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Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #3
Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: Haden Blackman
Artist: Rick Leonardi
Cover: Tsuneo Sanda

“Lost Command pt 3”: Vader is still searching for Moff Tarkin’s lost son across a planet covered in boiling tar, and beware any and every one who gets in his way! In this issue we get to see Vader cut loose a bit and lead an assault on the fleeing Atoans in hopes that the young Tarkin is on their ship. As the mission presses on, it looks as if someone is a few steps ahead and has set a trap for the Sith Lord. Oh, and someone is also foolish enough to attempt an assassination on Vader as well.

This is a pretty action heavy issue and Blackman delivers another solid chapter of Lost Command. Though I had wanted to see a bit more of  the internal struggle of Vader’s that was hinted at in the dream in the first issue. We are treated to another brief dream sequence here, but it’s more of a warning from the Force. Blackman does give you Vader doing what we love seeing, and that’s him on the front lines destroying his opposition. He also throws in that “snag” that I’ve been waiting for, which is going to make things a bit more difficult for Vader to accomplish his goal. That scene in particular took me by surprise because of Vader’s warning to the others who were in the room. I knew what was coming and just expected Vader to save himself and be the only one to leave the room alive. So kudos to Blackman for delivering the unexpected.

Much of the issue is carried by Leonardi’s artwork, which again is just damn good. From the AT-ATs stumbling in the tar, to Vader’s assault on the ship, there were many great looking moments. Aside from one particular panel where Vader looked a little weird coming out of the smoke, I seriously don’t think anyone would be less than impressed with how this issue came out. Honestly, any artist tasked with putting Vader in an action sequences and pulls it off deserves applause. I don’t think that costume of his was designed for scenes like this in the first place, which is why he’s usually just standing around being intimidating in the films. Plus, you just have to love Tsuneo Sanda’s covers for this series, because they are some of the best!

Lost Command is just a great series so far and hopefully the assassin reveal is next issue and not just a tease. I’m really not trusting Lady Saro, even though she’s made a deal with Vader, so it’ll be interesting to see how her part plays out. I also feel like Capt. Shale may end up somebody’s patsy, but for right now I’m not sure whose. So, while I try to figure out what’s going on, you definitely need to start this series if you haven’t already, and if you did then I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am!

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