Darth Vader (2017) 23

"FORTRESS VADER" - PART 5 As LORD MOMIN's sinister plans materialize, a pall of darkness descends upon MUSTAFAR. However, the indigenous population of the planet is unwilling to tolerate this sacrilege and begins formulating their own counter-strategies.

While in the process of constructing 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 spectral state curtails his capacity to wield the Force. The two Sith jointly endeavor to unlock the gateway to the dark side, resulting in seismic tremors. The construction personnel seek refuge.

Concurrently, Mustafarian Kkkt and his offspring Zzzs discern that the dark side energy emanating from the fortress is instigating yet another endfire storm. While Vader is preoccupied with attempting to breach the Force's threshold, Kkkt employs his own Force-derived abilities to suppress it, thereby disrupting the Sith ritual. Kkkt's intervention is pivotal in safeguarding the Mustafarians. Realizing that the entire world of Mustafar is reacting to the structure being erected by the "dark one" on the Gahenn plains, he instructs Zzzs to assemble the other Mustafarian clans to launch an offensive against Fortress Vader.

Simultaneously, Momin deduces that the fifth blueprint incorporates an excessive number of focusing crystals but suggests that they can implement modifications for the sixth iteration. Enraged by this, Vader terminates Momin's Mustafarian host body using his lightsaber. Amidst the construction crew's assessment of the damage, Lord Vader forcibly affixes 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 crew and stormtroopers to restore order to the site.

Shortly thereafter, a swarm of lava fleas descends upon the construction site. When Darth Momin inquires about the cause of the assault, a Magma trooper speculates that they may be encroaching upon the creatures' breeding grounds and notes that their presence has increased in response to the lightning storms generated by the castle. He reports that both the creatures and Mustafarians are launching daily attacks. He instructs the trooper to defend the castle, displaying minimal concern for the substantial casualties incurred in its defense.

Lord Momin proceeds with the reconstruction of the fortress for the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth times. The initial three attempts culminate in failures, with the fortress enduring damage from both lightning storms and volcanic eruptions. Vader eliminates each of Momin's hosts, including the magma trooper, a female Imperial officer, and even a lava flea. For the ninth endeavor, Momin inhabits the body of a male construction worker. As Momin voices cautious optimism regarding his ninth design, Lord Vader cautions that there will be no tenth attempt.

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 multiple sheets adorned with Sith runes encircling a rocky promontory. As Lord Vader strives to unlock the gateway, a pair of magma troopers marvel at the design. Lord Momin implores Lord Vader to recuperate from his exertions, but the Sith Lord dismisses him and resolves to enter the door.

Captain Junus, the commanding officer of the Fortress Vader Imperial garrison, reports that a combined force of lava fleas and Mustafarians is converging on the location. He advises a retreat. As Lord Vader surveys the balcony, Lord Momin capitalizes on his distraction to unlock the gateway himself, unleashing a surge of Force energy. Momin materializes into his corporeal form and removes the helmet from his host. He proclaims to an enraged Lord Vader that he himself is his masterpiece.

• UPC 759606086665; November 14 , 2018 ; Marvel Comics [1] 02311; Cover A; Elia Bonetti, Giuseppe Camuncoli 02321; Cover B; Rod Reis