We all know how Darth Vader found redemption by destroying the Emperor and ultimately returning to the light as Anakin Skywalker, taking his last breath on the Death Star.
But what if things had gone differently? What if Darth Vader hadn’t died there?
Surprisingly, the Star Wars universe offers an alternative ending where Darth Vader survives his final battle with Luke Skywalker.
Here’s how it plays out.
Star Wars Infinities Return of The Jedi
To explore this alternative ending, we should dive into the Star Wars Infinities: Return of The Jedi comic series, which is similar to Marvel’s What If series.
I won’t go into full details, but if you’re intrigued by this Star Wars “What If,” the link above will guide you.
The comic starts just like the movie of the same name.
After capturing Leia and using her to threaten Luke, Darth Vader faces his son, the last Jedi at that time, Luke Skywalker, in a final battle. However, the ending takes a twist.
Issue #4 begins with the familiar scene of the Rebels and the Empire battling above the moon of Endor.
On Endor, another group of Rebels, with the help of the Ewoks, is on a mission to destroy the shield generator for the Death Star.
Meanwhile, on the Death Star, Emperor Palpatine tries to persuade Luke to turn to the dark side of the Force but fails.
Palpatine then orders Vader, “Vader, kill the Princess.” Without hesitation, Vader replies, “Yes, my Master.”
He ignites his red lightsaber, ready to strike down his daughter.
However, Luke uses the Force to pull his green lightsaber from the Emperor’s throne and blocks Vader’s attack, saving Leia.
Despite his efforts, Luke is not as strong as Vader. The battle quickly ends with Luke defeated and on the ground, much to Palpatine’s satisfaction.
Palpatine then says, “This is your last chance, join us or die!” Leia tries to intervene but is struck down by Palpatine’s Force Lightning.
In desperation, Luke asks Vader, “Can you do it, Father? Can you kill both of your children?” Vader, shocked, responds, “What?” He didn’t know Leia was his daughter.
This revelation causes Vader to hesitate, and Luke manages to cut off Vader’s mechanical arm, similar to their battle on Cloud City.
On Endor, the Rebels, led by Han Solo in the Millennium Falcon, finally destroy the shield generator.
Back on the Death Star, Vader realizes he cannot harm his own children.
With the shield generator down, the Death Star is doomed.
Palpatine tries to escape, but Luke and Leia carry their father to safety.
Darth Vader, finding his true purpose again, returns to the light side of the Force.
He sheds his menacing armor, and Anakin Skywalker dons new white armor, symbolizing his redemption.