Anakin Skywalker endured an exceptionally tumultuous life marked by hardship and internal conflict. Born into slavery and tormented by his struggle to reconcile his emotions with the Jedi philosophy, Anakin’s journey is one fraught with suffering. This anguish laid the groundwork for his transformation into Darth Vader. However, the true depths of his pain reached new heights during a particularly brutal encounter with Palpatine.
Though he managed to survive the harrowing events on Mustafar through Palpatine’s duplicitous aid, Vader is left with unresolved trauma that manifests as a simmering rage deeply rooted within him.
Unveiling the Truth: Vader Learns How Padmé Truly Died
The storyline in Darth Vader #5 sees Vader’s relentless quest for truth lead him to the desolate landscape of Polis Massa—an asteroid world in the Outer Rim, where Padmé gave birth to their twins, Luke and Leia. During his exploration of the maternity ward, he discovers a midwifery droid housing a record of Padmé’s final poignant message to Obi-Wan: “There’s good in him.” The revelation that Padmé died during childbirth—not at his hands—pushes Vader into a frenzy of vengeance against Palpatine, who manipulated Anakin’s psyche to break him and elevate the rise of Darth Vader.
In a fierce confrontation, Vader and Palpatine clash violently, culminating in Palpatine dismantling Vader’s robotic body and abandoning him on Mustafar, the very place where he was betrayed by Obi-Wan. Palpatine taunts Vader, demanding he prove his resilience by surviving once more. This moment evokes a haunting memory for Vader, reminiscent of the anguish he felt as Obi-Wan left him behind, vulnerable and desolate. The imagery of a battered Vader struggling to escape the molten lava beautifully encapsulates the profound sorrow of both Vader and Anakin.
Palpatine’s Manipulation Fuels Vader’s Hatred
Vader’s Desire to Annihilate Palpatine
Imagine reliving the darkest moment of your life—a moment laden with despair, fear, and the frantic fight for survival, questioning the fate of your pregnant wife and child. Anakin faced catastrophic loss during his duel on Mustafar, and his internal struggle is tragically illustrated through his choices as Vader; moments of remorse are evident throughout the series. Palpatine’s acts of manipulation rank among the harshest tragedies he perpetrated in his dark reign as Emperor.
The unfolding saga of Padmé’s death dismantles the very foundation of Palpatine’s authority over Vader, yet the Emperor’s vindictive response is to compel Vader to relive that trauma. This cyclical torment not only highlights Palpatine’s deliberate cruelty but also deepens the wounds inflicted upon Vader. In forcing Vader to confront his anguished past, the story exposes the grave toll of Palpatine’s power and the shattered humanity encased within the armor of Darth Vader.