If you've never read a Star Wars comic before, this might be a good one to pick up. Although the title says "Darth Vader," there isn't a whole lot of Vader in this issue; and although that might seem like a bad thing, this is really a great story. This is a story about Tohm, a Cadet; not Darth Vader, at least not right now. At this point in the story Vader still seems untouchable. We don't know what he's thinking or feeling -- and that's okay. So much of Vader's story has been fleshed out in books, novels and the movies that getting the story from the fresh perspective of this cadet makes the reading experience more interesting. I really enjoyed everything about this issue. This is a great jumping on point for new readers. There are some Star Wars references but the story is written clearly in a way that will be easy to understand. Read Full Review

This arc wound up being more of a fun diversion for Red Hulk than the intensely dramatic adventure it seemed to be at first glance. Hopefully the upcoming Mayan arc will be a little more plot-driven. Read Full Review

On art detail, Agustin Alessio impresses. This is my first time seeing his work and I have to give him props for setting a great tone in the issue with his art. His Vader is imposing and exudes the awe-inspiring characteristics that he is so well known for in the film. When he appears in the issue Alessio's art was so epic and convincing I heard the Vader theme play. I'm focusing on a very small part of the issue, but the impact of those moments shows what Alessio is capable of and I will definitely be checking out the next issue to see what visuals he has in store for readers. Read Full Review

He is someone who is easy to cheer for and it will be interesting to see where things go as Vader's involvement in the story will no doubt test Tohm's allegiance to it's fullest. Read Full Review

Agustin Alessio's art is very impressive, considering his role as the sole artist, and it will most likely be worth keeping tabs on him for the next few years. That being said, "Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison" does not offer too much that non-Star Wars fans will be terribly interested in, but that might just be the case with this first issue; it looks like this miniseries could be one of those few Star Wars properties that actually brings something new and intriguing to the massive Extended Universe. Read Full Review

Featuring decent artwork by Agustin Alesio, Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison is an entertaining entry into the Star Wars canon. Yet unlike Dark Horses first jaunt into the Star Wars universe, Dark Empire, these current tales are more like mediocre fan fiction, capitalizing on the franchises 35 years of success. Maybe it is because Star Wars has been part of the cultural lexicon for over three decades, spawning a glut of products and extraneous stories; maybe it is because I grew up watching the original trilogy and reading Marvels Star Wars series (which I feel is superior to anything Dark Horse churns out nowadays) but the endless barrage of Star Wars comics hitting shops every month is tiring and almost embarrassing. There are too many Star Wars comics out there nowadays and finding a decent one, like Ghost Prison, is a rarity, reminding me, if only for the briefest of moments, why I liked Star Wars in the first place. Read Full Review

"Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison" #1 is a strange set up issue because it feels like most of what is presented here is merely a launching pad. The narrative doesn't start until the final pages and only so much looks like it will survive into future pages. As such, this issue feels throwaway -- not how you want to start your miniseries. Read Full Review

A seemingly uninspired main character paired with lack-luster art will make it hard for me to come back for issue #2. Read Full Review