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Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015) (Single Issues)
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015-2016) #3
Darth Vader enlists Aphra, a weapons scavenger, Triple Zero, a droid that enjoys torturing people a little too much, and BT-1, a homicidal assassin droid, to help him build an army.
23 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2015
7 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Kieron Gillen
1,455 books1,896 followersKieron Gillen is a comic book writer and former media journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 26, 2024
Wow, if Kieron's only goal was to make a good introduction to doctor Aphra then he passed with flying colors.
I know she has her own title but I am not sure before Darth Vader or after.
But this wasn't an introductory issue to get you to buy her title, she is an integral part of Darth Vader's plan to acquire a new army.
The starting pages didn't indicate if I would like her or not, but that changed very quickly.
Also these issues read very fast, Kieron isn't one of those writer power houses that give you more story than you could ever hope for in a single issue, his issues have probably the lowest word count out of modern DC comic writing.
So we will see what happens next.
I know she has her own title but I am not sure before Darth Vader or after.
But this wasn't an introductory issue to get you to buy her title, she is an integral part of Darth Vader's plan to acquire a new army.
The starting pages didn't indicate if I would like her or not, but that changed very quickly.
Also these issues read very fast, Kieron isn't one of those writer power houses that give you more story than you could ever hope for in a single issue, his issues have probably the lowest word count out of modern DC comic writing.
So we will see what happens next.
March 12, 2018
Kieron Gillen’s Darth Vader #3 should be renamed Anything!: The Comic! with the subtitle: Bad Ideas, Part 3!
Gillen’s Darth Vader series is taking place alongside Jason Aaron’s main Star Wars story set between A New Hope and Empire. Vader’s just discovered Luke has the Force and the series is supposedly Vader setting out to discover the boy’s identity. The iconic title crawl to this third issue even reminds us of this plotline.
What happens instead? An unexpected homage to Lucas’ second best creation, Indiana Jones! A new character, Aphra (aka female space Indy), is breaking into a high security facility and the sequence plays out like a sci-fi version of the opening to Raiders: lasers have replaced the darts, a rolling attack droid is the giant ball, and Aphra makes it through the closing door just in time. As a final wink, she exclaims that the precious item she’s after “should be in an armory!”.
I have no idea why Gillen chose to reference Indy in a STAR WARS comic though I didn’t hate it as Salvador Larroca’s art gives it a stunning vitality. Then Vader enters and it’s yet another nod to another famous scene, where Luke is hanging off and Vader is asking him to join him, with Aphra replacing Luke. Again, no clue as to what the meaning of it is besides the fact that Gillen probably liked that scene and decided to throw anything and everything into his Vader series, just because.
At this point though, Gillen isn’t the only writer to realise the Star Wars characters by themselves don’t make the most compelling protagonists (Mark Waid’s Princess Leia series is even more dire). The main reason Aaron’s Star Wars comic works is because it’s an ensemble, like the hugely successful movies.
So Gillen decides to introduce some droids that look like Threepio and Artoo - except they’re EVIL! Oooo, edgy! Threepio’s eyes glow, Artoo is packing a crazy arsenal of weapons and they’re both black metal. Why are there evil copies of the two most famous droids in a Darth Vader comic? Because hack attack! And if Vader wanted an army of droids, why pick these two designs instead of the more formidable attack droids?
Larroca’s art remains the only impressive thing about this title. Gillen’s scripts read very chaotically with Vader meeting a lot of villains in the first issue, taking out a minder in the second, and recruiting a female space Indy and a pair of droids similar to those Luke has in the third. But he is heading towards finding Luke - he’s just doing so in the most drawn-out, slowest way possible.
Gillen’s philosophy behind the writing in Darth Vader #3 seems to be, if you cram a comic with enough pop culture references, it’ll make up for the lack of substance or originality! It makes for a very unimpressive issue. This title continues to prove the idea that non-ensemble Star Wars stories simply don’t work.
