Darth Vader Annual # 1 2016 NM-

Darth Vader Annual #1 (2016) is a pivotal one-shot comic from Marvel's first ongoing Darth Vader series (2015-2016). While it carries a cover date of February 2016, it was actually released on December 16, 2015. Written by Kieron Gillen and illustrated by Leinil Yu, the issue serves as a direct prelude to "The Shu-Torun War" story arc. 

Story and Setting

The issue introduces the resource-rich, volcanic planet Shu-Torun, a world that has fallen behind on its production quotas for the Empire. 

• The Mission: Darth Vader travels to Shu-Torun to force the planet's monarchy back into compliance.
• The Trap: Upon arrival, Vader is met by Princess Trios, the youngest daughter of the King, who attempts to lead him into a deadly trap involving molten lava and assassins.
• Imperial Retribution: After surviving the betrayal, Vader and his murderous droids, 0-0-0 (Triple Zero) and BT-1 (Beetee), eliminate the King and his older heirs.
• The New Queen: In a brutal display of authority, Vader crowns Trios as the new Queen, presenting her with a shard of the destroyed planet Alderaan as a warning of what happens to those who resist the Empire. 

Key Characters

• Darth Vader: Portrayed at his most intimidating, single-handedly quelling a royal uprising.
• Princess (later Queen) Trios: A significant character whose complex relationship with Vader and the Empire continues throughout later Star Wars comic series.
• 0-0-0 and BT-1: The sadistic protocol and astromech droids who assist Vader with lethal efficiency.