The Books of Scott Allie

The first and best in the 'Empire' series of graphic novels telling further stories of the classic era of Star Wars. Weeks before the events of Episode IV, a group of high ranking Imperials plot to overthrow their Sith masters, Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader, and when Vader is despatched to kill a Jedi, the conspirators see their chance. The plotters are torn by internal treacheries but manage to put their plan in effect only to be drawn up short by a tiny little problem; the Dark Lords of the Sith themselves. This book revels in the treachery of the Imperial leadership and the pure power of the dark side of the Force. We get to see Palpatine at his most devious, as well as fully unleashed (amusingly, he's perfectly calm until someone spills his drink and then it's all Force-lightning - what I wouldn't give to have that ability in the pub on a Friday night...). However the best element of the story is Vader's mission. He finds himself facing a small army of bounty hunters alone and uses all of his considerable power to fight them, making for some great action. Then things get even better when none other than Boba Fett steps in to aid Vader. When these two characters are featured together there is a sort of bond between them that can't be explained but which makes the book ten times cooler and more fun. I will say that some of Fett's dialogue does seem a little out of character (I don't picture him as referring to Vader as 'big guy') but that's forgiveable really. So; sinister plots, dynamic action and the unstoppable power of the Sith. What more could you possibly want from a graphic novel, eh?