Since renewing my obsession with Star Wars this year (thanks to Revenge Of The Sith ), I've found this increasing interest in Darth Vader. Not just because he's cool (both in appearence and as a character) but because I never really truly paid close attention to just what he symbolizes.

Now mind you, what you will read may not be exactly what George Lucas had in mind, but each time I watch any of the films featuring Vader (especially Sith ), and after researching the character through the books I've collected, I seen much more of Vader than just a "half man, half machine".

In my opinion, Darth Vader is the ultimate symbol of the Dark Side, as if to say "If the Dark Side had a face, it would be Vader's." And when looking at Vader, regardless of where he might be, regardless of how bright a room is lit (e.g. Han, Leia and Chewie's first meeting with Vader on Cloud City), it appears as though Vader is a walking black hole, abosrbing all light that is around him. And just like that of a black hole, he draws everything toward him, including the audience. C'mon, admit it. Whenever Vader appears on the screen, you can't help but stare at him.

On my desk at home, I have one side with nothing but different Dark Vader collectibles (and only Vader). And just as I thought it would, from even a short distance, it's as though that corner of the room is darker than the darkest night, even with all the lights in the house turned on.

But what I find the most interesting about Darth Vader/Anakin, and this stems from watching Revenge Of The Sith over and over again, is just how he came to be. In Episode I he's the symbol of true innocence and bravery. Even at such a young age he wouldn't let those around him intimidate him. He could be courageous and thoughtful, and always put the lives of those he cared about first.

By Episode II, we see that he's had a few years of training to be a noble Jedi. And although he's shown great skill and advancement of his powers as a Jedi, his mind has already begun to slip away from the innocence he once had. It's already apparent by his reunion with Padme that he longs to be with her, that whatever good intentions he may want everything to believe he has, his actions say otherwise. And as the story plays on, and he eventually persuades her to follow her own feelings, and although we may only be talking about ' young love', it's one of many instances where Anakin gets what he wants. And although keeping their love secret may appear to be innocent, it's his love for her that begins his journey to the Dark Side. And what else would help push Anakin just a little further down an already darkened path? Revenge against the Tusken Raiders over the death of his mother Shmi.

It's not to say that Anakin didn't have the right to inflict pain on those who hurt the one person that meant the most to him. But then Anakin's revenge wasn't just against a few pathetic souls. No, Anakin took his hatred out on everyone... men, women and even children. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least that Anakin actually felt good, or even more POWERFUL after the slaughter.

And so we arrive at Episode III, and just like watching Hurricane Katrina inch it's way closer to New Orleans, we watch as Anakin makes he way closer and closer into the darkness, and there's nothing anyone can do to stop him. And even though there were times when Anakin MUST know what he's doing is wrong, he allows his love for Padme and his need to have EVERYTHING cloud his judgement. He not only attacks and destroys those that have spent so much time trying to mold him into the noblest of Jedi, he even attacks Padme, the one who he supposedly cared for so deeply.

Now why would one character appeal so much to me? Why would this vile and corrupt being who spent the remaining years of his life encased within a walking cloak of darkness; one who's arrogance and lust for power continued on until the last day of his life; how is it that this creature could appeal to someone such as myself, when he represents everything that I'm against?

Because in many ways, Darth Vader is me. Heck, in many ways he's like most of us. Not in the literal sense, but more like the vision of ourselves that we hate to see in the mirror; the Dark Side that appears when we THINK we've got our morals and emotions in check; the evil side of us that says things we regret later. And my interest in him is so, mainly because I find myself hoping to see, just as Luke did, that there is good in him; good in all of us.

And another aspect of Vader that I just recently realized was his own self loathing. I always assumed by his arrogance that Vader probably looked upon himself as being all powerful. But after reading about the duel between Vader and Darth Maul (see Star Wars Insider # 83) and especially the dialogue after Vader goes as far as to stab himself to kill Maul:

A dying Darth Maul asks: "What... could you hate enough to destroy me?"

Vader replies: "Myself."

I'm sorry, but that just floored me. I mean, of course now it makes sense, but I didn't see that coming. Boy, when they say "Art imitates life" they weren't kidding.

And now, when I sit at my desk and I take a moment to look upon the Vader Shrine I've created, or when I press the button on the Vader Voice Changer only to hear him say "You don't know the power of the Dark Side.", I think to myself. "You know what, you're right. And you, Lord Vader, are a prime example of that statement."

And it's true. Because although Vader allowed himself to be overcome by the Dark Side, he realized, even early on after donning the suit, that he was still just a learner, a Padawan of the Sith, just as they all are. And he would remain a learner for the rest of his days.

Why?

Because the Dark Side knows no limits. There is never a way to know all there is to know about it. Because one can always get lower, one's ideals, morals and judgements can always become clouded more and more, and there is definitely no limit to how vile, corrupt and vicious one can become.

Look at the world we live in. Need I say more?

svn