Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #3
Darth Vader was never able to wield. When Anakin Skywalker was first corrupted by Darth Sidious in Revenge of the Sith, the Emperor was confident that the newly christened Darth Vader would one day become far more powerful than himself. However, that was before Vader's defeat on Mustafar at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi, limiting his power in ways his grandson isn't decades later.
In Marvel's canonical series Legacy of Vader, Supreme Leader Kylo Ren is learning more about his grandfather's past before the events of Rise of Skywalker. This brings him first to Tatooine, where he was ultimately captured by Gardulla, the same Hutt crime lord who once owned Anakin and his mother as slaves. Imprisoned and repeatedly tortured, Ren was eventually able to free himself by reaching new depths of his power in the dark side. This seems to have resulted in Kylo Ren briefly wielding a key Force power his grandfather never could following Revenge of the Sith.
Kylo Ren Seemingly Channeled Force Lightning In Legacy Of Vader
Breaking Of His Prison on Tatooine
Thanks to Gardulla, Kylo Ren was not only electrocuted multiple times while hung from the ceiling, but he was also forced to breathe in hallucinogens to make him experience visions. What Kylo doesn't yet realize is that this was all part of a deal between Gardulla and Darth Vader's former servant Vaneé, Kylo's current guide, who wants Ren to become more like Vader (no matter how brutal the means). Regardless, Kylo Ren does experience a vision of Darth Vader, who teaches his grandson an important lesson about his dark side path.
Star Wars Is Bringing Back The Sith Lord Kylo Ren Replaced, & I Couldn't Be Happier
Star Wars Celebration released an exclusive trailer for Maul: Shadow Lord, revealing that the show will bring back the Sith who Kylo Ren replaced.
Learning that true power in the dark side is singularly attained, Kylo Ren comes to understand that the only person he can ever truly rely on is himself. This leads Kylo Ren to look within himself, gaining enough rage and anger to secure his freedom, seemingly overloading his bonds with Force lightning and destroying the entire Tatooine prison in his wake. A classic power used by the Sith, this would be the first time Kylo Ren has been seen using Force lightning, a notable feat for the Supreme Leader.
Why Darth Vader Could Never Wield Force Lightning
Being A Cyborg Sith Has Its Limitations
If Kylo Ren did briefly wield Force lightning in this new issue, it would mean that he sured his grandfather in a pretty impressive way. Force lightning was a power that was unattainable to Darth Vader in the established Star Wars canon, as his prosthetics and life systems would be heavily damaged in the act. After all, it was Palpatine's blast of Force lightning as he was thrown down the Death Star's reactor shaft which led to the redeemed Anakin Skywalker's demise in Return of the Jedi.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #3 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.
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The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben was manipulated by Palpatine through the Force for most of his life, influenced toward the dark side of the Force. A misstep by Luke Skywalker ultimately left Ben feeling he had no choice but to embrace the dark side, and he became Kylo Ren, a key figure in the First Order. Kylo Ren's heart remained deeply divided, however, even after he ascended to become Supreme Leader of the First Order. He was ultimately redeemed by Rey, with whom he shared a remarkable Force bond, and by the love of his parents.
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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 Pé 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.
