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Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant’s Fist #2 - Part 2 of 2

4

Darth Vader attempts to make the citizens of Valkin support the Empire and confronts a Jedi Knight.

There's some spoilers here! 

The Good

Despite being confined to only 2 issues, there's a lot of weight on this title's shoulders simply because GHOST PRISON and DEATH SENTENCE were both brilliant. So, does PURGE: THE TYRANT'S FIST go down as yet another must read Star Wars tale from Dark Horse? No, it's not a "must read," but it's certainly good enough to warrant your money, especially if you're a fan of the Sith Lord, Darth Vader (and let's be real, who isn't?).  
 
Taking place during The Rise of the Empire, Vader has one simple objective: get a planet to support the Empire by crushing their faith in the Jedi. They take logical steps to help reach this goal, but ultimately, it all boils down to defeating the Jedi Knight they admire, Cho'na Bene. To no one's surprise, the two do indeed go face to face, and for the most part, the fight plays out in a creative manner and has an unexpected and quite excellent conclusion.  
 
There's some terrific panels of Vader going to town on Cho'na in unarmed combat, particularly when he strikes him into the ground and the impact shatters part of the floor. The artwork does a talented job providing the motion of Vader's strikes and the bleak final position Cho'na finds himself in. You can't help but feel for the Jedi as you see a lightsaber pressed firmly against his cheek.
 

The Bad 

While I did enjoy the art, there were some very awkward panels during the big fight. You expect a lightsaber battle to feel fluid and have the strikes properly conveyed through the art. However, the blades only clash once (there's no effects as they collide, making this feel dull) and the next moment simply has them both missing as they appear to side step the strikes. What follows is also a little hard to comprehend, but the quality picks up soon after. 
 
Additionally, what happened to the troopers blaster rifles when they were attacked? It's not a Predator, so disarming yourself won't save you, silly.

The Verdict 

Cramming a compelling story into just 2 issues isn't an easy chore, but overall, I'd say writer Alexander Freed has succeeded in crafting a short and satisfying story. It absolutely won't usurp the phenomenal GHOST PRISON or DEATH SENTENCE, but it is indeed worthy a read and something worth the attention of any Star Wars fan.