Darth Vader #23 represents the twenty-third installment in the canon comic book series titled Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017). Charles Soule penned the script for this issue, while Giuseppe Camuncoli provided the illustrations. Marvel Comics released it on November 14, 2018.
While engaged in the creation of the fifth iteration of Fortress Vader, Darth Momin goads Darth Vader into permitting the structure to mold the dark side of the Force. He asserts that his current state restricts his capacity to wield the Force. The two Sith endeavor to unlock the portal to the dark side, resulting in seismic activity. The construction personnel seek refuge.
Concurrently, Kkkt, a Mustafarian, and his offspring Zzzs discern that the dark side energy emanating from the fortress is precipitating another endfire storm. While Vader attempts to access the Force, Kkkt employs his own Force abilities to impede it, thereby disrupting the Sith ritual. Kkkt's actions safeguard the Mustafarians. Cognizant that the entire world of Mustafar is protesting the "dark one's" construction on the Gahenn plains, he instructs Zzzs to mobilize the other Mustafarian clans for an offensive against Fortress Vader.
In the meantime, Momin deduces that the fifth blueprint contains an excessive number of focusing crystals but suggests that they can implement modifications for the sixth design. Vader, enraged by Momin, terminates the Sith Lord's Mustafarian host body utilizing his lightsaber. While the construction crew assesses the devastation, Lord Vader compels the Mask of Lord Momin onto an unsuspecting Magma trooper commander. Assuming control of the unfortunate soldier, Momin pledges to refine the sixth design and commands the construction team and stormtroopers to restore order to the site.
Shortly thereafter, a swarm of lava fleas descends upon the construction zone. When Darth Momin inquires about the reason for the assault, a Magma trooper speculates that they may be encroaching upon the creatures' breeding grounds and notes that they began appearing in response to the lightning storms emanating from the castle. He reports that the creatures and Mustafarians persistently attack on a daily basis. He directs the trooper to defend the castle, exhibiting minimal concern for the substantial casualties incurred in its defense.
Lord Momin persists in reconstructing the fortress for the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth occasions. The initial three attempts culminate in calamities, with the fortress enduring damage from lightning storms and volcanic eruptions. Vader eliminates each of Momin's hosts, encompassing the magma trooper, a female Imperial officer, and a lava flea. For the ninth endeavor, Momin inhabits the body of a male construction worker. As Momin articulates cautious optimism regarding his ninth design, Lord Vader cautions that there will be no tenth iteration.
The ninth design manifests as a towering structure featuring two components bisected at the apex by a triangular element. Lord Momin has revamped the focusing chamber to comprise numerous sheets adorned with Sith runes encircling a rocky mound. As Lord Vader endeavors to unlock the portal, a pair of magma troopers marvel at the design. Lord Momin implores Lord Vader to recuperate from his exertions, but the Sith Lord propels him aside and resolves to enter the portal himself.
Captain Junus, the commanding officer of the Fortress Vader Imperial garrison, reports that a legion of lava fleas and Mustafarians is converging on the location. He advocates for retreat. As Lord Vader surveys the balcony, Lord Momin capitalizes on his distraction to unlock the portal himself, unleashing a substantial surge of Force energy. Momin regains his corporeal form and extracts the helmet from his host. He proclaims to a furious Lord Vader that he is his own masterpiece.
- UPC 759606086665; November 14 , 2018 ; Marvel Comics [1] 02311; Cover A; Elia Bonetti, Giuseppe Camuncoli 02321; Cover B; Rod Reis