Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Darth Vader #29
While it seemed as though Padmé Amidala's most trusted handmaiden Sabé would be instrumental in helping redeem Anakin Skywalker before Return of the Jedi, the new issue of Darth Vader has proven the opposite with the Queen's Shadow being corrupted instead. Taking place in between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Sabé returned to the Star Wars galaxy to become a major part of Darth Vader's life. Now, it seems as though the Dark Lord will bring about a war between all of his late wife's handmaidens.
Initially, Sabé debuted in Darth Vader alongside several Nubians who called themselves the Amidalans. Together, they sought vengeance on Darth Vader for murdering Padmé and presumably Anakin Skywalker. While Vader defeated the bulk of their forces, Sabé would eventually return after discovering a partial recording of Padmé's final moments, learning Vader's true identity as Anakin and his wife's belief that there was still good in him. Taking that hope and making it her own, Sabé reunited with Vader on a mission to redeem him. However, the plan has massively backfired now that the Emperor has given Vader the approval to corrupt Sabé, turning her into his own shadow agent.
Potentially having her mind affected by the dark side of the Force, Sabé is now earnestly aiding Vader in the name of "order". However, the new Darth Vader #29 from Greg Pak and Luke Ross sees the return of Padmé's other handmaidens, particularly Dormé who attempts to infiltrate Vader's flagship by pretending to be Sabé herself. Unfortunately, she's soon caught by Vader all the same. Failing his test to murder two unarmed stormtroopers, Dormé refuses to believe that Sabé would have killed them. However, she's tragically proven wrong thanks to Vader's corruption of the Queen's Shadow.
Will Darth Vader Start A War Between Padmé's Former Handmaids?
As the final page of this new issue confirms, Sabé is seen murdersing Jul Tambor who was simply trying to free his world of Skako Minor from Imperial control. However, Sabé believes that countless more would have suffered from Vader's wrath if Jul continued to fight. As such, Sabé is rationalizing that she's doing what good she can by doing his bidding and keeping him placated.
However, that likely won't be good enough for Padmé's other handmaids. If Dormé dies by Vader's hand, there's a strong possibility that Sabé will be forced to face her sisters who will attempt to redeem Amidala's legacy no matter the cost. When and if that happens, the corruption of Sabé will be complete even more than it already has thanks to Darth Vader and his dark influence in the Star Wars galaxy. Darth Vader #29 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.