Darth Vader

Darth Vader #21

Books
by Books August 01, 2025
Darth Vader #21


Darth Vader #21 – Showdown in Shadows

Genre

🛾 Science Fiction, đŸ€– Space Opera, đŸ–€ Dark Fantasy, ⚔️ Action/Adventure

Main Characters

  • Darth Vader – The fearsome Sith Lord continues to assert dominance while uncovering betrayal within the Empire.

  • Cylo – A rogue cyberneticist challenging Vader’s role through his enhanced creations.

  • Murderbots (BeeTee & Triple-Zero) – Sadistic droid duo with dark wit and a thirst for chaos.

  • The Emperor (Palpatine) – Though not central in this issue, his influence looms large.

  • The Executor – More than a ship, it represents Vader’s grip tightening across the galaxy.

Writer

✍️ Kieron Gillen – Masterfully balances mythic tension, internal conflict, and brutal action.

Artist

🎹 Salvador Larroca – Renders galactic grandeur with striking realism and cinematic flair.

Editor Details

📋 Editor: Jordan D. White – Known for overseeing strong continuity and emotionally charged storytelling.

Publisher and Brand

📚 Marvel Comics
đŸ·️ Star Wars (Canon) – Part of the official post-Disney Star Wars narrative.

Release Year

🗓️ 2016

Brief Plot Summary

As the construction of the Executor, Darth Vader’s imposing flagship, nears completion, Vader sets his sights on eliminating Cylo, the cyber-enhanced traitor who seeks to usurp his place. With brutal efficiency, Vader confronts Cylo's twisted creations—cybernetic beings engineered as potential Sith replacements. Meanwhile, BT-1 and Triple-Zero, the murderous protocol and astromech droids, rebel against their creator in a subplot laced with violence and dark humor. The issue weaves Vader’s personal vendetta with his strategic role in shaping the Empire’s military might. đŸ”„

Notable Arcs or Storylines

📖 Vader Down Crossover – While not in this issue, it significantly influences Vader’s mindset and alliances.
⚙️ The Cylo Conflict – A central arc culminating in this issue, where Vader dismantles Cylo’s legacy—both ideologically and physically.

Fan Theories or Interpretations

💡 Some fans speculate Cylo’s cybernetic creations mirror the Emperor’s ultimate contingency plans—replacing even Vader if he fails.
đŸ€” The murderbots, BT-1 and Triple-Zero, are often interpreted as dark parodies of R2-D2 and C-3PO, embodying the twisted side of the galaxy's technological evolution.
🧠 Others theorize the Executor symbolizes Vader’s growing autonomy, subtly rebelling against the Emperor by strengthening his own power base.

Review Summary

Darth Vader #21 stands as a visceral and visually captivating entry in the series. Kieron Gillen continues to deepen Vader’s psychological journey, layering themes of loyalty, betrayal, and purpose. Salvador Larroca’s art is both grand and intimate, capturing the cold mechanics of Cylo’s creations and the raw power in Vader’s silent fury. The droid subplot adds a morbidly funny contrast to the Sith drama. This issue blends thrilling action with meaningful character progression, making it a standout chapter in the series. đŸ’„đŸ“–đŸŒŒ



Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

Darth Vader #21
Language : English