Star Wars: Vader Down # 1 2016 NM-

Star Wars: Vader Down #1 is a critical one-shot comic published by Marvel Comics on November 18, 2015 (with a cover date of January 2016). It serves as the opening chapter of the first major crossover event in modern Star Wars comics, bridging the Star Wars and Darth Vader flagship series. 

Plot and Setting

Set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, the story depicts a rare moment of vulnerability for the Sith Lord. 

• The Trap at Vrogas Vas: Acting on a tip from Doctor Aphra, Vader travels alone to the planet Vrogas Vas to capture Luke Skywalker. However, he exits hyperspace directly into a Rebel training maneuver.
• Vader vs. The Fleet: Despite being outnumbered by three squadrons of X-wings, Vader single-handedly decimates much of the Rebel fleet using the Force and his superior piloting until Luke Skywalker executes a kamikaze collision, sending both ships crashing to the surface.
• "Surrounded by Dead Men": Stranded on foot, Vader is eventually surrounded by a full battalion of Rebel infantry. When ordered to surrender, he delivers one of his most iconic lines: "All I am surrounded by is fear. And dead men.". 

Core Characters

The issue brings together the primary casts of two different comic runs for the first time. 

• Darth Vader: Portrayed as a nearly unstoppable force of nature even when stranded.
• Luke Skywalker: Determined to learn about the Jedi at an abandoned temple on the planet before the crash.
• Princess Leia & Han Solo: Lead the Rebel mission to capture the "downed" Vader at any cost.
• Doctor Aphra: Vader's secret ally who attempts to rescue him while managing her homicidal droids, 0-0-0 and BT-1.