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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 reimagining, Darth Vader is a dad like any other except with all the baggage of being the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Celebrated artist Jeffrey Brown's delightful illustrations give classic Star Wars moments a fresh twist, presenting the trials and joys of parenting through the lens of a galaxy far, far away. Life lessons include lightsaber batting practice, using the Force to raid the cookie jar, Take Your Child to Work Day on the Death Star ("Er, he looks just like you, Lord Vader!"), and the special bond shared between any father and son.

Edition MSRP: $14⁹⁵ U.S. / £9⁹⁹ U.K. (ISBN 978-1-4521-0655-7)

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

220 people are currently reading
10145 people want to read

About the author

Jeffrey Brown

189 books1,382 followers
Jeffrey Brown was born in 1975 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and grew up reading comic books with dreams of someday drawing them, only to abandon them and focus on becoming a 'fine artist.' While earning his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Brown abandoned painting and began drawing comics with his first autobiographical book 'Clumsy' in 2001. Since then he's drawn a dozen books for publishers including TopShelf, Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, McSweeney's and Chronicle Books. Simon & Schuster published his latest graphic memoir 'Funny Misshapen Body.' In addition to directing an animated video for the band Death Cab For Cutie, Brown has had his work featured on NPR's 'This American Life' His art has been shown at galleries in New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Paris. Jeffrey's work has also appeared in the Best American Comics series and received the Ignatz Award in 2003 for 'Outstanding Minicomic.'
He currently lives in Chicago with his wife Jennifer and their son Oscar.

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5 stars
8,398 (43%)
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3 stars
3,278 (17%)
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401 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,581 reviews
Profile Image for Jon Nakapalau.
6,350 reviews964 followers
June 14, 2024
Great series that is sure to warm the heart of any Star Wars fan. Seeing Darth Vader (DV) as a loving father may seem strange at first; but I think it speaks to something deep within that we all know is so important - family. My friend Tony is the biggest Star Wars fan I know, he is the one who suggested this book to me.
Profile Image for Rhiannon.
61 reviews43 followers
April 27, 2012
There are some people who will buy this book because they love Star Wars. And that's fine. I grew up in house with a Dad and a brother who loved Star Wars (I will be buying this book for my dad for The Father's Day). So, I ended up watching Star Wars movies, too, and playing "Star Wars"-related games with the boys in my neighborhood (hint: light sabers = red vs green freezepops) - probably more often than I would've liked. I didn't really "like" Star Wars until Harry Potter turned me into a nerd, and that was after high school.

I bought this book because I think it is really, really funny to look at Darth Vader doing normal, every day things. And in this book, Darth Vader is very much a normal, every day dad.

Once, I was taking an illustration course, and one of our earliest assignments was taking an action figure off of a table and drawing that action figure in different settings and backgrounds. Well, wouldn't you know it but I got stuck with a Darth Vader action figure. So, I drew this Darth Vader action figure (colored pencils!) having an Easter Egg Hunt, laying in a dentist chair, eating by himself in a diner. And every one of these drawings was fucking hilarious to me. I bet everyone in the class thought I was either a lunatic for chuckling to myself all class long, or narcissitic for thinking I was so goddamn funny.

But, I wasn't funny. Darth Vader was funny. Darth Vader doing normal, every day things was funny.

And this book was hilarious. And did I mention Jeffrey Brown? (Colored pencils!). The other reason I bought this book is because Jeffrey Brown wrote it, and I love his other work.

I had a feeling that as much as Jeffrey Brown was a Star Wars fan, and as much as the George Lucas Mega Corporation could've been breathing down his neck while he was making this thing, Jeffrey Brown would "get it," he was still going to use this medium to get the very heart of the issue: Darth Vader is hilarious when he is doing normal, every day things. The End.
Profile Image for Brad.
Author 2 books1,889 followers
August 20, 2013
So some idiot here on goodreads is complaining about Jeffrey Brown's Vader books because they don't follow the Star Wars stories closely enough, because they take liberties with Lucas's magnum opus. He even goes so far as to express concern for the victims of Darth Vader, as if they are real people in some real galaxy far, far away.

Enough taking this shit so seriously, morons! C'mon. It's just a silly Science Fantasy series, which really has nothing all that important to tell us in its original incarnation, so why should we be offended or care when someone sees the borders of Star Wars as flexible? We shouldn't. Let Jeffrey Brown pour cereal for Luke and have Luke share play dates with Vader on Endor. Sure it has nothing to do with the "reality" of the movies, but it's cute, it's fun, and that is all it is supposed to be.

