Darth Vader and Son

Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown published by Chronicle Books; April 18, 2012; 64 pages. 

What if  Darth Vader took an active role in raising his son?  What if  "Luke, I am your father" was just a stern admonishment from an annoyed dad?  In this hilarious and sweet comic re-imagining, Darth Vader is a dad like any other except with all the baggage of being the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Brown's illustrations not only reference movies but also hit on connections between and father and son.  Imagine how the staff on the Death Star might react to a bring-your-child-to-work day. Imagine Luke frustrating Vader in the way that four-year-olds generally frustrate fathers. We see Vader desperately trying to be a dad in a way that many men will recognize.

Some of my favorite scenes include Vader refusing to let Luke play with Han Solo and then later asking his son if he pushed Greedo first on the playground.

This book is short, sweet and hilarious. It appeals to both young and die-hard Star Wars fans. It will make a good father's day gift.  On the downside is that his twin Leia only appears once. Perhaps there will be a sequel Darth Vader and Daughter?

I give this book ★★★★★