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Star Wars Adventures: Tales From Vader’s Castle Issue 2 Comic Book Review

Not so Star Wars.

In the second issue of writer Cavan Scott’s “Star Wars Adventures: Tales From Vader’s Castle,” the adventures of Lina and company continue on the hostile environments of Mustafar. This time around, Hudd tells a story set on Bray- a planet of eternal night. The story in question involves General Obi-Wan Kenobi and General Adi Gallia arriving on the planet to help the inhabitants there who are living in fear. It turns out their fear is centered around Count Dooku who has a pact with Lord Ravna- a bat like creature that can infect people and turn them into a creature. Dooku hopes that this creature could potentially turn the tide of the Clone War.

The second issue of ‘Tales From Vader’s Castle’ is definitely the most horror centric to date. The entire story is one big ode to Hammer horror and Dracula. As many may know, Count Dooku actor Christopher Lee played Dracula in several films making the story a bit meta. As clever as this all is, it doesn’t feel like Star Wars. The story feels more like an EC horror comic tale placed in the Star Wars universe. In terms of the wrap-around story, there’s VERY little forward movement here, but I did appreciate the clear tie into the flagship “Star Wars Adventures” comic series.

The art here fares better. I’m a big fan of Derek Charm’s stylized and moody art that works wonders for the wrap-around pages. Kelley Jones art for the “Count Dooku: Prince of Darkness” also impresses. The character close-ups, the nods to horror films and comics, the gothic look, and the creature imagery really elevates the material overall (especially with the pitch perfect coloring by Michelle Madsen).

Note: The comic concludes with a cover art gallery and IDW comic ads.

October 10, 2018 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Comic Book Review | Count Dooku, Darth Vader, IDW Publishing, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars Adventures: Tales From Vader's Castle Issue 2 Comic Book Review, Star Wars Comic Book