Darth Vader’s terrifying presence cemented his place as one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history. While the events of Revenge of the Sith paint a clear picture of Anakin Skywalker’s tragic fall and descent into darkness, the full extent of his rage and bloodlust is perhaps best understood through a lesser-known conflict.

Darth Vader (2015-2017), written by Charles Soule with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, offers a crucial lens through which to examine the extent of Vader's relentless aggression. This battle, against the Jedi Master Kirak Infil’a, a survivor of Order 66, reveals the raw, untamed fury that defined the newly christened Sith Lord.

This fight isn’t just about eliminating a threat; it represents a visceral outpouring of pain, betrayal, and the burning desire to extinguish the last embers of the life he believed had been stolen from him. Understanding this fight provides a deeper, more nuanced perspective on the depths of Vader's infamous bloodlust.

The Ruthless Efficiency Vader Displayed Was Forged in the Fires of Personal Loss and Betrayal

Darth Vader (2017-2018); Written By Charles Soule With Art By Giuseppe Camuncoli

The confrontation with Kirak Infil’a takes place on the river moon of Al'doleem, where Infil'a retreated to a monastery years prior to the confrontation. Vader, who had only recently suffered defeat at Obi-Wan's hands on Mustafar, requires a lightsaber after Obi-Wan confiscated his. He seeks out any Jedi who survived Order 66 in order to defeat them and take their kyber crystal. Kirak Infil’a presents a formidable challenge, his unconventional fighting style and unwavering commitment testing Vader in his newfound dark side abilities.

Vader’s attack on Infil’a isn't a calculated strategy of a seasoned Sith Lord; it's the desperate, rage-fueled frenzy of a man consumed by his recent trauma. The ghosts of the Jedi Temple, the searing pain of Pé's perceived betrayal and death, and the agonizing physical wounds he sustained on Mustafar fuel every attack. Each parry, each forceful strike against Kirak Infil’a is a manifestation of his inner turmoil, a violent rejection of his past life and the Jedi ideals he once held dear. The fight isn’t merely about victory; it is a cathartic release of the unimaginable pain he carried.

This Particular Duel Underscores How Vader’s Hatred Extended Beyond the Jedi Order to Anyone Who Represented His Former Life

Darth Vader Takes Place Only Days After The Events Of Revenge Of The Sith

Kirak Infil’a, while a Jedi, also represented something deeper for the newly formed Darth Vader: a connection to the light, to comion, and to the Jedi way that Anakin Skywalker had tragically abandoned. By ruthlessly hunting down and attempting to extinguish Infil’a and retrieve the kyber crystal from his lightsaber, Vader isn’t just eliminating a potential threat to the Empire; he is symbolically destroying the last vestiges of his former self. The Jedi Master’s dedication to protecting the innocent townspeople, his unwavering belief in the Force for good, serve as a stark and painful reminder of the path Anakin had forsaken.

Kirak Infil’a, while a Jedi, also represented something deeper for the newly formed Darth Vader: a connection to the light, to comion, and to the Jedi way that Anakin Skywalker had tragically abandoned.

Vader's relentless pursuit and brutal tactics in this fight highlight his complete severance from his past. His bloodlust in this instance is not solely directed at a Jedi, but at the embodiment of everything he had lost and everything he now despised. The fight with Kirak Infil’a serves as a potent illustration of how Vader's infamous rage was deeply rooted in his personal tragedy, forever shaping the terrifying figure who would rule the galaxy through fear.