Darth Vader #50: The Final Fate Of The Schism Imperial & Vader’s

Darth Vader #50, the final installment of the series that followed Vader’s journey between The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi is a four-part extra-sized issue that is presented in four connecting vignettes:

Part 1 

The issue begins where Issue #49 left off but with the Schism Imperial, led by Sly Moore, targeting Luke, drawing the ire of Vader, Sabe confronting Vader one last time, and Vader confronting the Emperor at his invitation. During this sequence, Pak continues to use flashbacks to show the conflict in Vader as Sabe and the Emperor confront the Dark Lord.

While the outcome was never in question, Pak takes the opportunity to give a satisfying conclusion allowing Vader to attempt to kill the Empreror and show how his hubris continues to be his weakness, preventing him to fully give into the Dark Side.

The art by Ienco and colors by Blee give this sequence of events life and add impact to the story as it transpires.

Part 2

In this section of the issue, the scene shifts back to Coruscant as the truth of the Schism Imperial is revealed aas Vader’s bounty hunter lackey Ochi of Bestoon, gets some come-uppings.  Throughout the series, Ochi was a character that could be annoying at times but also provided the much-needed levity that the series needed.

Paul Fry and Frank WIlliams seamlessly take over the art and coloring duties without causing any break or flow in the story itself.

Part 3

This portion of the issue brings closure to Sabe, Padme’a handmaiden’s story as she confronts Leia, telling her to be careful as Vader would not hesitate to use her desires for the galaxy to manipulate her. This was one of the most anticipated parts of the issue that Marvel teased, but fell flat. Instead of a “backup story,” this part was more of a glimpse of what could be if Leia isn’t careful. However, using Sabe as the messenger was a nice ending to her story, allowing Pak to drop hints about her real parents, as she did on a regular basis in her interactions with Luke. Using Sabe through the series, with her knowing Vader’s true identity and trying to feel him, and Luke out was a nice way to tie the prequels into the series without it being too forced.

As with the previous sections Luke Ross and Alex Sinclair do a great job with the art and color duties

Part 4

The final story further ties the loose ends of Vader’s childhood friends from Tatooine. The addition of this coda is a final touch giving these characters who Vader interacted with earlier in the series one last appearance in the series and not being another of Vader’s death count.