Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1A (Dark Horse Comics 2013)

Step into a shadow-drenched corner of the Star Wars galaxy with Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1A (Dark Horse Comics, 2013). This opening chapter pairs a high-stakes conspiracy with Vader’s ruthless presence, inviting readers into an underworld where eight would-be killers have already fallen—and a ninth is being hunted by the very mastermind who hired them. The price for this ninth assassin isn’t measured in credits; it’s a price paid in blood, risk, and the potential to end the Dark Lord of the Sith himself. With Tim Siedell crafting the suspense and Stephen Thompson and Mark Irwin delivering the visuals, this issue pulls you into a perilous quest for vengeance that only Vader’s enemies could imagine.

Overview

This is not a straightforward battle of lightsabers and fleets. It’s a noir-tinged thriller about loyalty, power, and the lengths a desperate father will go to avenge his son. The hunt for the ninth assassin forces characters to reveal their true selves, revealing how far the Empire will go when the price is personal—and how Vader’s tactical genius can turn even a simple contract into a galaxy-spanning crisis.

What makes this issue stand out

• Bold premise with real stakes. Eight assassins are dead and the ninth comes with a pay scale that dwarfs ordinary sums—turning a conventional bounty into a life-and-death chess game around the Dark Lord of the Sith.
• Character-forward storytelling. The narrative leans into motive, risk, and the emotional gravity of vengeance, giving Vader’s universe a sharper, more personal edge than typical space-opera battles.
• Rich, cinematic art. Stephen Thompson’s dynamic paneling and Mark Irwin’s textures capture Vader’s imposing presence and the grim mood of imperial intrigue, while the cover art by Michael Atiyeh and Ariel Olivetti elevates the dark, collectible appeal.
• Authentic Star Wars atmosphere. Seamlessly blends familiar lore with a fresh thriller vibe—perfect for fans who crave a darker, more intimate look at the Sith and the empire’s shadows.

Who this is for

• Fans seeking a darker, more suspenseful chapter in the Star Wars universe that centers on strategy, secrecy, and motive as much as action.
• Collectors who appreciate standout cover art and limited-series storytelling from Dark Horse Comics’ Star Wars catalog (2013).
• Readers who want a standalone opening that can be enjoyed on its own or as the beginning of a broader Vader-focused arc.

What you’ll experience

• A tense, mystery-driven plot that reframes the idea of assassination within the Star Wars canon.
• Vader depicted with both fearsome power and strategic cunning—the hallmarks that make him one of the most compelling figures in science fiction.
• Layered visuals that balance character close-ups with sweeping imperial settings, enhancing the weight of every decision and consequence.
• A collectible entry point for readers and long-time fans alike, reinforced by distinctive cover artistry from Atiyeh and Olivetti.

Details

• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Year: 2013
• Title: Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #1A
• Creators: Writer Tim Siedell; Artists Stephen Thompson, Mark Irwin
• Cover Artists: Michael Atiyeh, Ariel Olivetti
• Price: Cover price $3.50