Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1 (2013) launches a dark and brutal new chapter in Darth Vader’s expanding legacy, offering readers a tightly crafted narrative of vengeance, political intrigue, and Sith dominance. Published by Dark Horse Comics, this first issue sets the tone for a mini-series that explores not only Vader’s might, but the dangerous consequences of challenging the Empire’s iron grip.

Written by Tim Siedell and illustrated by Stephen Thompson, the story opens with a wealthy industrialist grieving the murder of his son at Vader’s hand. Rather than bowing to fear, the grieving father channels his pain into a deadly campaign of retribution—hiring assassin after assassin to eliminate the Dark Lord. With eight already slain by Vader, the narrative now shifts to the emergence of a mysterious and formidable ninth killer, one unlike any the Sith has faced before.

From the first pages, this comic grips the reader with a sense of danger and inevitability. The unnamed father is a character driven by blind rage and loss, representing the ripple effects of Vader’s ruthlessness. His wealth and influence allow him to command entire networks of mercenaries, but it becomes quickly apparent that even power and money mean little in the face of the Sith Lord’s wrath.

Tim Siedell’s writing balances sharp dialogue with an ominous atmosphere. Vader himself is portrayed with chilling authority—efficient, merciless, and completely unshaken by the string of attempts on his life. What makes this narrative stand out is how it showcases the fear Vader inspires across all sectors of the galaxy, from high-ranking officials to back-alley informants. Yet, it also hints at the boldness of those willing to defy him, adding layers to the rebellion already bubbling beneath the surface of the Empire’s might.

Stephen Thompson’s artwork is crisp and dynamic, with clean lines and cinematic layouts that match the tension and action of the script. The environments—Imperial corridors, seedy cantinas, and shadowed planets—are rendered with strong detail, giving the story a grounded yet ominous quality. Mark Irwin’s inks and Michael Atiyeh’s colouring reinforce the bleak tone of the series with moody shadows and stark contrasts, making every panel feel steeped in danger.

This issue is perfect for fans who enjoy the darker side of Star Wars storytelling—where loyalty, fear, and vengeance intertwine. It sets up a compelling cat-and-mouse conflict between a man driven by personal tragedy and a Sith Lord driven by absolute control. The result is a slow-burn tale with explosive potential.

Now available through a respected UK online comic shop, this key issue is dispatched with fast shipping & secure packaging. Each copy is carefully bagged and boarded with an acid-free bag and board and sent to you in a book wrap/mailer to ensure it arrives in excellent collectible condition.

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1 (2013) is an intense and well-crafted entry into the wider Star Wars mythos, offering a fresh angle on Vader’s fearsome reputation and the brave—or foolish—souls who dare to challenge it.