The one-two punch of Star Wars #6 and Darth Vader #6 was always going to be a tough act to follow but Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca do an admirable job of it. Darth Vader #7 is out today and answers the question of “Just how do you follow up Vader learning he has a son?”

The issue picks up on Tatooine with Vader visiting a very familiar place with Aphra and the Murder Bots in tow. Surprisingly quickly though, the plot moves on as Vader has other matters across the galaxy to deal with. While the back two-thirds of the issue don’t pack quite the same emotional punch as the first-third, it’s nice to see Gillen moving the story right along and not lingering overly long on the Skywalker issue. Marvel is clearly playing the long game here as the Darth Vader book alone has already set up the secret apprentice story and now the Skywalker reveal as ongoing plots that will likely weave in and out of the arcs. I’m interested to see where they go next which, when you think about it, is really what you want a reader to be saying at the end of the every issue.

As per usual, Larroca does a great job on the art front. I insist that he still draws one of the best Vaders. I also really love that he changes up Aphra’s look throughout the various issues. Not only does it keep things visually interesting but it’s nice to see that she has multiple changes of clothes and doesn’t have to wear the same thing every issue. Aphra may still be a new character but it never hurts to be proactive against Han Solo syndrome. (AKA: Wearing the same vest/shirt/pants for 40+ years.)

While Darth Vader #7 isn’t quite as fantastic as Darth Vader #6, it remains a solidly good book that every Star Wars fan should be reading. The series continues to get a 4/5 from me.