Earlier in the year, Marvel Comics launched a new era of Star Wars comics to huge success. Not only are they hugely popular, sitting at the top of the charts every month, but they’re also great too. Jason Aaron and a batch of different artists have been kicking goals with Star Wars, focussing mostly on the Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance as they fight off the Empire. Darth Vader, written Kieron Gillen and art by Salvador Larroca, has also been great and has been a fascinating exploration of Darth Vader’s motivations while introducing an interesting supporting cast. Set straight after the destruction of the Death Star, these two comics have been running parallel with each other and starting this month will meet for the first time in the 6-part crossover, Vader Down.
Darth Vader is stuck behind enemy lines and it’s him against the whole Rebel Alliance. How will Vader get out of this predicament? You’ll have to read Vader Down to find out, but I’m sure he’ll do it in the most bad-ass way possible.
Crossovers can be a bit confusing, sometimes it’s hard to tell which comic you should read next in the story and, if you’re like me, sometimes can miss apart if you’re not paying close enough attention. To take the stress out of it all, I’ve created the Star Wars: Vader Down Reading Order Checklist which will make sure you don’t miss any of the story.
As an added bonus, I’m trialling the inclusion of calendar events to remind readers as to when each issue comes out. As this is the first time I’ve tried it, feedback would be great to see how I can improve the idea for next time.
For those new to crossovers, they’re pretty simple. Essentially, it’s the cast of both Star Wars and Darth Vader coming together to tell one big story throughout the pages of both comics. Don’t worry if you have only been reading one comic and not the other, Marvel will get you up to speed in the first few pages with everything you need to know.
Star Wars: Vader Down #1 – Part 1
Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato.
Available November 18th
Darth Vader #13 – Part 2
Written by Keiron Gillen. Art by Salvador Larroca.
Available November 25th
Star Wars #13 – Part 3
Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato.
Available December 2nd
Darth Vader #14 – Part 4
Written by Keiron Gillen. Art by Salvador Larroca.
Available December 23rd
Star Wars #14 – Part 5
Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Mike Deodato.
Available January 6th
Darth Vader #15 – Part 6
Written by Keiron Gillen. Art by Salvador Larroca.
Available January 13th
After Vader Down
Want to know what happens after Vader Down? Follow the different branches of Star Wars comics in Star Wars #15 and Darth Vader #16.
Have Your Say
Will you be reading Vader Down? Do you find the calendar reminders helpful? Let me know in the comments below or via Facebook or Twitter.
Have you found this reading order helpful? Share it on social media or with your friends so it can help even more people.
Hi looking to buy back issues from 2016 STAR WARS VADER DOWN issues 2,3,4 and 5 please send email with info cost ext thanks
This is why I usually stick with Image comics. Why does Marvel have to do all of these crossovers? To sell more comics that’s why! I picked up the first few volumes of Darth Vader and about 6 of the issues after reading the Darth Vader annual. I was really enjoying the story and when I got to the end of the second volume I thought that I could continue with the story. Guess what? I couldn’t because silly me I didn’t get the Vader Down issues. This article is nice by the way. Thank you for putting this list together for those of us who started this series after the fact.
I’m glad you’re digging the list 🙂
so if i read the darth vader saga i have to read the star wars one too to get what’s going on?
As long as you read the Star Wars issues that are part of this storyline you don’t have to read any other previous issues.
Thank you, this is exactly what I have been looking for! Just found your site, but I can see it’ll be a one of my favorite destinations in the future.
That’s awesome to hear! Glad I could help ?
Nice job