New to Blue Milk Special? Start reading from the beginning!

Elements from both the Tarkin interrogation blooper in the novel and the comic fight were the inspiration for today’s strip. Technically the punchline should be a stab at the Dark Horse Comics adaptation, in which Terry Austin and Chris Sprouse are wholly responsible for Leia’s gratuitous flesh baring. Naturally BMS takes it to the extreme! The book version lacks any hint of Vader tearing up her clothing but the fight between them is particularly violent. However, the dialogue before they fight is the real highlight. Here’s an excerpt accompanied by the unrelated panels from comic adaptation.

“Do you remember that day back on the station,” Vader mused, with deliberate patience, “when the late Governor Tarkin and I interviewed you?” He placed a peculiar stress on the word “interviewed.”

Leia had both hands on opposite shoulders and was shivering as if from intense cold.

“Yes,” Vader observed, perverse amusement in his voice, “I can see that you do. I am truly sorry I have nothing as elaborate to treat you to at this time. However,” he added, swinging his weapon lightly, “one can do some interesting things with a saber, you know. I’ll do my best to show you all of them if you’ll cooperate by not passing out.”

Leia’s hands dropped to her sides. The fear did not leave her, but she forced it into the back alleys of her mind by sheer will. Running the few steps to Luke’s side, she knelt and groped at his wrist. When she rose, she was holding the lightsaber carefully in one hand.

Vader looked on approvingly. “You’re going to fight. Good. That will make it interesting.”


She spat at the advancing giant, a pitifully feeble gesture as she brandished the lightsaber.

“The Force give me leave to kill you before I did,” she snarled.

An awful coughing laugh issued from behind the gargoylish breath mask. “Foolish infant. The Force is with me, not you. But,” he shrugged amiably, “we will see.” He assumed a position of readiness. “Come, girl-woman… Amuse me.”

Splinter of the Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster – Chapter 12

View the latest voting incentive strip here.