In the Shadows of Their Fathers (Star Wars: Empire, Vol. 6) Review

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(More customer reviews)The sixth graphic novel collection of the Star Wars Empire comic series collects issues 29-34 and is titled In the Shadows of their Fathers. Issue 31 was a standalone story and is presented first in this book; we then roll into the main event with the tale of the Rebels' attempt to sway the planet of Jabiim to their cause. Some readers may recall the planet of Jabiim from the Republic series dealing with the Clone Wars (the original Jabiim arc can be found in the graphic novel Clone Wars Volume Three: Last Stand on Jabiim).
The standalone story that kicks off this book tells the story of Darth Vader "negotiating" a business deal on the planet of Tiss'sharl. The reptilian inhabitants reminded me of the Ssi-ruuk, the race encountered in Kathy Tyers' Truce at Bakura. I believe this was a wholly separate planet and race (since the Ssi-ruuk were from beyond the known galaxy), but I confess, my Expanded Universe knowledge may have a gap here and perhaps we've seen these guys before. Anyway, we get a glimpse at the weight the Empire brings to bear on systems under its thumb and we see the potential hazards in daring to meet with a representative of the Rebellion.
The remainder of the book deals with Luke and Leia's visit to Jabiim. If you've read the Clone Wars Jabiim arc, you know that Anakin Skywalker left the inhabitants who had remained loyal to the Republic in a horrible position. The potential for a story where Luke visits the planet unaware of the sins of his father is strong, but I found this story to be rather predictable. The issues telling Anakin's story were a gripping, extremely well-drawn look at the horrors and chaos of war. I guessed going in that the locals would be pre-disposed against Luke but that he would win their trust in the end.
Unfortunately not too much really happens considering the story spans five issues. My favorite portions dealt with Luke trying to understand who his father was and what he had done. I enjoyed the small touches tying to the prequels, such as the use of old Acclamator-class destroyers as slave ships, and also enjoyed seeing Vader's reaction to being forced to visit one of the planets that brought up so many unpleasant recollections for him.
All in all, these issues were fine but nothing really stands out from them in particular. They're worth reading if you've been following the Empire series or if you're interested in a follow-up to Anakin's adventures on Jabiim.

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Luke Skywalker confronts the legacy of the Jedi father he never knew in an epic story involving Princess Leia, Darth Vader and the fate of an entire planet! When Luke and Leia travel to Jabiim recruiting allies for the fledgling Rebellion, they unwittingly set into motion events that will ignite one man's betrayal of his people, pit rebel hero against rebel hero and attract the attention of the Empire's deadliest enforcer - Darth Vader!

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