Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Darth Vader #28
In the latest issue of Marvel Comics’ Darth Vader series, the Dark Lord of the Sith has corrupted a major part of his late wife’s legacy in the Star Wars galaxy. Recently, Darth Vader has been allied with Sabé, also known as the Queen’s Shadow who was once Padmé’s primary handmaid and decoy. Although Sabé has been trying to redeem the Sith Lord back to the light, a major twist has effectively ruined those hopes.
Initially, Sabé wanted to kill Darth Vader, believing that he had killed both Padmé and Anakin Skywalker. Creating a group of Padmé’s supporters known as the Amidalans, Vader slew many of these agents. However, Sabé lived only to later discover the truth that Anakin and Vader are one and the same. In Padmé’s memory, Sabé has recently joined Vader in his mission to eradicate the crime syndicate Crimson Dawn, hoping to use the memories of his mother and wife to bring him back from the dark side of the Force and destroy the Emperor in the process.
However, Vader chooses to bring Sabé before the Emperor himself in the new Darth Vader #28 from Greg Pak and Raffaele Ienco. Amused by Sabé’s attempts to redeem his corrupted apprentice, Palpatine is then impressed after Sabé proves her capabilities against two of his royal guards. As such, the Emperor surprisingly lets Sabé live, having full confidence that Vader can fully corrupt her to the Empire’s service while also confirming Sabé has failed in her mission to bring Anakin back from the darkness.
Darth Vader Destroys His First Chance At True Redemption
Recognizing the ruthlessness in the heart of the Queen’s Shadow that was never present in Padmé, Vader has been molding her into his own Shadow. The Emperor sees it too, allowing Vader to continue having Sabé as his agent and seeing her value as an effective Imperial asset. As far as Sabé is concerned, her encounter with the Emperor has clearly left her shaken, so much so that she seems to be resigning herself to serving Vader legitimately with no ulterior motive or agenda. As such, Darth Vader has rejected this first chance of redemption prior to the events of Return of the Jedi.
That being said, the end of the issue features the surprise twist that Padmé’s other handmaids are still alive as well, having captured Vader’s assassin Ochi of Bestoon to learn about Sabé’s whereabouts. Surprised that Sabé now serves the Dark Lord, the handmaids will attempt to either save (or even stop) Sabé. One way or another, their goal will be to redeem Sabé as Padmé’s living legacy after Darth Vader has begun to corrupt in this current Star Wars series.
