Darth Vader (2017) 15
Darth Vader #15 marks the fifteenth installment of the canon comic book series, formally titled Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017). This issue was penned by Charles Soule, brought to life with illustrations by Giuseppe Camuncoli, and released to the public on April 25, 2018 through Marvel Comics.
Official Synopsis
Darth Vader's campaign to subjugate Mon Cala presses onward! This installment features Vader engaging in some "wet work" within a particularly savage narrative!
Detailed Plot
The Ocean's Depths
[Darth Vader](/article/anakin_skywalker] descends into the Great Ungeness Trench, using his lightsaber as a light source. Vader's armor's integrated computer warns of dwindling oxygen levels, now at 30%, and indicates that the external pressure surpasses the suit's operational limits. To alleviate the crushing pressure, Vader employs the Force to propel himself upward.
During his ascent, Vader is ambushed by a giant squid, which attempts to ensnare him with its tentacles. He loses grip of his lightsaber in the process. As the creature constricts him, preparing to consume him, Vader utilizes the Force to dominate the beast, compelling it to retrieve his lightsaber and guide him towards the surface.
As the Inquisitors attempt to establish contact, Mon Calamari and Quarren forces riding Underwater Turbo Sled Pikes clash with Imperial seatroopers piloting OMS Devilfish submersibles. Approaching the surface, Vader notices the giant squid's eye rupturing due to the decreasing pressure. He then answers his Inquisitors' communication, instructing them to converge on his location.
Rescue Operations
As the Inquisitors' Imperial submarine draws near, the blinded and dying giant squid sinks back into the abyss. Vader enters the submarine, greeted by the Sixth Brother, Ninth Sister, and Tenth Brother, who express surprise at his survival. Vader inquires about the status of the Jedi, and the Sixth Brother responds that he is still alive. When Vader asks about King Lee-Char's location, the Ninth Sister reveals he was carried away by a tidal surge.
The Ninth Sister discloses that she successfully coerced Lee-Char into revealing the Jedi's whereabouts, confirming their knowledge of his location. The Tenth Brother adds that they narrowly escaped the wave, losing two clone Purge Troopers in the process. He further explains that the Inquisitors commandeered an Imperial submarine to search for him. Lord Vader reminds the Sixth Brother that the Emperor entrusted him with a mission, the failure of which is unacceptable.
When the Sixth Brother points out that they rescued him, Vader rebukes them as fools, asserting his self-sufficiency. He reminds the Ninth Sister that their primary objective on Mon Cala was to locate and eliminate the Jedi advising King Lee-Char. When the Ninth Sister confirms they know where to find him, Vader emphasizes that Lee-Char would warn the Jedi if he lived. Vader orders them to proceed and hope for the King's demise.
Meanwhile, an unconscious King Lee-Char is recovered by a Quarren patrol unit in a Quarren submarine. The Quarrens express hope that the King is still alive.
Sky-Base Takedown
At the Aerial landing platform, Colonel Bergon informs Governor Wilhuff Tarkin of their progress against Mon Cala resistance in the northern hemisphere. She reports that Admiral Raddus is organizing resistance in the south, primarily consolidating their reefships in the polar regions.
Colonel Bergon states her preference to maintain concentrated forces. Her strategy involves neutralizing Commander Ackbar first, before dealing with the southern resistance. Tarkin cautions her against underestimating Raddus, recognizing him as a skilled strategist. He suspects Raddus is planning a counteroffensive. Bergon assures Tarkin that she has the situation under control. At that moment, one of her officers announces an impending attack.
Ackbar leads a squadron of aquatic vehicles against the sky-base. Bergon, underestimating Ackbar, deploys several TIE fighters to intercept them. Under enemy fire, the aquatic vehicles submerge. Despite incurring losses, Ackbar remains determined to breach the perimeter of their point-defense grid to strike the sky-fortress.
Under Ackbar's command, the Mon Calamari vehicles launch themselves out of the water, firing metal-cased missiles at the sky-fortress, triggering a series of explosions that obliterate the aerial landing platform. As Ackbar and his soldiers assess the damage, a sergeant informs them that a Quarren patrol team has located King Lee-Char.
Jedi in Jeopardy
Meeting with the injured King Lee-Char, Ackbar expresses relief at his safety. He informs the King of the Empire's deployment of sky-bases as staging areas for their assault. While they managed to destroy one, he warns that the Empire possesses more. Ackbar suggests initiating a truce with the Empire and resuming negotiations.
Lee-Char dismisses the idea of a truce, asserting that the Empire has made its choice. He pledges to fight until the Empire retreats. When Lee-Char speaks of saving his people and the galaxy, Ackbar questions whether this is his own sentiment or that of the Jedi. Lee-Char insists it is his own, but then suddenly recalls that the Inquisitors are aware of the location of the Jedi Ferren Barr.
Breaking free from his medical bed, he attempts to contact Barr. Meanwhile, Verla informs Barr that the Mon Calamari and Quarren are putting up a strong resistance. Barr expresses admiration for their willingness to fight the Empire. Given the Imperial opposition, Verla questions whether the Mon Calamari and Quarren can successfully liberate their planet. Barr remains uncertain.
Just then, Endee alerts them to an incoming transmission from the King. Lee-Char informs them that he has initiated a scouring of the surface. He warns Barr that the Imperial "assassins" tortured him and have discovered the location of his hideout.
Imperial Reinforcements Arrive
Aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Sovereign, Governor Tarkin is informed of the loss of Colonel Bergon's sky-base. An Imperial lieutenant reports to Tarkin that the Mon Calamari utilized a swarm attack with metal-cased missiles, rather than energy projectiles.
Tarkin confronts Commander Jordo regarding the failure of the Imperial Security Bureau to report the existence of this military technology. Jordo attempts to explain that they have only been present in the Mon Calamari system for a few days, making it impossible to compile a comprehensive assessment of the planet in such a short time. Enraged by Jordo's incompetence, Tarkin orders stormtroopers to acquire a set of stormtrooper armor for Jordo.
Despite Jordo's objections, he is deployed to the surface as a stormtrooper. When a lieutenant inquires whether Tarkin intends to retaliate, Tarkin clarifies that he plans to escalate the conflict. Imperial reinforcements arrive at Mon Cala in the form of two Star Destroyers.
Related Media
Publication Details
- UPC 759606086665; April 25 , 2018 ; Marvel Comics [1] 01511; Cover A; Elia Bonetti, Giuseppe Camuncoli