Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Darth Vader #48
Summary
Luke Skywalkerwas tested and tempted to give in to his anger before the events ofReturn of the Jedi. In the aftermath ofThe Empire Strikes Back, Luke was determined to continue his Jedi path in theStar Warscanon, knowing that he’d have to face his father again one day. To that end, a new issue of Marvel’s canonicalDarth Vaderseries set during this era sees the young Jedi being tested by Sabé, the former handmaid of his mother Padmé Amidala and recent agent of Darth Vader himself.
In the newDarth Vader #48by Greg Pak and Raffaele Ienco, Luke finds himself in a surprise test set up by Sabé who wants to see if the son of Darth Vader also holds the same darkness. Threatening to kill his companion Warba Calip,Luke defends his friend while momentarily tapping into his anger. As such, Sabé initially believes her worst fears have been confirmed:
Having already seen all the pain and destruction Darth Vader is capable of, it’s confirmed that Sabé is fully determined to kill Luke if it’s revealed he also holds vast stores of uncontainable anger and hate, the first steps to embracing the dark side of the Force.
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Testing To See If The Young Jedi Would Give Into His Anger
Catching Luke completely by surprise with her test, it’s not surprising that Skywalker found himself frustrated and angry with her for endangering Warba’s life.It’s why Sabé initially feared that he would become a Sith and follow in Vader’s footsteps. However, Luke soon senses the presence of his father who seems to be aware of what’s happening through the Force itself.Understanding that Sabé has a history with Vader, Luke and Sabé pause their conflict to have an honest conversation.
While admitting he’s not perfect, Luke also confirms his intention to become a Jedi rather than embracing the dark side. While anger does lead to hate (following fear and before suffering),Luke proves that resistance to the dark side is possible, even when those dangerous emotions emerge and are initially felt. As such, Sabé fears about Luke are put to rest, and she also confirms that Luke appears to be more like his mother.
Luke Skywalker Proved He Wasn’t His Father
(Darth Vader Could Sense His Son’s Trial Too)
Having sensed this key trial through the Force,Vader claimed that his son was not yet ready to embrace the dark side. As such, this motivated his decision not to go after his son despite receiving his location. That said, it does seem likethis currentDarth Vaderseries and its final 50th issuewill culminate in a new encounter with Luke and a renewed offer to join his side before the events ofReturn of the Jedi.
Luke Skywalker effectively proves in this issue that he’s not like his father, at least when it comes to all the rage and hate the Dark Lord has long possessed, ever since his corruption as a Sith Lord. As such, the issue serves as a some great set up for their final confrontation inReturn of the Jedi. It shows that even when a Jedi felt darker emotions, they could still be processed without being lost to the dark side.
Darth Vader #48is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Luke Skywalker
The son of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, Luke was brought up on the desert planet Tatooine. Initially mentored by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke fired the fateful shot that destroyed the Death Star, and he became a rebel hero. Despite the fears of Obi-Wan and Yoda, Luke’s faith in his father was proved well-founded when Vader returned to the light. With the Emperor defeated, Luke dedicated himself to bringing back the Jedi; his first attempt ended in tragedy due to Palpatine’s manipulations, but Luke’s legacy lives on in Rey.
