I recall watching Star Wars for the first time, and like most fans, I was fascinated about the tales Obi-Wan relayed to Luke about the fall of the Republic and the rise of Darth Vader. While never quite satisfied with the eventual telling of that era via the prequel films, some of the comics and novels set in the early years of the Empire have stood the test of time, and with this new Epic Collection, you can read some of these excellent comics all in one trade.
In this new printing of The Empire Vol. 1, we have Star Wars: Republic #78-80, Star Wars: Purge, Star Wars: Purge – Seconds to Die, Star Wars: Purge – The Hidden Blade, Star Wars: Purge – The Tyrant’s Fist #1-2, Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1-5 and Star Wars: Dark Times #1-5. This hefty collection picks up right as the Clone Wars end, with Darth Vader and Palpatine finishing off the Jedi and asserting this dominance over the galaxy. What’s left of the Jedi order must decide if they will fight to the end, or abandon their order to survive, while the remaining vestiges of Anakin Skywalker are purged from the mind of newly minted Dark Lord of the Sith.
Marvel Comics
There is some great writing and art found in this book, and effectively develops Darth Vader into a more rounded figure, while closing some of the plot narratives left by the films. I especially like Randy Stradley’s work on Republic, which is beautiful illustrated by Douglas Wheatley, follows a handful of Jedi trying to protect a remaining padawan from the forces of the Empire set on their destruction. It’s an engaging story, that looks amazing thanks to Wheatley’s cinematic, painted artwork. Star Wars: Purge – The Hidden Blade also looks amazing thanks to Chris Scalf’s beautiful airbrush-like images. It has such a distinct feel and tone, and jumps off the page. Darth Vader and the Lost Command masterfully connects Anakin’s memory of Padme to his newly transformed robotic visage, having him experience the torment of turning his back on the ways of the Jedi.
My favorite arc has to be Dark Times, which focuses on the planet of New Plympto and the Nosaurians as they mount their last stand against the encroaching imperial forces. Douglas Wheatley (he must have been busy working for the Star Wars office at the time) does masterful work detailing the epic battles and machinery of war. The plot is engaging, the panels are packed with respect for its character, and the story ends on a somber but satisfying conclusion.
Marvel Comics
Readers get a handful of covers and sketch pages, as well as some notes from Wheatley and Stradley that were included in previous published versions of these stories. Nothing to write home about, but enough to add value to an already strong collection of comics.
Star Wars: The Empire Vol. 1 is a required purchase for Star Wars fans. It efficiently builds on the prequel film foundations and gives any generation of fan something to latch onto. With its larger-than-life battles and clever character moments, these Star Wars comics demonstrate just how capable the medium can be in stirring this fictional universe.
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