20 Years After Revenge of the Sith, Fulfillment of Palpatine’s Dark Promise to Anakin is Explored
Two decades following the release of “Revenge of the Sith,” the Star Wars saga is set to delve deep into how Palpatine’s sinister promise to Anakin Skywalker unfolded. The eagerly anticipated novel, titled “Star Wars: Master of Evil,” will hit shelves at the end of 2025, exploring Darth Vader’s quest for the ultimate dark power he was tempted with during his fall from grace.
Aligning with the period after the events of the third prequel film, this narrative catapults us into the journey of the Sith Lord as he tries to seize a power intertwined with his turn to the dark side, instigated by Darth Sidious.
As known, Palpatine manipulated Anakin by promising the ability to conquer death. This was highlighted through the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise, who allegedly possessed the knowledge to create life and prevent death. The allure of such power seduced the corruptible Jedi, compelling him to pledge allegiance to Darth Sidious in a desperate attempt to save Padmé’s life.
The novel hints at Palpatine’s fulfilling his promises to a certain degree. Soon after bleeding his Sith kyber crystal, and not long after the events depicted in “Revenge of the Sith,” Darth Vader receives a vision highlighting the vast possibilities provided by the Force. Palpatine, ostensibly supportive, sets his apprentice on a mission to the Diso system to investigate tales of a shaman with the power to resurrect the dead.
Despite the overt support, Emperor Palpatine’s true agenda is shrouded in mystery, aligning potentially with his ambitions regarding immortality. Meanwhile, Vader is driven by his enduring desire to unravel the dark side secrets teased by his master. Perhaps his fervor stems from a lingering hope that he might have been able to save Padmé, or even summon her back from beyond.
Previously, Darth Vader’s attempts to overturn death manifested when he sought to reclaim the life of Padmé on two occasions, both ending in failure. In the 2017 “Darth Vader” comic series, his attempts on Mustafar nearly connected him with her through the cosmic Force, only for Padmé to reject him, acknowledging Anakin as lost.
Similarly, in the “Vader Immortal” VR adventure, Vader’s ambition to utilize the Aeon Engine on Mustafar was thwarted. Upcoming insights from “Master of Evil” could potentially illuminate these past endeavors, possibly influencing them or merely serving Palpatine’s interests.
“Star Wars: Master of Evil” is poised for release on November 11th, opening a new chapter into Darth Vader’s eternal conflict and quest for unearthly power.
Explore how these narratives bridge the past and future of one of cinema’s most iconic villains, inviting fans to witness a dark odyssey grounded in deception, power, and haunting quests for redemption.
