Hello, Star Wars fans! Today, I’m diving into one of the most heart-wrenching moments from the Darth Vader comic series—an imagined scenario where Darth Vader, the fearsome Sith Lord, finds himself seeking forgiveness from his former mentor and friend, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
This tale unfolds in “Darth Vader 5,” the fifth issue of the canon comic book series Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017) by Charles Soule.
Setting the Stage
Right after Vader defeats his first Jedi, Kirak Infil’a, he’s on a mission from Darth Sidious to create his new lightsaber.
Kirak Infil’a
This isn’t just any lightsaber, though; Vader must corrupt the Kyber Crystal from Kirak’s lightsaber, turning it from a symbol of peace to one of fear and power.
As he attempts to bleed the crystal with his anger and hatred on the fiery world of Mustafar, something extraordinary happens.
As the crystal resists, Vader is suddenly flung into a vivid vision.
This isn’t just any daydream—it’s a glimpse of what could be if he chose to return to the light side of the Force.
A Glimpse of Redemption
In this vision, Vader sees himself defeating Darth Sidious, his dark master, and reclaiming his freedom. But the vision doesn’t end there.
On a lush, green planet, he encounters Obi-Wan Kenobi. As Vader approaches, Obi-Wan, understandably wary, ignites his lightsaber. What happens next is something that none of us might have expected from the dark and imposing figure of Darth Vader.
He removes his helmet, revealing his scarred, yet human, face and then kneels before Obi-Wan.
In this moment, Vader is no longer the Sith Lord; he is Anakin Skywalker again, begging for forgiveness for all the pain and destruction he has caused.
Obi-Wan’s Reaction and Vader’s Response
The pivotal moment comes when Obi-Wan softly utters, “Anakin.” This simple acknowledgment of his true identity shatters the vision.
To Vader, this acknowledgment is a piercing reminder of his former self—a self he believes he destroyed when he embraced the dark side. Saying “Anakin” shatters the vision, not because it brings Vader peace, but because it reignites his internal conflict.
To Vader, Anakin Skywalker is dead, and being addressed as such reinforces his hatred and the denial of his past identity, snapping him back to his dark reality.
This moment is a powerful exploration of Vader’s character. It shows us that beneath the armor and beyond the dark side, Anakin Skywalker’s spirit is still alive, tormented by his past actions and yearning, even if just for a moment, for forgiveness and a return to the light.
For anyone who’s following Vader’s tragic path from hopeful Jedi to fearsome Sith, this scene is a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle between good and evil within him. It’s a testament to Charles Soule’s writing and the depth of storytelling possible in the Star Wars universe.
I hope this exploration helps you see Darth Vader in a new light and deepens your appreciation of one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars saga.
Thank you for joining me on this emotional journey through the galaxy far, far away. May the Force be with you!