Maybe I'm just a little out of touch when it comes to these things. Perhaps I am too old to understand the kind of love that these pop-culture icons receive. I guess I am too stuffy. But even so I think everyone needs to relax.

Sheesh. Keep having fun, Jeff. Some of us out there get it.

:P
Profile Image for Martin.
327 reviews166 followers
July 7, 2019
What if Darth Vader had to look after his very young son, Luke?

Imagine the trials and responsibilities the solo dad, Lord Vader, would have cope with every day.
Getting through a toy shop with the toys Vader thinks Luke should have and not the stupid ones he wants.
Play dates with totally unsuitable children.
And then there is Bed Time . . .

In the quotes below I have attempted to show you three cartoons from this very funny graphic book.
(I would appreciate advice on how to insert pictures from my files into reviews.)

Enjoy!

Profile Image for Scarlet Cameo.
650 reviews409 followers
September 11, 2016
This thing is absolutely lovely. I really like the way it "connect" the movies and Luke's fictional childhood. Nobody else can be a funnier dad than Vader or say that "Siths are the good guys"even when "They look like the bads."

The format is very nice, neat and practical. The pictures are quite cute.







My favorite page: The one that Daver prohibits Luke be friend of Han Solo.


Fun fact: I read the book at Office Depot until I waited for be attendent
Profile Image for Hollowspine.
1,482 reviews39 followers
August 20, 2014
A very funny take on how life would be if Luke had stayed with his father, Darth Vader. Hilarious, and heart-warming.

It's a quick read, but many of the images and jokes will stay with me. I especially enjoyed Luke trying to use the force to sneak a cookie and Darth's many parental moments, giving Luke his ice-cream, healing his boo-boos and yelling at him for playing in the trash. Even if you don't get the many Star Wars references and jokes, it still is both very funny and even, dare I say, cute.

Seeing Darth Vader doing the normal tasks of child rearing or taking a bath, going to work, add a human element to this dark character. Brown's terrific artwork lends emotion even to the dark mask of Vader and add all the heart and humor to this wonderful little book.
Profile Image for Melki.
7,172 reviews2,585 followers
April 15, 2013
This is one of the few books every member of my household has read and enjoyed. (Well, technically the dog was pretty indifferent...)

Everyone agreed that this is the best comic:

In a toy store, young Luke picks out a Jar Jar Binks doll.
Darth says, "This isn't the toy you're looking for..."

Pretty cute, huh?
Profile Image for Sophia Triad.
2,241 reviews3,738 followers
February 10, 2017
This is the cutest Star Wars book!
It is not a comic book for children. It is a book for parents and especially for Star Wars’ fans since its humor is completely based on these movies for the most scenes. Of course there are moments that even a non Star Wars’ fan can understand.

Favorite quotes:

Darth Vader being just a parent:

“Luke, do you need to go potty?”
“No.”
“Well, you are kind of doing a little dance.”
“I don’t have to go.”


I completely understand him and I have experienced this dialogue myself many times hahaha

Darth Vader being a parent who wants to rule them all:

“TOGETHER WE CAN RULE THE GALAXY AS FATHER AND SON.”
“And then I can have a treat?”


Oh, well he is Darth Vader hahaha
Profile Image for Kelli.
927 reviews444 followers
November 22, 2016
Not only is this just outright FUN, but it also has a few really touching pages. Even Darth Vader finds wrapping challenging! Good to know that it isn't just me!
Profile Image for Daiane.
179 reviews214 followers
April 11, 2016
"Together we can rule the Galaxy as father and son!" "And then can I have a treat?"

How adorable are the situations on the dark side <3



All the things daddy Vader has to do for his little Luke...



It's actually not one of those books that I want to reread over and over again, but it definitely made me smile. After I read (Just when I got it from the mail), my dad came to me and sad "Did you open it?" "I already read it!" So he took it and read while smiling. It's just too cute.

