Star Wars Reveals Weapon Vader Could Have Used to Overpower Palpatine

Warning! Spoilers Ahead for Doctor Aphra #15

In the entire timeline of the Star Wars franchise, few have the power of the Force like Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. After joining the Dark Side of the Force, little stops Darth Vader from fulfilling his goals. However, the Emperor remains in control of Darth Vader during the Galactic Empire’s rule.

Even before revealing the backstory of Anakin Skywalker in the prequels, Darth Vader clearly wants to overthrow the Emperor. At the end of The Empire Strikes Back, Vader reveals himself as Luke’s father, offering the chance to defeat the Emperor and rule the galaxy together. This iconic scene is when audiences learn where Vader’s true loyalties lie, though, at the time, fans predicted he might have been lying simply to tempt Luke. With a complete saga, various comics, and other media, it can’t be more obvious how much Vader wants to eliminate Palpatine and rule the galaxy himself.

In Alyssa Wong and Minkyu Jung’s Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #15, Aphra and some of her allies discover a Thought Dowser. This ancient Sith artifact allows someone to dominate the minds of others. Aphra says that it’s similar to a lightsaber; the wielder of a Thought Dowser does not need to have any knowledge of the Force to use it. However, she adds that if a Force-sensitive character were to wield it, “the effect would be crushing.” Aphra’s revelation means that if Darth Vader got a hold of this Thought Dowser, he would obtain the edge he needs to overpower the Emperor. Darth Vader is already one of the strongest Force-wielders in the entire galaxy, if not the strongest. A Thought Dowser would enhance his control over the Force. This artifact might be Darth Vader’s equivalent to Thanos with Marvel Comics’ Infinity Gauntlet or Darkseid with DC’s Anti-Life Equation.

It’s unlikely Thought Dowsers will be introduced to the movies. Not a lot of comic/cartoon-related content integrates into the Star Wars movies. Boba Fett, however, is a perfect example of a character who made his way into the saga from a cartoon. Not many fans know that he first appears in The Star Wars Holiday Special. Although generally recognized for its awful storytelling and hilariously silly scenes, Boba Fett still shines as the best thing that came from George Lucas’ most-hated creation.

The Emperor, of course, does fall at the hands of Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi. Perhaps future comics will explore why Darth Vader doesn’t use a Thought Dowser to dethrone his master. Emperor Palpatine is not a daft character, however. It’s more likely that he would know where to find a Though Dowser in the Star Wars galaxy before his apprentice.

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