Gillen’s Darth Vader series is taking place alongside Jason Aaron’s main Star Wars story set between A New Hope and Empire. Vader’s just discovered Luke has the Force and the series is supposedly Vader setting out to discover the boy’s identity. The iconic title crawl to this third issue even reminds us of this plotline.
What happens instead? An unexpected homage to Lucas’ second best creation, Indiana Jones! A new character, Aphra (aka female space Indy), is breaking into a high security facility and the sequence plays out like a sci-fi version of the opening to Raiders: lasers have replaced the darts, a rolling attack droid is the giant ball, and Aphra makes it through the closing door just in time. As a final wink, she exclaims that the precious item she’s after “should be in an armory!”.
I have no idea why Gillen chose to reference Indy in a STAR WARS comic though I didn’t hate it as Salvador Larroca’s art gives it a stunning vitality. Then Vader enters and it’s yet another nod to another famous scene, where Luke is hanging off and Vader is asking him to join him, with Aphra replacing Luke. Again, no clue as to what the meaning of it is besides the fact that Gillen probably liked that scene and decided to throw anything and everything into his Vader series, just because.
At this point though, Gillen isn’t the only writer to realise the Star Wars characters by themselves don’t make the most compelling protagonists (Mark Waid’s Princess Leia series is even more dire). The main reason Aaron’s Star Wars comic works is because it’s an ensemble, like the hugely successful movies.
So Gillen decides to introduce some droids that look like Threepio and Artoo - except they’re EVIL! Oooo, edgy! Threepio’s eyes glow, Artoo is packing a crazy arsenal of weapons and they’re both black metal. Why are there evil copies of the two most famous droids in a Darth Vader comic? Because hack attack! And if Vader wanted an army of droids, why pick these two designs instead of the more formidable attack droids?
Larroca’s art remains the only impressive thing about this title. Gillen’s scripts read very chaotically with Vader meeting a lot of villains in the first issue, taking out a minder in the second, and recruiting a female space Indy and a pair of droids similar to those Luke has in the third. But he is heading towards finding Luke - he’s just doing so in the most drawn-out, slowest way possible.
Gillen’s philosophy behind the writing in Darth Vader #3 seems to be, if you cram a comic with enough pop culture references, it’ll make up for the lack of substance or originality! It makes for a very unimpressive issue. This title continues to prove the idea that non-ensemble Star Wars stories simply don’t work.
January 23, 2020
I love Aphra
October 1, 2017
Wooo guilty pleasure seeping in my veins like a Dark Force playing mind tricks on me! I love issue three, as with the previous two issues of Darth Vader. I find it very interesting and cute that the hard-hearted Vader has found a charming and talkative partner, Doctor Aphra. Their conversation is funny yet so natural.
Now we have droids, an etiqutte droid and an astro-assassinmech. All activated by Aphra who is a scavenger of sorts who has the technical skill to impress even a Sith lord. I am interested to know this character, where she's from and what's her backstory because right now, she is just introduced as a techie Vader fan.
Issue three definitely has a lighter tone than the previous ones, a risky move. It is very effective for me though.
Now we have droids, an etiqutte droid and an astro-assassinmech. All activated by Aphra who is a scavenger of sorts who has the technical skill to impress even a Sith lord. I am interested to know this character, where she's from and what's her backstory because right now, she is just introduced as a techie Vader fan.
Issue three definitely has a lighter tone than the previous ones, a risky move. It is very effective for me though.
September 4, 2015
Aphra izgleda kao interesantna doktorka/psihopata (mad scientist) i kao takva moze da ubaci malo smislenog ludila u celu ovu pricu. Ali u sustini dosadna epizoda.
