacy run. Part of that reason is because of John Ostrander’s work, but the other reason is that this is just a damn good collection of stories.
They’re all fairly dark and brutal, covering that era right after Order 66 and the beginning of the Galactic Empire. The artwork is also phenomenal without a single issue being ugly or feeling out of place.
Obviously the big winner here is the “Dark Times” arc. The story wasn’t exactly the most original, but it’s dark and illustrated gorgeously.
They’re all fairly dark and brutal, covering that era right after Order 66 and the beginning of the Galactic Empire. The artwork is also phenomenal without a single issue being ugly or feeling out of place.
Obviously the big winner here is the “Dark Times” arc. The story wasn’t exactly the most original, but it’s dark and illustrated gorgeously.
October 19, 2023
Most of the stories are merely okay, you can’t really tell that many interesting stories with the Emperor or Darth Vader.
However with Dass Jenir. One of the surviving Jedi, you have an interesting tale, with solid character development. Probably one of the most interesting of the Star Wars stories, Dark Times is one of the best Star Wars comics by Dark Horse, who did the best of the Star Wars comics, and this has some of the issues of its beginning, the rest of the comics while not objectionable, are pretty forgettable.
However with Dass Jenir. One of the surviving Jedi, you have an interesting tale, with solid character development. Probably one of the most interesting of the Star Wars stories, Dark Times is one of the best Star Wars comics by Dark Horse, who did the best of the Star Wars comics, and this has some of the issues of its beginning, the rest of the comics while not objectionable, are pretty forgettable.
July 3, 2015
While there are a few things that they take liberty with, this graphic novel is actually quite good. It tells of Lord Vader right after the revenge of the Sith. Also it shows flashbacks into time before order 66. It also follows a different Jedi whose name is Dass Jennir. All of these stories coincide with each other and tell of a time of chaos while the empire is being formed. It adds a few things that I had never considered before, but after contemplation I realize "why not?"
July 14, 2020
The Empire, right after it is formed, this is a very compelling Graphic Novel, because it is mostly about exploring what the remnants of the Jedi did after the purge. Some continued to fight, others purposefully disappeared.
We also see the progress of Darth Vaders quest to eradicate the Jedi, and how this obsession haunts him daily.
Some great characters and scenes, well worth a read for any Star Wars fans.
We also see the progress of Darth Vaders quest to eradicate the Jedi, and how this obsession haunts him daily.
Some great characters and scenes, well worth a read for any Star Wars fans.
August 25, 2021
STAR WARS – LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION - THE EMPIRE Vol.1
Sure is epic. The final section is great stuff.
STAR WARS: REPUBLIC 78-80;
#78 – Loyalties
“Are there any OTHERS who question the word of the Emperor?” – Vader
#79 – Into the Unknown, Part 1
Great edition – a pair of unlikely Jedi refugees, and the first meeting of Jedi Master Dass Jennir and the Nosaurian.
#80 - Into the Unknown, Part 2
“My people have a saying – ‘Being brought low is the beginning of wisdom.’”
Star Wars: Purge, #1: Last Stand of the Jedi
“I have heard the reports .. the Temple .. all the YOUNGLINGS! I began to think none of us were left alive!”
Star Wars: Purge, #2: Seconds to Die
“If I fail, the Sith rule the galaxy. It has all fallen to me. To this moment.”
Star Wars: Purge, #3: The Hidden Blade
“Lord Vader! You can’t keep taking these unnecessary risks!”
Why do these clowns think they can defeat Vader? He is a demi-god.
Star Wars: Purge, #4: The Tyrant’s Fist 1
“The ways of tyrants will never defeat a people who believe.”
Star Wars: Purge, #5: The Tyrant’s Fist 2
“Creeps me out. What sort of people do this for Jedi?” - Stormtrooper
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command.
Volume 1: "Sweep the area again. Execute anyone old enough to hold a weapon. Then burn the city."
Volume 2;
"No. We invade now. Commander Voca, ready the walkers and ground troops."
"They won't get far..."
"They are merely a distraction."
"For what?"
"A stealth attack."
Volume 3
"Assassins .. I know who sent you ... and he dies next." – Vader
Volume 4
"I am Darth Vader.
I am a dark lord of the Sith.
