Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #4 (2013) pushes the narrative into its most intense and mysterious territory yet, as the forces of vengeance and ancient power close in around Darth Vader. This penultimate chapter of the five-part Dark Horse Comics series masterfully blends espionage, cultish intrigue, and creeping dread, heightening anticipation for the final showdown between Vader and the relentless assassin stalking him from the shadows.

Written by Tim Siedell and illustrated by Stephen Thompson, this issue continues to deliver a slow-burn thriller wrapped in the mythos of the Star Wars universe. Vader is now fully aware that something beyond politics is at play. A dangerous religious cult devoted to an ancient, Force-connected being is growing bolder, and their activities are beginning to interfere with Imperial control. With his usual uncompromising resolve, Vader sets out to eliminate the threat—not out of fear, but out of duty to preserve the Emperor’s dominance and the order he enforces.

Yet, unknown to Vader, the Ninth Assassin—the most skilled and lethal of the killers hired by a wealthy industrialist seeking revenge for his son's death—has moved into position. Unlike his fallen predecessors, this assassin operates not with brute force, but with patience, study, and almost reverent focus. His silence and skill elevate the tension, making every panel feel like the moment before a strike.

Siedell’s writing is sharp and layered. He captures Vader’s calculating nature while allowing room for subtle hints of unease, especially as the Sith Lord confronts the cryptic cult and the strange relics they worship. The dialogue is minimal and effective, giving space for the artwork to carry the story’s weight while never undercutting the dramatic stakes.

Artist Stephen Thompson continues to impress with visuals that evoke both grandeur and menace. The interiors of forgotten temples, the sweeping galactic backdrops, and the tightly choreographed action sequences are brought to life with a cinematic quality. Mark Irwin’s inking adds depth and shadow to every scene, and Michael Atiyeh’s colour work delivers rich tones—drenched in crimson, obsidian, and eerie golds—that accentuate the story’s dark spiritual undertones.

What makes this issue particularly gripping is its restraint. Rather than rushing to confrontation, it builds suspense with deliberate pacing. The assassin's presence is always felt, but rarely seen, heightening the reader’s anticipation. And as Vader delves deeper into the cult’s secrets, the question becomes not just if he will be attacked—but whether this new threat will challenge his understanding of the dark side itself.

Ideal for readers who appreciate layered storytelling and psychological tension in their Star Wars narratives, this comic offers a fresh and compelling look at the vulnerabilities even someone like Vader can face—not from rebellion, but from darkness he does not control.

Now available through a reliable UK-based online comic book shop, this issue is shipped with fast shipping & secure packaging. Every copy is carefully bagged and boarded with an acid-free bag and board and sent to you in a sturdy book wrap/mailer to ensure its pristine condition.

Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #4 (2013) is a dark, contemplative, and razor-sharp entry in a series that refuses to rely on spectacle alone, instead offering a deeply compelling journey into loyalty, legacy, and lurking danger.