While Aphra didn't quite win me over this installment as she has others, it's partially because of the larger cast she has to deal with and less dialogue than usual. And little in the way of time with Vader. The caper that they pull off is awkward at first but once you get the truth of it all it makes for a very fun second reading to pull it all together. Vader's minefield of dealing with the Imperials also makes for a lot of fun since he can't tip his hat in the slightest here, but there are those that are smart enough to see through certain things that should make him nervous as well. But there's always that calm exterior where it hides all the calculation going on inside. It moves forward in interesting ways here and I've always found Vader to be at his best when he's intimidating more so than when he's fighting or in action mode. And we get some great movements from him here as his larger plans are still unfolding when it comes to the droid factory, the money and more. Read Full Review

Darth Vader is delivering an exciting Star Wars epic that avoids predictable territory in favor of a complex tale of deception and betrayal. This is the comic the Dark Lord of the Sith deserves. Read Full Review

The highlight of the comic is the elaborate heist which includes not only stealing from the Imperials but almost completely covering their tracks to make everyone (except the Imperial Command it seems) unaware that a heist even took place. Just when it appeared the Dark Lord of the Sith had put together the perfect private army to continue his own plans the comic introduces the character of Inspector Thanoth who could put everything at risk. With the heist complete, and Thanoth looking over Vader's shoulder for the forseeable future, I'll be curious to see how much of the bounty hunters will see in the coming months and how the adjunct's presence stifles Vader's plans. Worth a look. Read Full Review

At the same time Vaders expansion of his personal empire gives the series a natural format to touch on the entire Star Wars universe while also expanding key elements of it. This latest issue features both a squad of bounty hunters and a heist story involving imperial credits. Additionally, Darth Vaders lieutenants are all thoroughly engaging, especially Dr. Aphra, a rogue archeologist whos sort of the villainous Read Full Review

When this series first launched, I wasn't quite sure that Darth Vader could maintain an ongoing series. He's not exactly a very open and personable fella. But Gillen and his creative team are proving me wrong. This series is a blast. Read Full Review

Darth Vader continues to be a worthy addition to anyone's pull,with the galaxy far, far away getting handled with great care and attention to detail. This particular issue also gives us great development, with Aphra becoming a more likeable character. Read Full Review

Instead of a moody story, Gillen and Larroca have infused their book with this reckless spirit that only comes from taunting death. Read Full Review

I am still on board with the premise of this series, and the character of Doctor Aphra is what is keeping me coming back for more. But the rehash of previous storylines and slow plot points really bring this issue to a halt a few times, and I can only find so many excuses to continue buying this book. Read Full Review

All in all, I don't mind this book. I do sometime feel that stories set between the movies fail to show any real development tothe main characters. For example, instories set between A New Hope and Empire Luke can not become too strong in the Force, and it follows that Darth can't find or dispose of Luke. Of course, this isn't the first time Marvel have traversed this particularly rocky road, and their success, especially when their previous series hit it's high notes whenset between Empire and Jedi. Because of that, I am sure that long time fans may be giving the benefit of the doubt, in similar measures as new fans are enjoying these new Star Wars books. Read Full Review

Despite boasting a clever, multi-tiered heist, this is unquestionably a "better in the trade" issue. Read Full Review

"Star Wars: Darth Vader" tries to provide a heist followed by the set up for the next plot in the same issue and it doesn't work. The front part of the comic is exciting and provides a twist while the book then slows to a halt setting up the plot to come in the next issue. The comic might read fine in a collected edition but is a messy read for a single issue. The artwork in the comic book is certainly something special to look at but it isn't enough to make this comic book a winner. Read Full Review

A decent issue as far as setting up new threats and dynamics, but it's so darn boring. Read Full Review

"Darth Vader" #8 continues the investigation off the beaten path. I can appreciate that Gillen is investigating an unpredictable route, but I am hesitant to continue to invest time and money in this book that fails to deliver on the promise of Darth Vader. I'm not saying every panel should have lightsaber-powered dismemberments or Force-choke murders, but Darth Vader is more than the thug he comes across as in "Darth Vader" #8. He's a legendary villain, and this should be where we see that legend being constructed. Read Full Review

I hope it picks up

I continue to find this series lukewarm. I feel like it could be so much better. It hasn't done much to show how menacing Vader can be like he has been in some of the Star Wars comics. I'm still not sold on Aphra either. I think she takes up too much attention.

Some good twists, but overall a little hard to get too invested or care much.

Darth Vader having a female roadie is bordering on silliness. I have never been a fan of Gillen's work, but I really hope this series gets better.