Darth Vader (2017) 5
Darth Vader 5, a part of the canon comic book series entitled Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017), represents the fifth installment. Charles Soule served as the writer, while Giuseppe Camuncoli provided the illustrations. Marvel Comics released it to the public on September 6, 2017.
Publisher's summary
His journey as a Jedi began with innocence and optimism. Now, it's time to abandon childish ways. Vader's initial and most crucial trial as a Sith comes to an end.
Plot summary
Return to Mustafar
While journeying through hyperspace, Darth Sidious communicates to Darth Vader using a holographic projector, indicating that his mission is nearing completion. He clarifies that Darth Vader's droid has received instructions to transport Vader, once he has acquired a Jedi lightsaber, to Mustafar, a volcanic planet and the location of Vader's recent setback. The Emperor charges Vader with the task of locating a dark side nexus situated beneath the surface of Mustafar. The Emperor's intention is for Vader to find self-redemption at the site of his greatest defeat.
Despite his victory over Jedi Master Kirak Infil'a, the Emperor makes it clear that Darth Vader does not truly possess the lightsaber until he has corrupted its kyber crystal with the dark side. Following the Emperor's directives, Darth Vader makes his way to the dark side nexus, located inside a cavern. His task involves tainting the kyber crystal with his pain and rage, causing it to "bleed." Upon entering the cave, Vader discovers a round stone table where he begins to disassemble the lightsaber. After extracting the green kyber crystal, he is impacted by a strong surge of energy.
Letting the past die
Vader experiences hesitation regarding his path to the dark side and reassembles the lightsaber. He then has a vision where he returns to the Emperor on Coruscant wielding the green lightsaber. The Emperor, realizing that Vader has not fully embraced the dark side, attacks the Sith apprentice. Vader triumphs in the duel and proceeds to seek out his former Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. In an attempt to make amends for his actions, Vader kneels before Kenobi, who raises his lightsaber to strike him down. However, Kenobi has a change of heart, deactivates his lightsaber, and addresses Vader by his former name, Anakin.
Waking up from the vision, Vader concludes that there is no turning back from the Sith path and uses the dark side to corrupt the kyber crystal. As he channels his anger and hatred into the crystal, he experiences visions of the past, including Kenobi, his deceased mother Shmi Skywalker Lars, Padmé Amidala, and the Emperor. The dark side also causes a nearby lava eruption.
Darth Vader returns to Coruscant and barges into the Emperor's Throne Room, throwing two Imperial Royal Guards against the transparisteel windows. The Emperor is in discussion with Wilhuff Tarkin and Grand Vizier Mas Amedda concerning a new weapon. The Emperor, taken by surprise, instructs Tarkin and Amedda to leave him alone, assuring them of his safety. Vader then presents his new Sith lightsaber to his Sith master.
Media
Editions
- UPC 759606086665; September 6 , 2017 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00511; Cover A; Giuseppe Camuncoli, Francesco Mattina 00521; Cover B; Rachel Dodson, Terry Dodson