Warning! This post contains SPOILERS forDarth Vader #48
Summary
Star Warsseems to be setting up a new encounter betweenDarth Vaderand his son beforeReturn of the Jedi. Before the Battle of Endor, Darth Vader had been preparing to strike against his master, Emperor Palpatine. However, Vader also bore witness to one of Luke’s initial temptations from the dark side, well before he and his son would duel in Palpatine’s presence aboard the second Death Star.
Greg Pak and Raffaele Ienco’sDarth Vader #48sees the titular Sith Lord is featured securing some of the last sources of power from Exegol before moving against Palpatine alongside his “allies” known as theSchism Imperial, agents of the Empire who also want to see Palpatine removed from power. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker meets and is tested by Sabé, the former handmaid and decoy of his mother Padmé Amidala (and a more recent former agent of Darth Vader himself).Not only does Vader witness his son’s testing in this issue, but he also discovers Luke’s location as well:
Despite knowing exactly where his son is,Darth Vader chooses not to seek Luke out…yet. However, Vader may soon encounter his son in issues still to come, a conflict that would be quite momentous in theStar Warscanon.
Star Wars Movies In Order: How To Watch Release Order, Chronologically & With The TV Shows
What’s the best way to watch Star Wars? Here’s everything you need to know to watch in release or timeline order, and how to include the TV shows.
Darth Vader Witnessed His Son Being Tested By Sabé
A Connection Through The Force
Having learned all about Vader, his true identity, and the son Anakin had with Padmé,Sabé feared that the “Son of Vader” had just as much darkness and hate in his heart. While this explains her desire to test Luke, she couldn’t have known that Vader himself would have been able to sense it through the Force. Despite being on Exegol preparing to attack his master,Vader could feel the anger welling up within Luke from worlds away.
That being said,Vader grows disappointed in his son when Luke ultimately resists the pull of the dark. In Vader’s eyes, Luke isn’t yet ready for his father to once again offer him the chance to rule by his side (upon defeating Palpatine together). However, that doesn’t mean that Vader won’t try sooner rather than later, especially after the Schism Imperial betrays him and heads for Luke themselves, wanting to kill Luke to keep him out of the hands of Palpatine.
Vader Knew Where Luke Was Before Return of the Jedi
But He Wanted To Wait…
Despite wanting to wait before facing his son again, the Schism Imperial has seemingly forced his hand. With only two more issues of both Marvel’sStar WarsandDarth Vaderseries left beforethis current era of canonicalStar Warsstorytelling between Episodes V and VI comes to a close,a new Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker encounter is imminent. To that end, it will be very exciting to see how the father and son interact with each other ahead ofReturn of the Jedi.
Darth Vader #48is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