I must warn you, don't expect this to be a whole story. This book is made of small comic pages of Vader having an average life taking care of Luke. Still, if you like Star Wars, or know about it, this is a great book that will make you laugh. Also, it's full of references ;)
Profile Image for Jennifer Bacall.
429 reviews21 followers
April 23, 2012
This is the perfect book for any young Star Wars fan or parent of young kids. Each page is its own story as we watch Darth Vader go through traditional parent activities with his son Luke (and in a few panels his daughter Leah shows up as well). Some pages illustrate a humorous scene with a well known phrase, such as "aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper", but with a new twist. Each page is well executed and FUNNY which is elevated the more of a Star Wars fan you are, the funnier the book reads. This book earns my highest rating because it perfectly executes its goal. It maintains the personalities of the characters and places that we know and love from the series but puts them into real world situations. Big fun!
Profile Image for Sam Quixote.
4,762 reviews13.4k followers
November 18, 2012
Jeffrey Brown has written/drawn a wonderfully funny comic about fatherhood from the point of view of Darth Vader and a young Luke Skywalker. The book is a series of one page skits, drawn and coloured in the best artwork Brown has produced yet, and if you're a fan of the original Star Wars trilogy, you'll love it.

There's lot of cute moments like young Luke pointing to a toy Jar Jar and Vader saying "This isn't the toy you're looking for", or when young Luke is crying after being pushed by young Greedo: "Waaaah!" "What happened?" "Greedo pushed me!" "Well, did you push him first?". There are also some darker moments like young Luke asking Vader why it's called a Death Star, or when Luke gets a cut on his right arm and Vader's putting a band-aid on it...

If you're a huge Star Wars fan and a father you'll get the most out of it, because of all the side references to the original movies. Kids might enjoy it too but probably won't get the more subtle jokes. "Darth Vader and Son" is a fine, fun comic book from Jeffrey Brown.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
4,748 reviews
August 20, 2013
Soooo funny! Sooo awesome! Love it! Brown is immensely talented and brings such warmth and humor to this work. The various scenes from Vader's life with kiddo Luke are fresh and fun, but also wonderfully familiar to those who know kids and "Star Wars". The situations are ones that most parents/caregivers face but are set within the Star Wars universe. For example, Vader and Luke at the toy store and Luke wants the Jar-Jar Binks doll (perhaps the only doll in the universe more annoying than Tickle Me Elmo?). It is enough to make the mighty Darth recoil in terror, LOL! There are too many great scenes to choose just one favorite! I will definitely seek out his other works. Highly recommended to Star Wars fans -- especially those with kids in their lives. If you don't have kids it might still be funny seeing Darth Vader as a father and doing "everyday" type things. But if you aren't familiar with the SW movies you probably won't get most of the humor.
Profile Image for Jillian Reynolds (Jillian Loves Books).
463 reviews72 followers
March 27, 2018
Some people ask "why?"

In terms of this book, I ask...


Personal favorite quotes from the cutest Star Wars story I've ever read:

"This isn't the toy you're looking for."

"Luke, pick up your toys right this instant. Luke, I am your father. Do you want a time-out?"

"I find your lack of patience disturbing."


Basically, I'm just super bored at work right now and thought I'd give this a quick read.


5-out-of-5 would definitely recommend to a friend, especially if that friend needs a smile today.
Profile Image for Himanshu Karmacharya.
1,128 reviews113 followers
April 30, 2020
What's not to love about this book? The force is certainly strong with this one.

The interactions between Darth Vader and Baby Luke are so adorable and funny. Reading Darth Vader in James Earl Jones' voice makes it much more fun. The art style is cute as well, especially the way baby Luke is drawn.

Every Star Wars Fan must give it a try.
Profile Image for Daniel.
811 reviews74 followers
April 3, 2016
Slatko i jednostavno. Darth Vader u situacijama kao obican otac :)
Profile Image for Chris.
336 reviews
December 10, 2018
Normally I save my reviewing for longer books but this book was so much fun I just had to make a plug to help get the word out. Darth Vader and Son was recommended to me when I was reading another "Dad" book ("Dad Rules.").

Darth Vader and Son is a cute and fun ~60 page art/comic book. While the book doesn't have a particular plot arc that it follows, it has great storytelling moments that are portrayed fabulously. As the title implies, this book is about the interactions of Darth Vader and his son. (For the 1% of you who aren't up on Star Wars lore…be aware that this book poses some pretty blatant spoilers, though I think the spoiler grace period there ended in the early 80s).

In the book, Luke Skywalker is a young (5-8 year old?) boy wandering the universe with his dad…the intimidating Darth Vader. The scenes range from endearingly sweet to laugh out loud hilarious. Aside from the blatant relation to the Star Wars universe, there are a bunch of more subtle nods to lesser known elements.

