A decades-old Star Wars comic has revealed a chilling truth about one of the most iconic Force powers that audiences frequently overlook. Marvel’s classic Star Wars comics from the 1970s and 80s are hidden treasures within the Star Wars universe. These comics are among the earliest non-film Star Wars content, providing fans captivated by A New Hope the opportunity to follow the ongoing adventures of beloved Rebel heroes amidst and following the original trilogy films. Notably, these comics feature a particularly haunting instance of the famed Jedi mind trick that leaves a lasting impression.

Jedi mind tricks stand out as some of the first Force powers introduced in the Star Wars films, making them a cornerstone of the franchise’s lore. The moment when Obi-Wan Kenobi employs this power to evade a confrontation with Imperial Stormtroopers in Mos Eisley amazed both Luke Skywalker and the audience alike. This ability resurfaces in act one of Return of the Jedi, showcasing Luke’s significant growth since A New Hope. However, when wielded by a Sith Lord, the true peril of a mind trick used irresponsibly becomes evident.

Darth Vader Exemplifies the Terrifying Nature of Mind Control in Star Wars

Darth Vader has a notorious reputation for executing Imperial officers without hesitation if he perceives them as a threat, with his preferred method being the brutal Force choke. Nonetheless, there are rare instances where Vader employs a Sith mind trick, as depicted in one issue of Marvel’s Star Wars comics. In this unsettling scene, he compels Major Kuhru to exit a Star Destroyer through the airlock while unprotected by a space suit. To add a layer of darkness, Darth Vader dismisses the horrific act as a mere consequence of a “faulty mechanism,” a claim that the terrified Naval Officers around him reluctantly accept.

The original Legends continuity is rich with additional instances of Sith mind tricks that illustrate the horrifying potential of this power when devoid of ethical considerations. For instance, Palpatine manipulated Mara Jade’s mind, instructing her to kill Luke Skywalker. Although she ultimately refrained from executing his command, the implications are chilling. Furthermore, Palpatine allegedly used mind tricks on numerous beings within Coruscant to conceal the existence of the Lusankya, a Super Star Destroyer hidden beneath the planet’s surface. It’s clear that Jedi do not misuse mind tricks in such a manner, yet this aspect of the power presents an intriguing moral dilemma.

The Ethical Dilemma of Mind Control as a Jedi Power in Star Wars

Despite their association with the Jedi, largely due to their use by Obi-Wan and Luke in the original trilogy, mind tricks carry an ethical ambiguity that cannot be overlooked. While I acknowledge that Obi-Wan faced limited options to evade the Stormtroopers in Mos Eisley without resorting to lethal force, the very act of mind control seems fundamentally opposed to the Jedi’s code of honor. To override an individual’s free will, even with the intention of preventing violence, is exceptionally difficult to rationalize.

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The Jedi Mind Trick May Secretly Be A Dark Side Power

The Jedi could be dabbling in some dark arts if one of their tried and true Force techniques, the Jedi mind trick, is actually a dark side power.

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Reflecting on the implications of mind tricks used by the Jedi, I am reminded of a passage from Ryder Windham’s Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force. In this book, Jedi Master Yarael Poof cautions Jedi initiates about the potential hazards of influencing another’s mind. He ultimately believes that mind tricks are more ethical than killing an adversary. While I can appreciate this viewpoint, I maintain that meddling with another person’s mind should be treated as a last resort, akin to the use of lethal force.

Star Wars Acknowledges the Ethical Dangers of Mind Control

Interestingly, my perspective resonates with the contemporary Star Wars canon, particularly within the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia initiative. During this era of relative tranquility, following the presumed eradication of the Sith, the Jedi Order refers to mind tricks as “mind touch,” expressing concern that the practice leads its users into dark territory and thus discouraging its application. Although these techniques hold a legendary status in the Star Wars franchise, their questionable nature as a Jedi power aligns perfectly with the high ethical standards upheld by the Jedi Order.

Star Wars

Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.

Cast

Mark Hamill , James Earl Jones , David Prowse , Carrie Fisher , Harrison Ford , Daisy Ridley , Adam Driver , Ian McDiarmid , Ewan McGregor , Rosario Dawson , Lars Mikkelsen , Rupert Friend , Moses Ingram , Frank Oz , Pedro Pascal

TV Show(s)

The Mandalorian , Andor , Obi-Wan Kenobi , The Book of Boba Fett , Ahsoka , The Acolyte , Star Wars: Skeleton Crew , Lando , Star Wars: The Clone Wars , Star Wars Rebels , Star Wars: The Bad Batch , Star Wars: Resistance , Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures , Star Wars: Visions

Character(s)

Luke Skywalker , Han Solo , Rey Skywalker , Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious , Obi-Wan Kenobi , Ahsoka Tano , Grand Admiral Thrawn , Grand Inquisitor , Reva (The Third Sister) , The Fifth Brother , The Seventh Sister , The Eighth Brother , Yoda , Din Djarin , Grogu , Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader , Leia Organa , Ben Solo/Kylo Ren

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