Star Wars: Darth Vader and Son (Star Wars (Chronicle)) [Hardcover]

Jeffrey Brown (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 18, 2012 | Series: Star Wars (Chronicle)

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As a Star Wars generation kid-disclaimer: the original Star Wars movies, not the prequels-this little book was pure joy. I now read it with my five-year-old daughter, who cracks up at little Luke and a much kinder, gentler Darth Vader."- Chicago Magazine

"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,"
--Geeks of Doom

"You don't have to be a Star Wars fan to appreciate this tender little book."
-The Guardian (UK)

"When the first Star Wars film conquered the world in 1977, no one could have possibly foreseen it going on to become such an ubiquitous part of our cultural heritage. Now even parenthood can be viewed through the filter of the Sith lord Darth Vader. Jeffrey Brown (Incredible Change-Bots) crashes headlong into George Lucas's galaxy far, far away with endearing, funny-and fully licensed-results. A series of full-page gag cartoons focusing on the 'what if?' of Darth Vader raising a four-year-old Luke Skywalker, the book twists father/son moments into scenarios within the Star Wars playground. For instance, the addition of a wailing little Luke turns the Bounty Hunter scene into, as one bounty hunter's thought balloon puts it, Awkward! Trick-or-treating, toy shopping, a day at the zoo, and more are rejiggered with a lighthearted, charming tone. However, the book also provides ample proof that adding a babysitting Darth Vader to any Star Wars situation makes it gently humorous. Brown's signature scratchy style is embellished with full color and stripped-down likenesses."- Publisher's Weekly

"This is a good one for a young geek or their proud papa. "
-Ain't It Cool News

"This book is hilarious, short, and sweet. I'm sure it will have a real wide range of appeal that will include both young and die-hard Star Wars ones. There's probably not wrong reason to gift this, but it would definitely make for a good Father's Day present if you really need an excuse to buy Darth Vader and Son."
--CSI: Librarian

"The central conflict of 'Star Wars' looks considerably different -- and much, much funnier -- through Brown's eyes. "- Comic Book Resources

"The book imagines a universe where Darth Vader actually gets to raise his son Luke and it is so disarmingly charming that you really stop caring that this is an evil Sith lord. Oh, Obi-Wan, why did you spirit those children away?" -TOR.com

"Mix "Star Wars" with cuteoverload.com, and you get Jeffrey Brown's adorable "Darth Vader and Son" from Chronicle Books..[it] just had me melting, "awww"-ing and/or giggling over almost every page. And I'm not even a dad.. geek dads, especially those with little kids, would totally appreciate"
-Geek Watch, DetroitNews.com

"Just let me just be the first to tell you that, if you play your cards right and get him a copy, Darth Vader And Son is gonna have Dad laughing coffee through his nose this year at brunch." -Babble.com

"It's fun to see Darth Vader as sort of a sensitive guy." -Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex

"It is funny and sweet and the perfect stocking stuffer for Star Wars-loving dads."
--Victoria Times Colonist

"Hilarious...it's a great book to read to your kids, but it's also a great book for adults. I find myself smiling as I turn each page."
--Forcecast.net

"From potty training to lightsaber batting practice to ice cream runs, the endearing absurdity of the duo's dynamic makes for a remix treat of the most entertaining variety."- Brain Pickings

"Fans of Star Wars will be entertained by this heartwarming and comical twist on the epic classic. Through vivid illustrations, author Jeffrey Brown shares the tale of Darth Vader, the hands-on, over-protective dad, who's involved in Luke's everyday activities"
--Real Simple

"Devoted Star Wars fans will love that Brown has taken Darth Vader's lines from the movies-'I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further'---and cleverly turned them on their heads, finding the humor in both parenting and movie fandom, especially when he pokes gentle fun at the newer movies."
- ICv2.com

"Darth Vader and Son is Brown at the top of his artistic game with beautiful full-color pages, many of which seem imbued with a sincerity that I would expect to find in his next autobiographical work, A Matter of Life. Darth Vader and Son is a book for fathers and sons and Star Wars fans and, well, pretty much anyone who enjoys happiness and smiles. "
-Comics Bulletin

"Darth Vader and Son [is] a sweet mashup of Star Wars and father and son bonding"
- Chicago Tribune

"But if you're one of those sad, empty few who haven't picked up Vader and Son, for yourself, a child, a Star Wars fan, a carbon-based lifeform, or anyone who likes things that are Good - do yourself a favor and pick it up, because not only it is adorable and funny, but it's also one of the best Star Wars books ever. In fact, buy two, because you're going to want to give a copy to somebody over the holidays, no question. "
-io9.com

About the Author

Jeffrey Brown is the author of numerous graphic novels and comics, including Cat Getting Out of a Bag and Cats Are Weird. A lifelong Star Wars fan, he lives in Chicago with his wife and five-year-old son.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; First Edition edition (April 18, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 145210655X
• ISBN-13: 978-1452106557
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (319 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Parodies
  • #1 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Fatherhood
  • #2 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Movies

