Dark Times: A Spark Remains #1

Dark Times: A Spark Remains #1 (of 5)

(Dark Times #28, Star Wars: Republic #111)

Writer: Randy Stradley
Artist: Doug Wheatley
Colorist: Dan Jackson
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Cover Artist: Benjamin Carre

Dass Jennir and the Uhumele crew are back in action in Dark Times: A Spark Remains #1 and it doesn’t take long for the sparks to start flying. Just when Jennir found something worth living for, he’s now being talked into a suicide mission to take out Darth Vader. Yet how this story will end is anyone’s guess, especially since Vader is the only safe character in the cast.

There isn’t a whole lot of action in this issue, but that’s not a bad thing at all. In the beginning, we catch a glimpse of where the arc is heading. Lord Vader is lured into a trap as Bomo and an unseen Jedi make their play. Yet the peak into the future quickly comes to an end as things rewind to a few weeks earlier. It’s not the only taste of action, as assassin Falco Sang makes a move of his own, but together that does form the whole of it.

Still, for readers who have been following Dark Times, Randy Stradley shows that action isn’t everything. I really enjoyed the parts of the comic that explored Dass Jennir’s reasoning. He has a lot to deal with, and the issue takes the time to highlight just what he’s thinking about. He’s found someone who makes his life worth living for. Yet he also wants to help the greater good. But going after Vader doesn’t seem to lead to either outcome. He has to think out what’s at stake. It adds a lot of depth to his character. It also places a lot more importance on Ember and her role in the series. She’s not just some corny romance subplot. Instead, she’s the focal point for Jennir’s decisions. Without her, he wouldn’t have much at stake. But with her, he’s much more grounded in the galaxy.

The art in this issue looks great and brings a welcome return of Doug Wheatley. He’s joined by colorist Dan Jackson who is no stranger to Star Wars comics, and together, they kick out some nice looking panels. From the expressions on Lt. Gregg’s face to the detail of a simple gathering of the Uhumele’s crew, the visuals are perfect. Even the cover art looks stunning with a worried Vader looking down on an inferno.

A Spark Remains #1 does a stand up job of kicking things off. The issue plants kernels of intrigue as readers catch a glimpse of where the story is heading. It lays down some nice intellectual threads as we’re left to ponder on Dass Jennir’s situation and what his fate might be. There’s some action to keep things lively. Plus there’s some nice tie-ins to other series which help cement the storyline into an even larger playing field. Bring that all together and Dark Times: A Spark Remains #1 earns a five out of five metal bikinis.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.