The Star Wars movies barely offered more than a glimpse of Palpatine’s true role in the franchise, including missing out on the full scope of his relationship with Darth Vader. Supplemental sources have expanded on the Emperor’s role as Star Wars’ “Big Bad,” and in the process, elucidated the dynamic between him and his Sith apprentice.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #8 was written by Charles Soule, with art by Francesco Mattina. It features low-key one of Palpatine’s most important moments, highlighting his fundamental craving for power.
It is also a rare instance in which Star Wars makes it clear why Palpatine is the master, and Vader his subordinate.
Palpatine’s Greatest Scene Revealed The True Nature Of His Evil And Proved Why He Was Darth Vader’s Master
Star Wars: Darth Vader #8, Written By Charles Soule; Art By Francesco Mattina; Published In 2017
Star Wars: Darth Vader #8 opens with a familiar franchise phenomenon: Vader using Force Choke to strangle a subordinate. In this case, he’s doing it in Palpatine’s throne room, right in front of the Emperor. With a diabolical smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, Palpatine orders his apprentice to let the officer go.
“At times I think you might kill every being in the galaxy,” Palpatine says to Vader. He’s amused, and impressed, but also has a valuable lesson to teach Vader, one that many Sith tend to forget: violence and fear are a means to an end, not an end in their own right.
They are “tools of the Sith,” but even the most powerful Sith is at risk of being consumed by them. “Fall too deep, and the relationship turns,” Palpatine explains, and instead, “you become the tool.” It is the warped wisdom of the Sith, sure, but it shows that Palpatine always had a purpose behind his malevolence.
Palpatine Wanted To Be Emperor Forever, And That Meant Keeping Darth Vader In Check
Star Wars Comics Emphasis Palpatine’s True Sinister Nature
The scene in Darth Vader #8 ends with what is perhaps the most illuminating piece of dialogue ever spoken by Palpatine in Star Wars canon: “I do not wish to rule over a galaxy of the dead.” It is a reminder of the only thing Palpatine actually cares about, which is power.
The Emperor wants to rule the galaxy in perpetuity, but that means there must be a galaxy to rule. This shows the distinction between Palpatine and Vader; the former is calculating, tactical, and purposefully evil, while the latter is a tragic figure, consumed by rage, born a Sith out of suffering, not scheming.
Palpatine’s lesson for Vader is motivated, first and foremost, by self-interest. Yet it is also a rare moment where he comes across as a legitimate teacher, trying to instill the greater virtue of the Sith in his pupil. It is a scene that makes Palpatine a more complex Star Wars villain, making it a must-read for fans of the franchise.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #8 is available now from Marvel Comics.
- Cast
-
Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Ian McDiarmid, Ewan McGregor, Rosario Dawson, Lars Mikkelsen, Rupert Friend, Moses Ingram, Frank Oz, Pedro Pascal
- TV Show(s)
-
The Mandalorian, Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Lando, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Star Wars: Resistance, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, Star Wars: Visions
- Movie(s)
-
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi, Star Wars: New Jedi Order
- Character(s)
-
Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Rey Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Grand Inquisitor, Reva (The Third Sister), The Fifth Brother, The Seventh Sister, The Eighth Brother, Yoda, Din Djarin, Grogu, Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Leia Organa, Ben Solo/Kylo Ren