Artwork je jos uvek predivan
Artwork je jos uvek predivan
May 5, 2015
I already loved this series before issue 3, but introducing a new character who livens everything up gave me something I didn't realize I wanted here. Doctor Aphra is an archaeologist, she's spunky, a rogue, wears cool clothing, is a bit of a techie, has tattoos... She gets away with talking to Vader casually, and is capable of keeping up with his looming character. She's also strong enough to intentionally show vulnerability to him. If that isn't a great character, I don't know what is. No wonder this issue keeps selling out. It's brilliant. I hope she's in the next issues. I'd love to see their personalities play off each other.
January 16, 2019
#71
Última entrega de esta serie aunque por lo que veo la historia no acaba y tiene muchos comic por delante.
La nostalgia de las películas "originales" me invade y por eso leo estas "historietas".
Aún no termina de convencerme el plot, pero no por eso me he aburrido, al contrario me entretuve leyendo estas 3 entregas.
Me gusta el arte y estética de las ilustraciones.
Me entusiasma leer estas historias porque están situadas dentro de lo que fue la saga original y que transcurran luego de la destrucción de la Estrella de la Muerte (la primera de todas las destrucciones que vinieron despues) cuando aún Luke no sabe que Vader es su padre. Solo por eso creo que seguiré leyendo algunos comic mas a ver que tan interesante se vuelve el plot. De eso depende que siga o deje esta colección.
3.5/5
Última entrega de esta serie aunque por lo que veo la historia no acaba y tiene muchos comic por delante.
La nostalgia de las películas "originales" me invade y por eso leo estas "historietas".
Aún no termina de convencerme el plot, pero no por eso me he aburrido, al contrario me entretuve leyendo estas 3 entregas.
Me gusta el arte y estética de las ilustraciones.
Me entusiasma leer estas historias porque están situadas dentro de lo que fue la saga original y que transcurran luego de la destrucción de la Estrella de la Muerte (la primera de todas las destrucciones que vinieron despues) cuando aún Luke no sabe que Vader es su padre. Solo por eso creo que seguiré leyendo algunos comic mas a ver que tan interesante se vuelve el plot. De eso depende que siga o deje esta colección.
3.5/5
August 28, 2017
!!! Vader's got a girlfriend! Nefarious!
February 9, 2017
Nothing happens! It's just ads and a little trouble. But I understood totally nothing.
I HAVE QUESTIONS.
Are they R2-D2 and C-3PO? If they are, how??? It was like reading 5 random pages of a comic book. No, lets make that 2, since normally more stuff happens in 5 pages.
I HAVE QUESTIONS.
Are they R2-D2 and C-3PO? If they are, how??? It was like reading 5 random pages of a comic book. No, lets make that 2, since normally more stuff happens in 5 pages.
April 28, 2015
I love the evil versions of C3P0 and R2D2 and I also love this archaeologist who basically worships Vader!
May 17, 2015
I'm really digging the darker Protocol and Astromech droids, and Rogue character introduced in this ish!
October 22, 2020
Doctor Aphra makes a pretty potent supporting appearance in issue 3 of Darth Vader!
I am very picky about how Vader is depicted. One false move or one slip into sentimentality may inadvertently alter the character in such a way that either feels forced, contrived or contrary to the creators vision.
I'm impressed by this comics ability to give Vader new things to do and new pallettes of emotion to express without ever feeling like a new character.
His dynamic with Aphra is refreshing. Vader is almost always either being intense and intimidating, barking orders, kneeling quietly in front of his master of the week or slautering his enemies (or staff) in horrific (but admittedly badass) ways.
But with Aphra we have a character he actually needs and you just don't see that shit often. More than ever do i wanna see this adapted for television. I was nervous the whole time just like Aphra, because we've come to expect Vader as a character to just dispose of people so casually. And yet after this issue I'm already dwelling on potential Aphra/Vader fanfiction that could be harvested.
No one's got the gall to say it but-
We need a Vader rom com. Kapeesh?
I am very picky about how Vader is depicted. One false move or one slip into sentimentality may inadvertently alter the character in such a way that either feels forced, contrived or contrary to the creators vision.
