Choosing the Best Darth Vader Comic Series to Read First

When delving into the vast universe of Darth Vader, two primary comic series stand out: the Darth Vader 2015 and the Darth Vader 2017. But which one should you read first, and does it even matter? Let’s delve into the details and recommendations to help you decide.

Understanding the 2015 Darth Vader Series

The Darth Vader 2015 series is a standalone series that spans six issues, Vader: Book 1 and Vader: Book 2. This series takes place between the events of New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. It offers a complete canon story of Darth Vader, excluding minor appearances in works such as Lost Stars and Doctor Aphra.

The Vader: Dark Visions series, also part of the 2015 run, brings new insights and depth to Darth Vader’s character. It offers a unique perspective on the events leading up to his transformation into the iconic Sith Lord. These issues are highly recommended for their comprehensive portrayal of Vader.

The 2017 Darth Vader Series

The Darth Vader 2017 series, also known as the Darth Vader: Bad Ground arc, picks up the story after the events of Revenge of the Sith. This series focuses on the immediate aftermath of Vader's surgical procedure, as he begins his journey back to Sith mastery. The currently running continuation, Darth Vader: The Chosen One, Darth Vader: The Dying Light, and Darth Vader: The Rule of 5, extends this narrative, bringing new challenges and character development.

Other Notable Darth Vader Comics

For a more exhaustive exploration, other Darth Vader comic series are worth mentioning:

Darth Vader: Burning Seas (Issues 13-17) Darth Vader: Bad Ground (Issue 18) Darth Vader: Fortress Vader (Issues 19-20) Darth Vader: Dark Heart of the Sith (Issues 1-6) Darth Vader: Into the Fire (Issues 7-11)

Which One to Read First?

Both the 2015 and 2017 series offer unique and engaging narratives, but the choice primarily depends on your preference for the time period you want to explore. If you are interested in learning about the events between the original trilogy movies, the 2015 series is a great choice. For more immediate post-surgery adventures of Darth Vader, the 2017 series is the way to go.

It’s important to note that while the 2015 series is complete in terms of standalone story arcs, it does have ongoing narrative threads that continue in the Doctor Aphra sequel series. If you are fans of Darth Vader’s character and want to see him evolve further, I highly recommend reading both the 2015 and 2017 series as a part of your journey.

Final Thoughts

No matter which series you choose to start with, both the 2015 and 2017 series are excellent and essential in understanding the development and depth of Darth Vader. Each offers unique insights and storylines that will keep you engaged and eager for more. So, dive in and immerse yourself in the Sith side of the Force!