Movies - TV
There's A Reason Why Darth Vader Never Uses Force Lightning
By RYAN SCOTT
Debuting in 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” the powerful and deadly dark side ability, Force lightning, has since appeared in almost every “Star Wars” project involving the Sith. However, one dark side user we never see wield this power is Darth Vader, and although Lucasfilm never gives a reason, the answer might be in the official Starwars.com database entry that defines the force ability.
The information states, “Sith shoot Force lightning from their hands by calling on their hatred and aggressive feelings,” but the database also notes, “Jedi have proved able to neutralize the technique through the power of the light side.” The “Darth Vader” comic series by writer Charles Soule and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli expands the character's mythos, but one particular scene could reveal the answer.
The panel shows the Sith Lord seemingly meditating as a likeness of the character is surrounded by the red aura of the dark side — save for his lost arms and legs. The database revealed that Force lightning is channeled through the hands, suggesting that his mechanical limbs cannot do so. In addition, the image’s blue butterflies may represent his struggle with the light side of the force.