The Moment Darth Vader Realizes He Has A Son Is Truly Haunting

Some moments in Star Wars stay with you long after you see them, not because of a big battle or explosion, but because of the silence that follows. In Darth Vader (2015) #6, there’s a scene where Vader learns something that shakes his entire existence—the moment he discovers he has a son. 

The Emperor’s Game And His Cruel Lesson

The story in Darth Vader (2015) #6 begins with the Dark Lord summoned before the Emperor. This isn’t a reward or recognition—it’s a setup. Palpatine wants Vader to witness a “demonstration” by Cylo, a scientist who’s been building enhanced warriors for the Empire.

Cylo introduces his creations one by one like he’s showing off prized weapons. “They were once mere humans,” he says proudly, “now they are something considerably more.” The first are twins, Morit and Aiolin Astarte, both genetically refined and trained since childhood to be perfect fighters. Then comes Tulon Voidgazer, a scientist who fights using droids linked directly to her mind, and Commander Karbin, a Mon Calamari encased in a mechanical body modeled after General Grievous.

The whole presentation feels wrong, and Vader knows why. Palpatine has been preparing replacements for him all along. He doesn’t hide it either—he orders Cylo’s creations to battle Vader. When it’s over, the Emperor looks at him and says coldly, “If they defeat you, they are stronger. If you defeat them, you prove you are. This is the way of the Sith.”

After the fight, Palpatine calls him aside, calm but cutting with every word. “Perhaps you will triumph against the others,” he tells him. “They are abominations. You are… disappointing, but still useful.”

Vader’s anger finally breaks through. “Silo has been training the twins for twenty years. All these years you were considering replacing me.”

The Emperor doesn’t deny it. “The dark side is strength. If they defeat you, they are stronger. If you defeat them, you prove you are.” Then he finishes with the same cold authority he always uses: “I named you Vader after you pledged yourself to the Sith. You proved yourself worthy then. I’m certain you will prove yourself worthy again.”

In that moment, Vader understands exactly what he is to his master—not a partner, not even a chosen one, but a tool to be tested and replaced.

When The Name “Skywalker” Changes Everything

Once he’s back on his ship, Vader gives new orders. He’s ready to move against the Emperor’s “projects.” Doctor Aphra approaches him carefully. “I have a message from the other bounty hunter,” she says. “Boba Fett. He caught up with the boy.”

Vader’s voice is cold. “Report.”

Fett appears as a hologram, his tone flat. “I lost him. He got lucky. Didn’t bring much back. Just his name.”

He pauses, then says it: “Skywalker.”

The room goes silent. Vader doesn’t move. The glass of the Star Destroyer’s viewport cracks under the Force as his anger rises. That single word—Skywalker—pulls everything buried inside him back to the surface.

The Ghost Of Anakin Comes Back

Memories flash through his mind. Padmé’s smile. Her voice saying, “I’m pregnant.” His reply, soft but full of hope: “That’s wonderful.” Then Palpatine’s words echo, “In your anger, you killed her.”

Palpatine’s lie shaped his entire life. Now the truth hits him all at once. Padmé’s child lived.

His voice lowers to a whisper. “Any… I have a son. He will be mine. It will all be mine.”

He stands before the stars, his breath heavy, the hum of machinery filling the silence. For the first time in years, Anakin Skywalker surfaces inside the armor. The anger that once belonged to the Emperor now belongs only to him.

Darth Vader finds out he has a son.
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