When Jabba the Hutt Called Darth Vader a Jedi

There’s something strangely satisfying about watching characters in Star Wars make the worst possible assumptions, especially when those assumptions involve Darth Vader. One moment from the comics captures this perfectly. It’s brief, easy to miss, but if you catch it, it sticks with you: Jabba the Hutt, one of the galaxy’s most feared crime lords, casually calls Darth Vader a Jedi.

And Vader does not take it well.

The scene comes from Darth Vader (2015) #1, and it starts off with Vader arriving early at Jabba’s Palace on Tatooine. No formalities, he just walks in and immediately slices down a couple of Gamorrean guards at the gate. When Bib Fortuna tries to stop him inside, Vader puts a lightsaber to his face and demands a private audience with Jabba.

Jabba’s not thrilled. He’s still half-asleep when he’s told Vader showed up early and already killed two of his men. But Vader brushes it off, saying it could’ve been worse—that killing only two was him being polite. Jabba tries to pull rank, but Vader makes it clear: he didn’t come on Imperial business (yet), he’s here for something personal. And next time, he will be coming in an official capacity.

That’s when Jabba starts acting tough, telling Vader not to try any Jedi mind tricks on him. Vader shuts that down immediately, saying he’s no Jedi, and that the Sith don’t use tricks, they use raw power. Jabba doesn’t take the hint and tries to flex, warning Vader he’s made enemies in the underworld, even hinting at dropping him into the rancor pit.

Big mistake.

Vader ignites his saber again and takes out a bunch of guards on the spot, including another Gamorrean, a Gran, and a Whiphid. He even redirects a blaster bolt that cracks open Jabba’s nutrient tank. At that point, Jabba finally realizes who he’s dealing with and backs down.

But Vader’s not done. He’s still ticked off that Jabba called him a Jedi. He force-chokes the Hutt and makes it clear: Jedi use mind tricks—he uses pain. After choking him just long enough to send a message, Vader lets go. Jabba, now fully humbled, says he respects Vader’s… negotiation style. Vader replies, “Better, this is what I need,” and finally gets to the reason for his visit.