The art style is solid and a lot of fun. The author (Jeffrey Brown) has a website where you can get a glimpse of his art style and find links to his other work. I haven't read or seen anything else by him but my whole family has enjoyed reading through Darth Vader and Son. Even though we've all read it, my kids love holding the book in front of another family member with a "Lookit! Lookit!" to get us giggling again at the fun juxtaposition of the powerful Darth Vader and a cute little Luke.

This is a fun little read for any Star Wars fan who is willing to poke a little fun at the universe. Great for parents, kids or just kids at heart.
Profile Image for Leo.
385 reviews52 followers
January 3, 2015
This quite a funny book, especially for Star Wars' fans. I haven't watched the movies (yes, I know. Whatevs...), so I didn't catch some of the references, but it's still funny, mainly because parenthood is a worldwide experience. And Jeffrey Brown's drawings have always been cool. So, give a try, people.
Profile Image for CS.
1,208 reviews
May 19, 2013
Awwwww, how cute! And funny! And I love the play on Star Wars quotes and parenting! I think even non-Star Wars fans may like this.
Profile Image for Alexis .
67 reviews35 followers
December 31, 2018
Read this while babysitting. The kids and I were all laughing. Honestly how could I not give this 5 stars?
Profile Image for Tamara.
705 reviews218 followers
November 30, 2015
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Darth Vader was an awesome father?

Hehehe. This book is hilairous.

In Darth Vader and Son, author/illustrator Jeffrey Brown shows us the Dark Lord of the Sith as a loving father, spending time with his 4-year-old Luke, indulging the boy with ice cream treats, giving him piggyback rides, teaching him to ride a bicycle, and training him in the ways of the Force. The black-clad helmeted Vader is a proud father — he even brags when young Luke earns his medal!

You won’t find a more adorable Star Wars book this year than Darth Vader and Son. Seriously. It’s a must-have for Star Wars fans of all ages, as it’s not only insanely cute, it’s quite humorous, too. Plus, there are some great Every inside jokes having to do with the prequels and classic Star Wars ‘sodes here as well which I'm sure every Star Wars fan will love.


ARTWORK:






Profile Image for Kitty Austin.
Author 0 books432 followers
April 17, 2012
Book Title: "Darth Vader and Son"
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Published By: Chronicle Books
Age Recommended: 5 +
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5

[image]

Review: It really doesn’t matter if you are a Star Wars fan or not, when you read this little gem of a book, you will be sure to fall in love with Darth and Luke. The book paints the perfect picture of what it might have been like had Darth Vader raised his son.

With beautifully drawn, comical cartoons and a humorous and true look at what kids are really like, you can easily see just how hard poor Darth would have had it! Simply adorable, the kind of book all parents and little boys will adore and cherish. I give it a definite 5 Raven Rating and by the way… I am a Star Wars fan!

Synopsis: 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 reimagining, Darth Vader is a dad like any other-except with all the baggage of being the Dark Lord of the Sith. Celebrated artist Jeffrey Brown's delightful illustrations give classic Star Wars® moments a fresh twist, presenting the trials and joys of parenting through the lens of a galaxy far, far away. Life lessons include lightsaber batting practice, using the Force to raid the cookie jar, Take Your Child to Work Day on the Death Star ("Er, he looks just like you, Lord Vader!"), and the special bond shared between any father and son.

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Profile Image for Vikingsnark.
1 review27 followers
October 23, 2012
A darling book for all ages, and a must-have for old school Star Wars fans turned parents!

Jeffrey Brown gives us a myriad of one-page comic illustrations of father-son scenarios that tug at the heartstrings and make you smile with geeky glee.
From "I find your lack of patience disturbing", "When I was your age we didn't have star destroyers", and "It is pointless to resist, my son. It's bedtime", this book is a treasure trove of geek quotes and puns set in a cute "what if Darth had raised Luke" while working for the Emperor.
My favorite illustrations would have to be Vader so proud of Luke's completing a LEGO spacecraft and the other being Luke bothering Vader when he's in his "meditation" chamber.

All in all, this is a total must have for all Star Wars fans and an excellent book for your younglings shelves (to further indoctrinate them into the ways of Star Wars), for Fathers Day, Graduations, Baby Showers, or even as a spur of the moment present for that Star Wars geek in your life (whether they have kids or not).

I rate Darth Vader and Son five stars because no one can resist the power of the Cute Side!
Profile Image for Jamey.
34 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2017
It was so adorable!! It was a quick and easy read that had me smiling all the way through. I highly recommend this book if you want to put a smile on your face. :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,581 reviews

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