Star Wars: Darth Vader Plans To Steal Maul's Last Legacy
Warning! Spoilers for Star Wars: Darth Vader #21 by Marvel Comics
In an impressive display of power and maneuvering, Darth Vader has learned the truth about Crimson Dawn and plans to take control of the organization previously run by Darth Maul. In Star Wars: Darth Vader #21 by Marvel Comics, Vader reveals to Oohi of Bestoon he was aware he was working for Crimson Dawn and that he intends to use both him and Sabe to take it in an all-new direction.
The Crimson Dawn was originally created as one of the most deadly crime syndicates in the Star Wars Universe, as Darth Maul led the group's criminal enterprise before dying at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Crimson Dawn was believed to be disbanded, but Lady Qi'ra, formerly Maul's top aide, kept the group alive in hopes of changing the power structure of the galaxy while taking down the Empire. Star Wars comics have explored Crimson Dawn more than ever in a series of events and miniseries, but now, Darth Vader is finally coming for them.
In Star Wars: Darth Vader #21 by Greg Pak, Raffaele Ienco, Alex Sinclair, and VC's Joe Caramagna, Vader confronts Ochi of Bestoon after he's attacked by a group of Darktroopers sent by Romodi in retaliation for killing his troops believing they were part of Crimson Dawn. He pieces together that Ochi is part of Crimson Dawn, leaving his usual ally to flee to Naboo, where he accidentally leads Vader to Sabe, now a member of Crimson Dawn. Vader condemns Ochi for believing he could trick him about his status with Crimson Dawn but commends him for leading him right to the former handmaiden of Padme. Upon greeting her, Vader clarifies his intentions: he wants to use Crimson Dawn and its forces for his own gain because, as he puts it, "I am the dawn."
With Crimson Dawn infiltrating so much of the galaxy, Vader realizes that he can turn the organization into his own network. So, instead of destroying the Darth Maul-created organization, he wants to use it for his own gain. Ultimately, it's a brilliant play by Darth Vader and could lead to him gaining even more power - and perhaps, the continued existence of Crimson Dawn. In a twist of irony, Darth Maul is believed to have created Crimson Dawn as a tool to get close to the Empire, which is why he kept his true identity as its founder a secret. Meanwhile, the current Crimson Dawn is dedicated to bringing down the Sith. And now Darth Vader, one of the Sith, is planning to take it over. It's really come full circle for the Sith.
Will Sabe relent to Darth Vader since she planned to use him to throw off order and create chaos across the galaxy? It's hard to say, but it doesn't seem she has much of a choice with Vader in her presence. So for now, she'll have to accept Darth Vader has gained control of the former Darth Maul-led Crimson Dawn. What happens next is anyone's guess. Star: Wars Darth Vader #21 by Marvel Comics is in stores now.