I'm impressed by this comics ability to give Vader new things to do and new pallettes of emotion to express without ever feeling like a new character.
His dynamic with Aphra is refreshing. Vader is almost always either being intense and intimidating, barking orders, kneeling quietly in front of his master of the week or slautering his enemies (or staff) in horrific (but admittedly badass) ways.
But with Aphra we have a character he actually needs and you just don't see that shit often. More than ever do i wanna see this adapted for television. I was nervous the whole time just like Aphra, because we've come to expect Vader as a character to just dispose of people so casually. And yet after this issue I'm already dwelling on potential Aphra/Vader fanfiction that could be harvested.
No one's got the gall to say it but-
We need a Vader rom com. Kapeesh?
January 23, 2018
Finished volumes 1-3 super fast and easy (24 pages, not hard to imagine why then. Took my 10-year old daughter Olivia-Grace about 10 minutes to finish the first volume.)
This has the introduction of Dr. Aphra. While (so far) an interesting character, she seems kind of shoe-horned, or "hey here's a new female character to party around with Vader". I imagine most of the stuff this series will depict with her and Vader... (at least in the old canon) Vader could have done himself. But we want a new character involved, and one the readers can view through their eyes, and as is the trend with the new Disney canon - it'll be through female eyes (Rey, Jyn Erso, Sloane, now Aphra.)
The depictions of Aphra in this do have her a bit 'sexualized' but that's typical for comics and females I suppose. Tight pants, butt always on display, full pouty lips, etc.
This has the introduction of Dr. Aphra. While (so far) an interesting character, she seems kind of shoe-horned, or "hey here's a new female character to party around with Vader". I imagine most of the stuff this series will depict with her and Vader... (at least in the old canon) Vader could have done himself. But we want a new character involved, and one the readers can view through their eyes, and as is the trend with the new Disney canon - it'll be through female eyes (Rey, Jyn Erso, Sloane, now Aphra.)
The depictions of Aphra in this do have her a bit 'sexualized' but that's typical for comics and females I suppose. Tight pants, butt always on display, full pouty lips, etc.
August 2, 2025
Luego de los desaciertos de Vader en su cargo junto a su desconfianza por su entorno, decide buscar a Doctor Aphra, la cual se ve acompañada de un droide que disfruta torturar y otro que es bastante homicida.
La trama es súper fresca e, incluso, cómica. Me encanta ver otras tonalidades dentro de la personalidad de Vader que lo hacen ver menos serio pero igual de imponente.
El personaje de Aphra no tiene un bagaje complejo, pero es el primer volumen donde aparece y su actitud con el Sith crea una dinámica muy interesante de leer.
Aún así, Vader no pierde su esencia fría y calculadora, aún cuando podemos ver que miente respecto a sus sentimientos ligados a su pasado.
La trama es súper fresca e, incluso, cómica. Me encanta ver otras tonalidades dentro de la personalidad de Vader que lo hacen ver menos serio pero igual de imponente.
El personaje de Aphra no tiene un bagaje complejo, pero es el primer volumen donde aparece y su actitud con el Sith crea una dinámica muy interesante de leer.
There's something about tall, dark and able-to-kill-me guys that makes a girl nervous.
Aún así, Vader no pierde su esencia fría y calculadora, aún cuando podemos ver que miente respecto a sus sentimientos ligados a su pasado.
I won't let you down.
Wise, Aphra. That would be a mistake.
August 29, 2017
This review will be the same for Darth Vader, Volumes 1-6 & Skywalker Strikes, Volumes 1-6.
I picked up these comics at the library. I spent about 30 minutes with each one. They are fun. I think the stories mesh well with the films. These volumes need read in order as Vader and Luke are characters in each and the timeline only makes sense if they are read chronologically. I enjoyed most of the artwork, the one exception being Han, the artist just didn't quite capture Harrison Ford. Right now our library only has these volumes, when and if more arrive I will read them as well.
