Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #426 years afterPadmé Amidala’sdebut inThe Phantom Menace,Star Warshas revealedDarth Vader’sworst crime against his late wife following her death. Having killed Padmé in a rage shortly after he fell to the dark side inRevenge of the Sith, one would think that Vader taking Padmé’s life was dark enough. However, it’s recently been revealed that the Dark Lord of the Sith went even further in the years following her demise.
In Marvel’s new and canonicalLegacy of Vaderseries by Charles Soule, Kylo Ren is learning more about his grandfather’s history before the events ofRise of Skywalkerthanks toVaneé, the former caretaker of Vader’s castle on Mustafar. Although they went to Anakin’s homeworld of Tatooine first, the duo have now come to Naboo in the newLegacy of Vader #4by Charles Soule and Stefano Raffaele.It’s here that Kylo Ren learns about his grandmother, and the full extent of Vader’s crimes against Padmé Amidala.
Darth Vader Once Visited His Wife’s Grave In Star Wars Canon
…But It Was Far From Peaceful
As seen in the 2020Darth Vaderseries by Greg Pak, it was revealed that Darth Vader once visited Padmé’s tomb on Naboo between the events ofThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi.Untethered in the dark side after Luke Skywalker rejected him on Cloud City, Vader briefly spent time examining his past. However,Vader’s visit ultimately turned into a trap laid by the Amidalans, former handmaids to Padmé and those who’d been loyal to the former queen and senator of Naboo.
Naturally, Darth Vader had no problem besting this force that sought to kill him for his murder of Padmé and Anakin Skywalker. Laying waste to several of the fighters, Vader briefly recruited Padmé’s most loyal handmaid, Sabé, into his service as well.However,Legacy of Vader #4reveals the full consequences and aftermath of this conflict in the decades that followed.
Marvel’s Legacy of Vader Reveals The Dark Lord Destroyed Padme’s Legacy on Naboo
Creating A Dark Legend of Superstition
Connecting to the 2020 series,Legacy of Vadersees two Nabbo civilians warning Kylo Ren and Vaneé to steer clear of the remains that were once the Amidala family retreat in Naboo’s lake country (where Anakin and Padmé fell in love and were secretly married).This is because of the long-held legends about a “spirit of death” that once came to the area and did everything in its power to erase Padmé’s memory. As a result, many Naboo citizens hardly dare to speak Padmé’s name for fear that this dark spirit will one day return.
Combined with the widespread deterioration of the planet following the Empire’s fall, it’s clear that Darth Vader not only killed his wife, but he also irreparably destroyed her legacy when he returned to Naboo to visit her tomb. That said, it’s worth noting that while the “legends” say Vader sought to erase all memory of Padmé, he ensured his late wife’s tomb and burial site remained untouched. Regardless, the dark superstitions apparently withstood the test of time, all the way to the events of the sequel trilogy.
Padmé’s Grandson Is Now Making Things Even Worse
Demanding Naboo’s Subservience
To add insult to injury,Kylo Ren has now decided to become Naboo’s new king, demanding the people’s loyalty and service. Disgusted by the inability to let go of the past and move forward, it seems as though the Supreme Leader intends to force them, lest he raze the entire planet as a dark consequence.As such, it certainly seems as though Kylo Ren is now working to succeed his grandfather’s legacy by continuing to tarnish his grandmother’s and everything she stood for in theStar Warscanon.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #4is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
Padmé Amidala
The elected Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala won galactic acclaim for her heroism when she led her people against the Trade Federation. She became an influential member of the Republic Senate, but her life changed forever when she fell in love with Anakin Skywalker. Padmé Amidala found herself torn between her love for Anakin and her belief in the principles of the Republic, especially when Anakin became Darth Vader. She was brutally attacked by Anakin on Mustafar, and died in childbirth.
