Dark Empire is a series of comic books set in the Star Wars fictional universe, published by Dark Horse Comics between 1991 and 1995. It is a cornerstone of the Star Wars Legends (formerly known as the Expanded Universe) continuity, providing a major post-original trilogy narrative arc. The series is particularly notable for its controversial but impactful decision to bring back Emperor Palpatine from the dead.
Overview
The Dark Empire saga is set six years after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. It depicts the New Republic's ongoing struggle against the remnants of the Galactic Empire, which has been revitalized by a resurgent Emperor Palpatine. Palpatine, having cheated death through cloning and transferring his consciousness, once again poses a grave threat to the galaxy.
Plot Summary
The story begins with the New Republic facing renewed Imperial aggression. Luke Skywalker, feeling the need to understand the true nature of the dark side to defeat it, infiltrates the newly re-formed Empire and seemingly turns to the dark side, becoming Palpatine's apprentice. His true intention is to destroy Palpatine from within.
Meanwhile, Leia Organa Solo, a powerful Force-sensitive herself, plays a crucial role in opposing Palpatine's return. She confronts her brother, Luke, and through their bond, helps him break free from the Emperor's influence. Together, they confront Palpatine. The Emperor, utilizing advanced Imperial technology such as World Devastators (factories that consume planets and produce war materials) and Shadow Droids, aims to reclaim his galactic empire.
Palpatine's cloning technology is imperfect; his cloned bodies rapidly degrade, necessitating a constant supply of new hosts. The climax involves a final confrontation on the Imperial capital world of Byss, where Palpatine attempts to permanently transfer his essence into Leia's unborn child, Anakin Solo. However, he is ultimately defeated by Luke and Leia, with the help of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian, by being trapped in a collapsing wormhole generated by a powerful Force storm.
Key Characters
- Luke Skywalker: Jedi Master, who briefly falls to the dark side to infiltrate the Emperor's new regime.
- Leia Organa Solo: Princess, New Republic leader, and powerful Force-sensitive, critical in resisting Palpatine.
- Han Solo: General in the New Republic, pilot, and husband of Leia.
- Emperor Palpatine: The primary antagonist, resurrected through cloning.
- C-3PO and R2-D2: The inseparable droids, providing comic relief and vital assistance.
- Admiral Ackbar and Mon Mothma: Leaders of the New Republic.
Themes and Significance
- The Nature of the Dark Side: Explores the seductive power of the dark side and the constant struggle to resist it, even for a Jedi Master like Luke.
- Resurrection and Cloning: Introduced the controversial concept of characters returning from death through cloning, a mechanism later used for other characters in the Legends continuity.
- Family Bonds: Emphasizes the power of the Skywalker family's Force connection and personal bonds in overcoming seemingly insurmountable evil.
- New Imperial Threats: Introduced new superweapons and tactical concepts like World Devastators and Shadow Droids, diversifying Imperial threats beyond the Death Star.
Publication History
The Dark Empire saga comprises three main series:
- Dark Empire (6 issues, 1991–1992): The initial story arc.
- Dark Empire II (6 issues, 1994–1995): Continues the story of Palpatine's return and the New Republic's fight.
- Empire's End (2 issues, 1995): Concludes the saga, with the final defeat of Palpatine.
The series was written by Tom Veitch and illustrated by Cam Kennedy, with Empire's End illustrated by Jim Baikie. Its distinctive art style, characterized by a painted, gritty aesthetic, was a hallmark of the series.
Legacy
Dark Empire was a highly influential series in the Star Wars Expanded Universe. It set the stage for many subsequent stories and defined much of the post-Endor era for decades. Its narrative choices, particularly the return of Palpatine, generated significant discussion among fans and shaped perceptions of the character's capabilities within the Legends timeline. While it is no longer considered canonical following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, its impact on the Star Wars saga's legacy material remains significant.