More About the Author

After growing up in Michigan, a 25-year-old Jeffrey Brown moved to Chicago in 2000 to pursue an MFA at the School of the Art Institute. By the time he completed his studies, he had abandoned painting and started drawing comics seriously. His first self-published book, Clumsy, appeared seemingly out of nowhere to grab attention from both cartoonists and comics fans. Established as an overly sensitive chronicler of bittersweet adolescent romance and nonsense superhero parody, Brown's current direction remains split between more autobiography examining the minutiae of everyday life and whatever humorous fiction he feels in the mood for. His most popular works include Clumsy, Unlikely, AEIOU, and Every Girl is the End of the World For Me, comprising the so-called "Girlfriend Trilogy" and its epilogue. More recently his autobiographical work has included Little Things and Funny Misshapen Body. His parody The Incredible Change-Bots, the Ignatz Award winning I am going to be small and humorous cat book Cat Getting Out Of A Bag all stand out amongst his humor work, while his Sulk series continues to take on a variety of subjects with satire. Jeffrey's work has appeared in a host of anthologies from McSweeney's to The Best American Comics, as well as mainstream books like The Simpson's Treehouse of Horror and Marvel's Strange Tales. His original artwork has been exhibited in New York, Paris, and Chicago. Brown has been featured on NPR's This American Life and even created a short animated music video for the band Death Cab For Cutie. He lives in Chicago with his wife and son.
Visit jeffreybrowncomics.blogspot.com for news and drawings, and you can write to him at: PO Box 120, Deerfield IL 60015-0120, USA

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Father's Day Gift May 9, 2012

By Mario Mendez

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you know a guy Star Wars fan with a young son, this is the perfect gift. Cute and sweet it will certainly bring smiles again and again

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for a parent April 26, 2012

By Jody A. Cornelius

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

When looking at the pictures in the preview, I was sold on this book, but not for my son. I ended up buying it for my wife. Looked through it today and it's great, really adorable artwork. Don't buy if you're looking for a story to read your little kid, but for a mom or dad, this is just great. Like the other reviewers said, it's more of a gift book than anything else, but as a gift book for a parent it's fantastic.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, but probably best if you're over 35 May 13, 2012

By Jason Kirkfield VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Graphic novelist Jeffrey Brown is 37 years old, which is almost the cut-off for enjoying this irreverent (but tender) take on classic Star Wars to the fullest. |Darth Vader and son| was funnier and much more touching than I expected. I plan on buying several copies to give as gifts, especially for expectant fathers. It would also make a timely Father's Day present.

Men in this age bracket who grew up in the Seventies and now have children of their own will appreciate the father-son dynamic here. Lord Vader's dark reputation is very much softened as he raises young Luke as a single parent, apparently, affixing band-aids and playing checkers ("You have learned much, young one."). The positive vibe isn't an accident. Author-illustrator Brown admitted, "With my son being 4, I thought it would be really fun to do something along the lines of Luke being a 4-year-old and Darth Vader going through the same things I was going through as a parent."

That perspective results in some LOL moments, for example:

**When I was your age, we didn't even have star destroyers.**

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

**Luke complains, "I don't want a sister," as Leia plays nearby (and puts Luke's action figures in dresses).**

Quality construction on the hardcover itself. Chronicle continues to publish wonderfully offbeat titles. Not sure why Amazon currently shows availability as "Usually ships within 1 to 3 months." FYI, it's available (albeit at full price) at Chronicle's own site.

[The reviewer was provided with a complimentary copy of the book.]

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious book for the Star Wars nerd with young kids... November 22, 2012

By Nathan C

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're a Star Wars nerd, and you have young kids you are trying to share that with...this is a wonderful book. So many great jokes in it that only a Star Wars fan would get. Luke wants the Jar Jar toy and Vader is trying to convince him not to. Greedo shooting first fiasco. Love it. Absolutely worth it, and 100% appropriate for my 4 year old son.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cutest Father-Son Book Yet June 4, 2012

By piphiusm

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

When we decided on a Star Wars themed nursery, the search for creative and unique items began. The "Darth Vader and Son" pictorial book has been a perfect addition. Star Wars geeks will love the plays on various scenes while the grandmothers will cry at the more touching pages.

17 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars cute, but basically a gift book April 21, 2012

By Neurasthenic VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

The concept is the best thing about this book. Picture Darth Vader as a doting father to the young Luke Skywalker. If that makes you grin, you'll like the book. About a third of the cartoons have no joke, per se, beyond the absurdity of the premise. "Luke do you need to go potty?" Some of the cartoons quote the original Star Wars trilogy ("But Daa-ad, you said we could go to Tosche Station after nap . . .", but most don't bother. It's just funny to see Darth Vader in typical paternal settings.

The book doesn't provide much pleasure in repeat reading, and I believe it is most naturally a gift for a Star Wars fan with a young child, and in that context it might be worth even five stars.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Funny! May 27, 2013

By Ivan Flores Luna

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

To all SW fans, this is a very funny book to read! Maybe a little small in size, but huge in entertaiment!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for Everyone! January 1, 2013

By Scott Reads It

Format:Hardcover

I was perusing the Goodreads Choice Awards nominees when I came up on Darth Vader and Son. I am not a hardcore Star Wars fanboy but I do really love the Star Wars universe. I knew once I set eyes on this book that I would love it and so I requested it from the library. Once I came home I devoured it in minutes and Darth Vader and Son was pretty mindblowing.

Darth Vader and Son is a funny graphic novel that shows Darth Vader raising 4 year old Luke Skywalker. It isn't funny that you will laugh out loud for hours straight but it will make you chuckle and smile alot. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll really appreciate this slim but sweet story. Even if you're not a Star Wars fan, I think you will without a doubt enjoy this book. I really can't wait for the new Star Wars movies and Jeffrey Brown made me even more excited.