Greetings fellow Star Wars fans, it is I, MAR. Another Vader issue has dropped, and I can safely say I called the fight.
When last we left the temple, Jocasta Nu had given into her irritation, making her presence known to the Grand Inquisitor, who she now holds at Saber point. The two exchange banter, with the Inquisitor revealing to Jocasta that he is a former Jedi and that he now serves the Emperor. Before the archivist can deliver a blow, he activates his weapon, instigating a duel. While it only lasts four pages, we gain some insight into Grand’s mind. He despises the Jedi Order, as he never felt comfortable with them or their interpretation of the Force. In his words, “I always felt that something was being denied me. Now, at last, that void has been filled with the purity of the Dark Side.” We also learn that Grand has a personal vendetta against Jocasta, as he loathed her for repeatedly denying his achieve requests, even though it was her job.
As expected, the Grand Inquisitor easily wins the duel, but
his follow-up is interrupted by Darth Vader.
As we learned several issues back, The Emperor wants Jocasta alive, for
the time being, a wish he only disclosed to his apprentice. Without this knowledge, the Inquisitor
questions Vader’s rationale and loyalty, logical given his perspective. The Sith simply brushes him off, his words
punctuating their superior-subordinate relationship. “I do not require your trust, Grand
Inquisitor. Only your obedience.” Jocasta manages to escape, but like a
slasher-movie villain, Vader tails her.
The archivist manages to fully wipe the archive memory, a move which
will make future comics and novels interesting, especially when it comes to
Luke’s post-ROTJ search.
Speaking of interesting, the droid that greeting Jocasta in issue 08 plays a pivotal role information wise. Equipped with scanners, he recognizes Vader’s signature, referring to the former-Jedi by his true name. This revelation rightly worries Jocasta. As a Knight, Anakin was powerful; as a Sith, he could—and would—be even more so. With controlled fury, the Sith Lord dismantles the droid by hand; while I’m sure Force Grip could have sufficed, considering the droid countered saber throw, Vader is being cautious. Before he reaches Jocasta, a large plasma blast fires his way. Although he deflects, the energies momentum knocks the Sith Lord off his feet. The blasts source? A large rife Jocasta was custodian off, one that feeds off her lightsaber, and by extension, her Kyber Crystal. While I was certain Vader would have an easy time defeating Jocasta, as he outclasses her with both the Force and Lightsaber combat, now I’m not so certain. While we know the Sith will survive this encounter, the outcome is still hazy. Jocasta could still escape, although I believe she will be captured or killed.
Issue #9 was excellent. While the pace was quick at several points—necessitating the use of many panels—the story wasn’t shortchanged. Although minor, Grand’s character development was intriguing, and part of me wonders if he’ll end up killing Jocasta before Vader captures her. If so, I know the Emperor’s reaction will be classic.
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