I am death!"
Vol. 5
“Self-pity does not suit you, Anakin.”
..
STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5
This was the best of the series. An original sub-story set within the S.W. universe.
#1
“I’ll find you!” – says Bomo Greenbark to his family departing as refugees [Even if the lie is to spare them pain?]
#2
“.. My FAMILY has been taken as SLAVES!” – Bomo
#3
“The galaxy could do with fewer Imperials – and fewer slavers.”
#4 - really good story build up.
“Let me go! I have to find my daughter!” – Bomo
#5 – great finale, heart-breaking
“So what if the future is a path that leads to nowhere?
All he can do is walk that path one step at a time..” - narrator
Sure is epic. The final section is great stuff.
STAR WARS: REPUBLIC 78-80;
#78 – Loyalties
“Are there any OTHERS who question the word of the Emperor?” – Vader
#79 – Into the Unknown, Part 1
Great edition – a pair of unlikely Jedi refugees, and the first meeting of Jedi Master Dass Jennir and the Nosaurian.
#80 - Into the Unknown, Part 2
“My people have a saying – ‘Being brought low is the beginning of wisdom.’”
Star Wars: Purge, #1: Last Stand of the Jedi
“I have heard the reports .. the Temple .. all the YOUNGLINGS! I began to think none of us were left alive!”
Star Wars: Purge, #2: Seconds to Die
“If I fail, the Sith rule the galaxy. It has all fallen to me. To this moment.”
Star Wars: Purge, #3: The Hidden Blade
“Lord Vader! You can’t keep taking these unnecessary risks!”
Why do these clowns think they can defeat Vader? He is a demi-god.
Star Wars: Purge, #4: The Tyrant’s Fist 1
“The ways of tyrants will never defeat a people who believe.”
Star Wars: Purge, #5: The Tyrant’s Fist 2
“Creeps me out. What sort of people do this for Jedi?” - Stormtrooper
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command.
Volume 1: "Sweep the area again. Execute anyone old enough to hold a weapon. Then burn the city."
Volume 2;
"No. We invade now. Commander Voca, ready the walkers and ground troops."
"They won't get far..."
"They are merely a distraction."
"For what?"
"A stealth attack."
Volume 3
"Assassins .. I know who sent you ... and he dies next." – Vader
Volume 4
"I am Darth Vader.
I am a dark lord of the Sith.
I am death!"
Vol. 5
“Self-pity does not suit you, Anakin.”
..
STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5
This was the best of the series. An original sub-story set within the S.W. universe.
#1
“I’ll find you!” – says Bomo Greenbark to his family departing as refugees [Even if the lie is to spare them pain?]
#2
“.. My FAMILY has been taken as SLAVES!” – Bomo
#3
“The galaxy could do with fewer Imperials – and fewer slavers.”
#4 - really good story build up.
“Let me go! I have to find my daughter!” – Bomo
#5 – great finale, heart-breaking
“So what if the future is a path that leads to nowhere?
All he can do is walk that path one step at a time..” - narrator
February 6, 2020
Conjunto bastante irregular de historias. Algunas son olvidables e incluso malas, tanto en lo que respecta al guión como al dibujo.
Las peores han sido las de la colección "Purga" sobre todo en el apartado gráfico, pero también el guión padece los lastres del formato antológico, que obliga a contar historias en uno o dos números. Esto se nota especialmente en el primer número de la serie -demasiados personajes-.
Aun así la cosa mejora en las historias posteriores porque caben mejor, e incluso se hacen cosas interesantes a nivel narrativo, como el juego temporal de "Seconds to Die", o el final durillo de "The Tyrant's Fist"
Donde no hay mejoría es en el apartado gráfico: expresiones extrañas, sin sensación de movimiento... sea en fotorealismo digital, o en cartoon.
Pasa algo parecido en los números de la colección "Republic": bien la primera historia, curioso punto de vista el de un almirante de la armada republicana días después de la proclamación de Sidious como emperador. Por otro lado, con "Into the Unknown" la trama del jedi alien y la padawan... da para más supongo.
Lo mejor, sin duda, son las historias de "Darth Vader and the Lost Command" y "Dark Times".
