There are many times in Anakin Skywalker’s life where he is given a choice to act based on emotions or logic. Obi-Wan consistently reminded Anakin that a Jedi must think before they act. Anakin’s struggle in letting his emotions control his decision was eventually his undoing, giving rise to Vader.

In the 2001 comic miniseries, Jedi Quest--by Ryder Windham and Pop Mhan--Anakin is put in a position where he cannot help but let his feelings and the scars of his past rule over his logic. Though Jedi Quest is considered part of the Legends continuity, and therefore not canon in the main Star Wars universe, Anakin’s traits and upbringing remains the same as in canon lore.

Anakin makes a choice to seek vengeance instead of listening to his master’s instructions, showing that Anakin was always predestined to let his emotions guide him, paving his path to the dark side.

Obi-Wan Knew Anakin's Weakness, But Failed To Change His Way Of Thinking

Jedi Quest By Ryder Windham And Pop Mhan

In Jedi Quest, Anakin and Obi-Wan are given a mission to act as security for a ship that will likely run into a slaver named Krayn. Krayn has a reputation for boarding ships and kidnapping any live cargo on board to use as slaves in his spice factories. When Obi-Wan learns of the parameters of the mission, he has the foresight to express his misgivings about taking Anakin along, considering Anakin’s past as a slave. Anakin’s sensitivity towards the subject would likely interfere with his ability to make logical, rational decisions.

Obi-Wan’s hunch is proven to be spot on, as Anakin seeks to put an end to Krayn and his terrible practices. He reminds his padawan that bringing Krayn to justice is not their mission, and that they do not have the resources to save the slaves. Anakin, however, is stubborn and soon finds himself pressed into slavery at Krayn’s spice factory after disregarding Obi-Wan’s directives. Anakin eventually kills Krayn, showing that his ability to think and act like a Jedi was always compromised due to his emotions.

Anakin's First Kill Proves His Inability To Control His Emotions

It Was Always Difficult For Anakin To Adhere To The Jedi Way

Though Anakin canonically has taken many lives, his actions in Jedi Quest are the first instance of Anakin killing anyone in Legends continuity. Anakin is only a new padawan who just got his lightsaber at the beginning of the series. Though it can be argued that he is inexperienced in Jedi ways, Obi-Wan discourages Anakin’s behavior and thought process multiple times, reinforcing that Jedi do not behave the way Anakin suggests. Anakin’s behavior of disregarding the Jedi code and his master’s teachings is consistent throughout his time as a Jedi, which is how Palpatine knew exactly how to entrap him.

Palpatine is even seen praising Anakin for his actions at the end of Jedi Quest, providing positive reinforcement for unacceptable behavior. In killing Krayn, Anakin proved that he could not separate feelings from logic. By preying on Anakin’s fatal flaw, Palpatine was able to bide his time until the perfect situation arose to use Anakin’s deep emotions to turn him to the dark side. Anakin’s fear of losing Pé was the final straw in a narrative that had been building since he was a child.