Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2

Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2 (of 5)

Writer: Tim Siedell
Penciller: Stephen Thompson
Inker: Mark Irwin
Colorist: Michael Atiyeh
Cover Artist: Ariel Olivetti

In issue number two, Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin changes things up by giving readers a Vader story. For most of this issue, we see Vader blazing through assassination plots in an attempt to find out who is responsible. There is no sign of the vengeful industrialist who hired the assassin to kill Vader. However, the assassin is most definitely on the hunt.

One thing this issue does well is stir up some mysteries. The directions the story takes are completely unexpected. The comic opens with a Star Destroyer being attacked by a man with a strange snake tattoo on his chest. Later on, a man with the same snake tattoo tries to attack Vader. Furthermore, someone tries to kill the Emperor. During Vader’s investigation into these attacks, he discovers that the tattoo is a mark on an ancient cult with strange powers. Powers so strong that they are able to cloud Lord Vader and Emperor Palaptine’s abilities to see into the Force. The level of suspense and intrigue was completely unexpected and I loved it. It’s a great new angle to the story. What was initially just an assassin who was doomed to fail has now turned into a mystery plot revolving around an ancient, powerful Force cult.

Still, there is an assassin at work here. The nameless hitman makes an attempt at Vader which is narrowly spoiled by the Dark Lord’s actions. It would appear the assassin went to great lengths to get Vader to come to him. This also leads to other questions. How is the assassin linked to the cult? Is the assassin behind it or merely buying their services? And could this masked, nameless assassin be someone we actually know? The questions build up the suspense and I have to say my interest is piqued.

The artwork in this issue is damn near perfect as well. Vader and the Royal Guard are depicted in great detail with very accurate likenesses. There are lots of panels showing off character emotions, from suicide bombers to hysterical cantina patrons. Vader gets a lot of nice action scenes as he deals with incompetence and traitors. In the cantina scenes, we even get a new alien who is very exotic looking.  The pencils, the inks and the colors are all top notch and come together to make a great looking comic.

This series started off with a bang and with this issue it’s getting even better. Mysterious assassins, ancient cults, Vader in full swing as he launches into the hunt, it’s just one cool element after another. With panel-to-panel gorgeous artwork and a captivating story, this issue doesn’t miss a beat. From beginning to end it’s constant action and intrigue. I give this issue a perfect five out five metal bikinis.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.