La primera es una exploración y una vuelta de tuerca muy interesante a la psicología de Vader, en una situación en la que es vulnerable, y humano, hasta el punto de que tiene que luchar sin máscara (cosa que tenía entendido que no podía hacer, pero meh).
La segunda está llena de personajes que al menos son resultones y se caracterizan de manera efectiva, y es un relato muy oscuro que deja con ganas de más, porque intuyes que irá a peor.
Las peores han sido las de la colección "Purga" sobre todo en el apartado gráfico, pero también el guión padece los lastres del formato antológico, que obliga a contar historias en uno o dos números. Esto se nota especialmente en el primer número de la serie -demasiados personajes-.
Aun así la cosa mejora en las historias posteriores porque caben mejor, e incluso se hacen cosas interesantes a nivel narrativo, como el juego temporal de "Seconds to Die", o el final durillo de "The Tyrant's Fist"
Donde no hay mejoría es en el apartado gráfico: expresiones extrañas, sin sensación de movimiento... sea en fotorealismo digital, o en cartoon.
Pasa algo parecido en los números de la colección "Republic": bien la primera historia, curioso punto de vista el de un almirante de la armada republicana días después de la proclamación de Sidious como emperador. Por otro lado, con "Into the Unknown" la trama del jedi alien y la padawan... da para más supongo.
Lo mejor, sin duda, son las historias de "Darth Vader and the Lost Command" y "Dark Times".
La primera es una exploración y una vuelta de tuerca muy interesante a la psicología de Vader, en una situación en la que es vulnerable, y humano, hasta el punto de que tiene que luchar sin máscara (cosa que tenía entendido que no podía hacer, pero meh).
La segunda está llena de personajes que al menos son resultones y se caracterizan de manera efectiva, y es un relato muy oscuro que deja con ganas de más, porque intuyes que irá a peor.
August 22, 2024
Well they’ve done it again. I have another new favorite Jedi in Dass Jennir. At first he was just a Legolas ripoff but he soon became an absolutely fascinating figure. I don’t think any other Jedi’s story so precisely demonstrates the struggles of being a Jedi in the Dark Times. We don’t continue following Quinlan Vos, who characterized the struggles during a war, but this is a whole new field — on the run. I’m glad to know his story continues later, but even just in this one volume, he’s been cemented as a top tier Legends character in one of the best Legends comic arcs (I somewhat consider this one arc in two parts, though I don’t know if it is officially that or not). As a side note to that, Bomo is a wonderfully tragic figure who is way more likable by the end than I expected him to be when we first meet him. But nobody can top Zog for my favorite Space Dino.
The Purge stories were a good read, and not nearly as boring as I’d heard, but they do lack a bit of something. We get a few great Vader moments, but I wish they weren’t so far and few between. But he never faces any Jedi that resonate like the ones he faces in his titular 2017 run. This predates that by a lot, but in hindsight, it just can’t compare to that. “Hidden Blade” is the best art in the volume, though, and I did like the story in “Tyrant’s Fist” a good deal. But “Lost Command” was way overbloated.
But together, packaged as an Epic Collection, this is one of my favorite volumes in the Legends collections so far. It’s punchy, it’s addicting, and I was always engaged. Not perfect, but plenty close enough.
The Purge stories were a good read, and not nearly as boring as I’d heard, but they do lack a bit of something. We get a few great Vader moments, but I wish they weren’t so far and few between. But he never faces any Jedi that resonate like the ones he faces in his titular 2017 run. This predates that by a lot, but in hindsight, it just can’t compare to that. “Hidden Blade” is the best art in the volume, though, and I did like the story in “Tyrant’s Fist” a good deal. But “Lost Command” was way overbloated.
But together, packaged as an Epic Collection, this is one of my favorite volumes in the Legends collections so far. It’s punchy, it’s addicting, and I was always engaged. Not perfect, but plenty close enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
Então, são 432 páginas do Vader caçando Jedis e provando porque ele é foda.
Ou deveria ser isso.
Um dos problemas é que eu não consigo levar o Darth Vader a sério, apesar disso ser uma questão muito pessoal, aqui dá pra ver que ele é um péssimo capanga, tanto que o poderoso império galáctico dura até um caipira de um planeta deserto tirar carteira de motorista.
