Summary
Warning: Spoilers for Star Wars: Darth Vader #48!The comparison betweenDarth VaderandLuke SkywalkerwithinStar Warscan officially end now. Luke and the former Anakin are constantly compared and contrasted within the actualStar Warsseries. Understandably so, as thefather and son duo had similar journeys, to the point theyboth suffered defeats from Wampas.
However, as frequently as the two are compared,Luke Skywalker may be more like his mother, Padmé, than he was ever like Darth Vader, as suggested inStar Wars: Darth Vader#48 by Greg Pak, Raffaele Ienco, Federico Blee, and VC’s Joe Caramagna.Phantom Menace’sPadmé lookalike Sabeadmits that she planned to kill Luke if she determined he had his father’s hatred, but instead,she confirms he carries more traits of his mother.
Analyzing the deeper meaning behind this interaction will make it all the more clear as to why Luke never turned to the Dark Side like his father did.
Luke Skywalker is More Like Padmé Than Darth Vader
Which Traits Are on Display?
Senator Padmé Amidala always carried a lot of similar traits to Anakin Skywalker. Both were incredibly passionate about doing what was right in their eyes - namely when it came to protecting others - to the point they were willing to rebel to achieve their goals. However,Padmé was the more level-headed of the two. Anakin’s passion would always blind him to what was in front of him, especially when he was blinded by his emotions. That blind emotion is what led Darth Vader to the Dark Side in the first place.
Alternatively,it’s that level-headed nature in Padmé that Luke seems to have inheritedand, most importantly, has kept him from turning to the Dark Side. As hinted at in this issue and the franchise as a whole, Luke is just as prone to being tempted by the Dark Side as his father once was.He even seriously contemplated Vader’s offerfor them to rule the galaxy together, as propositioned inEmpire Strikes Back. The only thing stopping him is the level-headed rationale that allows Luke to see the ramifications of his actions before acting, much like Padmé before him.
Could Sabe Be the Key to Luke’s Understanding of His Mother?
Bringing Him Closer to the Light
If anyone knows what Padmé was like better than Darth Vader, it’s Sabe, her body double. Not only does that add validity to her words, butit opens the door for her to bring Luke all the closer to the Light Side by telling him more about a mother he never met. At this stage in Luke’s life, he still carries hints of hatred from his father in his heart, still carrying remnants within him that could inch him closer to darkness likeDarth Vader. Sabe’s guidance could be the bridge that turnsLukeinto the Skywalker he’s meant to be heading intoStar Wars: Return of the Jedi.
Star Wars: Darth Vader#48is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Luke Skywalker
The son of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, Luke was brought up on the desert planet Tatooine. Initially mentored by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke fired the fateful shot that destroyed the Death Star, and he became a rebel hero. Despite the fears of Obi-Wan and Yoda, Luke’s faith in his father was proved well-founded when Vader returned to the light. With the Emperor defeated, Luke dedicated himself to bringing back the Jedi; his first attempt ended in tragedy due to Palpatine’s manipulations, but Luke’s legacy lives on in Rey.
