In a new solicitation for Marvel Comics' Darth Vader #18, it's revealed Lord Vader himself will be seeking revenge against Darth Maul's Crimson Dawn. Taking place in the aftermath of the current Star Wars comic crossover event War of the Bounty Hunters, Vader will reportedly be set on eliminating the criminal organization created by Maul, completely wiping out the legacy of his master's former (and discarded) apprentice. Seeing as how Vader can't fight Maul directly in order to prove his supremacy, erasing what he built seems like the next best thing.
Currently, Marvel Comics is in the midst of The War of the Bounty Hunters, which has seen the Crimson Dawn resurface in the galaxy in the days after Empire Strikes Back. Led by Lady Qi'ra, the criminal syndicate created by Maul at the end of the Clone Wars is back in force, stealing Han Solo's carbonite-encased body in order to legitimize their presence in the galactic underground, offering to sell the infamous smuggler to the highest bidder. Naturally, this very high-profile auction has gained attention from all corners of the galaxy, including the Rebellion and Empire. While it's unknown how it will all end beyond Solo being wall decor in Jabba's palace, it seems as though the aftermath will see Crimson Dawn in the sights of Darth Vader.
Coming from Greg Pak and Raffaele Ienco, the new solicitation for Marvel's Darth Vader #18 reveals that Vader will be coming after Darth Maul's legacy with a deadly vengeance, serving as a sort of epilogue to War of the Bounty Hunters. Vader only recently rededicated himself to Emperor Palpatine after going rogue, accepting a life of pain in exchange for unequaled power, so stamping out Maul's legacy is a fitting next act, especially since Vader is unable to face Maul like in the old Legends comics. Enjoy the cover art and synopsis for the upcoming issue:
- STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #18
- GREG PAK (W)
- RAFFAELE IENCO (A)
- Cover by AARON KUDER
- LUCASFILM ANNIVERSARY VARIANT COVER BY CHRIS SPROUSE
- VARIANT COVER BY KEN LASHLEY
- RED REVENGE! Fearful whispers echo in every corner of the Empire – Darth Vader is on the hunt, searching for anyone with any connection to the criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn.
Despite Crimson Dawn having just come back as a stronger presence in the galaxy, Darth Vader may very well ensure their extinction before they've truly begun. While the events of War of the Bounty Hunters will most likely catalyze Vader's mission to end the Dawn, it would definitely be interesting if there was confirmation of Vader's awareness that it was built by Maul. Fans already know Star Wars #16 includes a moment where Vader recognizes Qi'ra's fighting style, so it's likely he's already most of the way to this realization.
Seeing Vader go up against Deathstick - the Crimson Dawn's assassin enforcer - would be a highlight, though it's also possible Maul prepared his underlings with some custom techniques to combat the Sith, given his almost unparalleled insight into their techniques in this era of the galaxy. War of the Bounty Hunters will continue through October, revealing Boba Fett's efforts to retrieve his stolen bounty while the entire galaxy vies to gain Solo for themselves (including Vader and the Empire). While there's still quite a few issues left of the Star Wars crossover event, fans can look forward to Darth Vader's revenge quest against Darth Maul's Crimson Dawn once it concludes and Darth Vader #18 arrives in November.