It's the 20th anniversary of "Return of the Jedi!" As we all know, one of the central figures of the Star Wars story is Darth Vader. He not only was a star in the movies, but he also was featured in many of the books and graphic novels published following the release of ROTJ back in 1983. So, if you are interested in learning more about Vader and his influence before and after his death as he fits into the story arc, check these books out:
"Splinter of the Mind's Eye", the first ever Star Wars novel was published in 1978, written by Alan Dean Foster, and, although it doesn't really fit into the "canon" of the GL authorized storyline, is still an interesting read.
"Heir to the Empire" published in 1991 and written by Timothy Zahn, kicks off Vader's literary reappearance with a few well written mentions.
"Truce at Bakura" from 1994, by Kathy Tyers, allows Vader to visit Leia and their conversation is thought provoking, as well as adding impetus for future reference as Leia will remember and refer back to that confrontation as the Expanded Universe moves forward.
"Darksaber", written by Kevin J. Anderson in 1995 incorporates flashbacks to Vader and Tarkin during the Death Star's construction.
"Shadows of the Empire", released in 1996, written by Steve Perry, takes us back to the classic era between ESB and ROTJ with the power struggle between Vader and Prince Xizor for Palpatine's favor.
"The Bounty Hunter's Trilogy" came out in 1998. Author K.W. Jeter puts us right between Vader, Xizor and Boba Fett.
Darth Vader also appears in the childrens/Young Readers books. In the Young Jedi Knights series "Vader's Fortress from 1997, Rebecca Moesta, ANakin Solo finds his grandfathers Bast Castle. This location is also mentioned in the graphi novel "Dark Empire II".
Last, but surely not least, the new novel "Tatooine Ghost" which was just released in March, 2003 and written by Troy Denning also includes Darth Vader. Give it a read!
Just because he is gone, he is not forgotten, at least not by the readers and writers and the fans. Vader lives!
Just about all these books are featured in the Outpost Library, Classic and Expanded Sections, so go take a look and read a book.
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