– Spoiler Review –
Prepare for some classic monster fare in the next entry to October’s spooky Return to Vader’s Castle, issue #2, “The Curse of Tarkin!”
Given Grand Moff Tarkin actor Peter Cushing’s history with Hammer horror films, he seems like a natural pick for one of these scary stories, much like his fellow Hammer frequenter Sir Christopher Lee aka Count Dooku, who was used wonderfully for the first miniseries. In this one, Tarkin becomes Tarkin-stein, as using the auspices of Tarkin Initiative banner is the perfect setup for the Moff to have tried creating a “monster” capable of winning the war, while allowing writer Cavan Scott to give Cushing one last chance to play Frankenstein like he did all those years ago. What really brings the whole thing together is Kelley Jones’ art, with Michelle Madsen on colors, as the classic artist invokes some Hammer-like framing to scenes, like close-ups of Tarkin’s stark face, lit brightly against a dark background or his face hidden by shadows as he laments what he must do next.
The Monster trying to make Tarkin pay for his sins of creation is also a classic moment, but in particular I enjoyed Tarkin’s response…blowing up the ship he’s visiting (almost like he visited on purpose…) no matter who is on board to erase all knowledge of the creature. It’s not something I feel like Baron Frankenstein would’ve done, but it’s definitely typical Tarkin, which allows both of Cushing’s characters to combine. Like all these stories, the whole thing might be resolved a little too quickly, but it’s spectacular and fun from start to finish, a great combination of spot-on writing and art.
Unlike the opening issue, this story comes not from Vaneé, but instead the captured Lt. Hudd, as he heard the tale from the Imperial officer the Monster saves at the end of the story considering she defected to the Rebellion after the experience. The framing story picks up steam as Hudd’s background as a thief allows him to escape the torture chamber, but he must still find a way out of the Castle and off of Mustafar! What excites me most about Hudd’s escape is now seeing the Castle brought to life by Francesco Francavilla’s frightening art, as Derek Charm’s cleaner, more all-ages friendly art previously explored it in first series, and Francavilla’s pulpy roots should make it a spooky journey not to forget.
Here are a few other things:
- Cavan Scott revealed, over on his blog, that this story was the one that inspired the series in the first place and also a very specific Doctor Who reference hiding with the issue. There’s even an Easter egg regarding Cushing in the issue as well, as revealed on Twitter!
- There’s already a preview for next week’s Return issue, which concerns a tale of witchery with, whom else, Asajj Ventress!
Return to Vader’s Castle #2 really Hams up the horror of a famous actor’s history to fit into his Star Wars character’s story, resulting in an excellent issue.
+ Tarkin-stein
+ Honoring Cushing’s Hammer Horror past
+ Spot-on writing/art
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website @MynockManor.
RETURN TO VADER’S CASTLE
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IDW’S STAR WARS ADVENTURES:
Tales from Vader’s Castle (miniseries) | Annual 2019