Porém tenho de admitir que há algumas histórias interessantes, as primeiras edições lidam com a tal Ordem 66, com a queda da República, o novo Imperador manda caçar os Jedis, e o Vader lidera a caçada, então, em linhas bem básicas, é o Vader matando Jedis que não existiam nos volumes anteriores.
Tem duas histórias maiores, The Lost Command e Dark Times; a primeira é sobre o Vader tentando resgatar um Almirante que foi capturado por forças rebeldes numa história com reviravoltas, flashbacks, realidades alternativas e traições; a segunda é sobre um Jedi que acaba se juntando aos noussarianos - ou algo assim - para resistir ao Império, claro que eles são derrotados e precisam fugir para encontrar o carregamento de escravos noussarianos que o Império quer vender para alguém. Ambas histórias são bem estruturadas e tem pontos interessantes.
Eu acho bem ok, e, provavelmente, por causa da minha implicância com Star Wars, eu não consigo achar mais do que Ok.
Ou deveria ser isso.
Um dos problemas é que eu não consigo levar o Darth Vader a sério, apesar disso ser uma questão muito pessoal, aqui dá pra ver que ele é um péssimo capanga, tanto que o poderoso império galáctico dura até um caipira de um planeta deserto tirar carteira de motorista.
Porém tenho de admitir que há algumas histórias interessantes, as primeiras edições lidam com a tal Ordem 66, com a queda da República, o novo Imperador manda caçar os Jedis, e o Vader lidera a caçada, então, em linhas bem básicas, é o Vader matando Jedis que não existiam nos volumes anteriores.
Tem duas histórias maiores, The Lost Command e Dark Times; a primeira é sobre o Vader tentando resgatar um Almirante que foi capturado por forças rebeldes numa história com reviravoltas, flashbacks, realidades alternativas e traições; a segunda é sobre um Jedi que acaba se juntando aos noussarianos - ou algo assim - para resistir ao Império, claro que eles são derrotados e precisam fugir para encontrar o carregamento de escravos noussarianos que o Império quer vender para alguém. Ambas histórias são bem estruturadas e tem pontos interessantes.
Eu acho bem ok, e, provavelmente, por causa da minha implicância com Star Wars, eu não consigo achar mais do que Ok.
July 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this collection of Star Wars Empire stories. I especially enjoyed the fact that it explains what Darth Vader has been up to immediately after Order 66 and Emperor Palpatine’s assent to power. Finally, I appreciated how Darth Vader was allowed to not only have a fatal character flaw, but he was also allowed to actually fail on some of his assigned missions. This was much more refreshing than an all-knowing, indestructible Sith, because for me, it kept Anakin tethered to Darth Vader and shows that he can (and does) feel guilt, regret, anger, sadness, etc. for all that he has lost (his former self, Padme, his unborn “child,” etc.). I can’t wait until the next collection in the series comes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2021
This was a fantastic post-ROTS look at the galaxy. The mix of stories about Jedi in hiding and Vader trying to purge his old self and continue forward in his position as Palpatine’s apprentice were great.
If I had one complaint, it’s just that because we know the fate of the galaxy for the next (almost) 20 years, we know the Empire and Vader will come out victorious in every story. How that happens is the interesting part, though.
The final story had a possibility for a light ending, but it was actually the darkest of all of them!
If I had one complaint, it’s just that because we know the fate of the galaxy for the next (almost) 20 years, we know the Empire and Vader will come out victorious in every story. How that happens is the interesting part, though.
The final story had a possibility for a light ending, but it was actually the darkest of all of them!
June 17, 2024
A solid epic collection. Good for any fan who just wants to see Darth Vader do awesome stuff. The Purge comics had some great issues, and some okay issues. I wasn't a huge fan of Darth Vader and the Lost Command. Dark Times' first 5 issues were good, but were borderline too depressing for Star Wars, though if you like more mature themes I guess you would like it.
February 17, 2025
Dass Jennir is easily top 5 star wars characters after reading this. The plot line with the Old Republic Jedi being frozen for thousands of years and becoming unfrozen just to battle Vader was fucking awesome. Sad that we'll never see the end of Dass Jennirs character arc.
(This is for all the volumes)
(This is for all the volumes)
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