I picked up these comics at the library. I spent about 30 minutes with each one. They are fun. I think the stories mesh well with the films. These volumes need read in order as Vader and Luke are characters in each and the timeline only makes sense if they are read chronologically. I enjoyed most of the artwork, the one exception being Han, the artist just didn't quite capture Harrison Ford. Right now our library only has these volumes, when and if more arrive I will read them as well.
June 1, 2020
Voy poniéndome al día con la serie, y esta tercera grapa de Darth Vader lo mola todo. Por ser una historia que bucea en el pasado, por los dos androides sin mora que aparecen en la historia y que son la cara opuesta a la inocencia de C3-PO y el atrevimiento de R2D2, pero sobre todo por la gran creación de Guillén, la Doctora Aphra, una arqueóloga que en algunos momentos se parece a Lara Croft pero que tiene mucho de la curiosidad que se le supone a alguien aficionado por el pasado, y que en este sentido me ha recordado mucho a la Nico Robin de One Piece. Gran número.
October 10, 2017
Book 3 in this graphic novel series about Darth Vader, follows the period after the ending of "A New Hope".
Vader enlists Captain Aphra to further his nefarious schemes. She and the droid (BT-1), who likes torture a little bit too much, add some levity to this 28 page comic. Illustrations are appropriately dark. Star Wars fans will enjoy.
Vader enlists Captain Aphra to further his nefarious schemes. She and the droid (BT-1), who likes torture a little bit too much, add some levity to this 28 page comic. Illustrations are appropriately dark. Star Wars fans will enjoy.
January 4, 2019
Pese a todas las críticas hacia Disney, me gusta mucho que a través de Marvel se vayan agregando nuevos personajes a la historia y que conozcamos más sobre el conflicto que fue gestándose entre Vader y el Emperador. Ahora, está historia no choca con la anterior en donde Vader ya había contratado a Boba Fett? Lo averiguaré!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2022
I really like Dr. Aphra. - 4 out of 5 stars.
This is all about her first contact with Lord Vader and the backstory on how she obtained her (insanely cool) droids, 0-0-0 and BT-1 (aka Triple Zero and BEETEE).
I do believe Dr. Aphra has her own comic line. Really look forward to digging into that one day.
This is all about her first contact with Lord Vader and the backstory on how she obtained her (insanely cool) droids, 0-0-0 and BT-1 (aka Triple Zero and BEETEE).
I do believe Dr. Aphra has her own comic line. Really look forward to digging into that one day.
November 7, 2017
Star Wars – Darth Vader #3 -
“There's a REASON why the Triple-Zero matrix has been quarantined for CENTURIES.” - Utani Xane.
“Yes. Because of people like YOU. Small minds who just want to hide beautiful things in storage or a museum. IT SHOULD BE IN AN ARMORY!” - Dr Aphra
“There's a REASON why the Triple-Zero matrix has been quarantined for CENTURIES.” - Utani Xane.
“Yes. Because of people like YOU. Small minds who just want to hide beautiful things in storage or a museum. IT SHOULD BE IN AN ARMORY!” - Dr Aphra
December 14, 2019
Karena sudah "tidak punya keduatan" lagi. Diam-diam Vader menyusun pasukan pribadinya. Kali ini dia menemui Dr. Aphra dengan tujuan bisa memiliki pasukan pribadi yang loyal, apalagi pasukan yang lebih loyal dari droid yang sudah diprogram?
May 16, 2017
Good story. I like how Vader is building his secret "army". This went awfully fast though. Pretty light in actual content. It's trending towards three star territory. I expect more moving forward
December 29, 2017
Rated 4 stars
Ages 12/13+
Ages 12/13+
July 29, 2018
Another great novel in the series.
November 11, 2018
Aphra <3
April 22, 2019
50/100
January 7, 2021
Aphra and the murderous battle droids are very cool and funny
June 21, 2023
HELLOOOO DOCTOR APHRA 🫶🏽
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews