Page 142 - Star Wars Insider (Special Edition 2020)

Vader Down was like that, but more so.
We’d already done some close back and

forth plotting on our first arc, building up
towards issue six’s “I Have a Son” reveal,
but Vader Down was on a different scale
from that. We had a variety of ideas, and
our original thoughts for the series were
miles away from where we ended up.
It was a process of iteration, working
on the synopsis, seeing where the issue
breaks landed, and then just writing it. It
was agreeably egoless in that way—we
didn’t even check which issue would be
written by whom. As such, both of us got
to write key scenes for each other’s casts,
almost by random. I’m still envious Jason

got to write the initial fight between our
two casts, though he’s envious I got to
write other cool stuff, so it evens out!

Why end Darth Vader with issue #25?
JDW: From the very beginning, Kieron

always said this would be a finite story,
that Vader is going through an arc, and
that it would only really work if it had a
conclusion. I am sure some will say we
reached the end too soon, and a part of
me might even agree—the part that just
wants this team to keep making evil come
true forever and always. But in the end,
Kieron is right. The ending is an important
part of this series, and it’s stronger for
getting there.

HA: Kieron has always had an ending in
mind for the series. There was a story he
wanted to tell, and he was able to do it in
25 amazing issues. I definitely wish the

series could go on forever, but I think for
a single story to have as much impact as
this one has it has to end, you know?

Kieron, how would you say Vader’s

changed as a character from the first
issue to the final issue?

KG: For me, it’s a story of Vader
awakening. Vader knows more of the truth
now. As I said, he knows he has
a son. Before this story the aim was to be
the Emperor’s fist. He’s done that for 20

years. Now, at least consciously, he wants was one of the most fun stories for me. I wasn’t one. He was ostensibly on Vader’s
to seduce Luke to the dark side and rule loved the interplay within that group. side, and it gave that whole second arc
the Empire. And I loved the cat and mouse game such a great layer of suspense—Vader
Ironically, for all the darkness, this is between Vader and Thanoth—giving Vader is working with an investigative genius
a story of a man regaining his hope and his a worthy rival that actually kept me in to solve a crime Vader had committed.
own destiny. It’s just a particularly dark suspense about who would come out on Loved that. And Thanoth’s return was
form of hope, which has allowed him to act top! I think one of Kieron’s real strengths also pitch perfect, if sometime we
in an even more ruthless way than before. on this comic has been surrounding debated a bit about his final fate. I still

one of the most unforgettable fictional hope, someday, we can read a murder
What were everyone’s favorite moments characters of all time with other fictional mystery novel that takes place on the

or scenes? characters whom you will never forget. Death Star with Thanoth tracking down
JH: There are so many! The invention of a killer in the Imperial ranks.

Aphra is obviously a standout—so many JDW: That is so difficult, as this is a series
of the great moments in the comic derive of amazing moments and characters. HA: Can I pick every moment that
from her being a fantastic character. I Right this moment, I will go with the happened between issues 1 through
especially loved Aphra teaming up with character of Thanoth. He was so smart 25? No? Fine. In that case, my favorite
the bounty hunters to rob the Imperial and interesting… and was a great moment was probably when we did
ship—all with Vader’s knowledge. That antagonist for Vader precisely because he the interwoven scenes between Darth

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