Creative Staff:
Story: Robbie Thompson
Art: Stefano Landini
Colors: Neeraj Menon
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowl
What They Say:
THE HUNTER BECOMES THE HUNTED! VALANCE and DENGAR track DARTH VADER while also seeking out the perfect weapon to kill the SITH LORD…which they’ll need as Vader turns the tables on the hunters and corners them! And both hunter and hunted uncover dark secrets behind the criminal syndicate known only as THE HIDDEN HAND.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Robbie Thompson set up a solid enough idea in the opening about having a group put together to take down Vader. This is a fairly limited pool since he’s mostly a myth to the galaxy at large but those that have dealt with him in person can see the need for organizing a hunt to go after him. I liked the crew that Valance put together but I also felt like it’s best to not get too attached to any of them. My main problem with the opening installment was the inconsistent art thanks to several artists and inkers. Here, they’re all tossed in favor of newly added Stefano Landini. His stuff here is good overall and the consistent look throughout is a big plus in smoothing out the problems. But I’m a bit wary as Neeraj Menon’s color work has Valance a little more alien-ish pink than I recall him being before. But beyond that, it’s a solid book with a really good look to it that fits.
Because of the nature of the crew put together, Valance is ostensibly in charge since he’s running the show and drew them in but you have some like Dengar that aren’t exactly on board with working for someone. Which fits when you have independent contractors/bounty hunters like Dengar. He’s making it easier for Dengar to score points when they come out of hyperspace and Valance is blasting Imperial scout ships though since that’s just going to draw more attention to them, especially since they’re on a kind of setup mission now. Valance is looking to weapon-up with an old friend of his that goes back years and there’s an amusing dynamic between the two before and after they hug stuff out. It’s certainly unnerving for those in the group but Valance is exactly who he always has been – someone with a plan.
It’s no surprise that Valance is being betrayed since there’s a good price on his head and a little revenge from the past doesn’t hurt either. Of course, it’s Valance whose a few steps ahead and knew this would happen and is part of his plan. Fetya’s been running weapons for a while but also has deep connections to the Hidden Hand and garnering that data is what Valance is after since they can use it in the hunt for Vader. That’s a little roundabout considering Valance also drew Vader to this outer rim world to begin with but the idea is a sound one in that with the knowledge of where Vader will go to deal with the Hidden Hand, they can set up better traps and planning to take down the Dark Lord. Valance has armed his team with a lot of information to use.
In Summary:
Target Vader is a little loose at the start in acclimating the reader but it delves into things quickly enough and gets us on track with the story. Thompson has some good stuff moving around here and I like the bigger picture plan because it involves a lot of planning and less by the seat of your pants ideas when it comes to hunting the Emperor’s executioner. Landini’s a solid add on the art department but I would have been happy with most anyone after the disjointed first issue. The Landini is as solid and engaging as he is with the layouts and designs is just the icing on the cake. We’re a third of the way into the run so it has plenty of room to expand and go wild but it’s already delivered some good fun and has me interested in seeing just where the team will take it next.
Grade: B+
Age Rating: 9+
Released By: Marvel Comics via ComiXology
Release Date: August 14th, 2019
MSRP: $3.99