New Star Wars Novel Explores Darth Vader Creating Red Lightsaber on Mustafar

Adam Christopher's upcoming novel "Star Wars: Master of Evil," set for release in November, delves into the pivotal moment when Anakin Skywalker, now Darth Vader, creates his iconic red lightsaber through the Sith ritual of "bleeding" a kyber crystal. This process, which involves infusing the crystal with hatred to corrupt its natural color, is depicted as a violent and intense struggle on the volcanic planet Mustafar. The novel revisits and expands upon scenes previously explored in Marvel's Darth Vader comics, including Vader's confrontation with the kyber crystal's resistance, which manifests as visions of an alternate path where he seeks redemption rather than embracing darkness. Throughout this ritual, Vader is haunted by memories of his past, including the death of his mother, his defeat on Mustafar, and his love for Padmé Amidala, emphasizing the internal conflict behind his transformation. The story also highlights Vader's hunt for a Jedi named Kirak Infil'a to claim his lightsaber and crystal, a key step in Vader's deepening apprenticeship under Emperor Palpatine and his quest for power over life and death. This narrative enriches the Star Wars canon by providing deeper psychological insight into Vader's early days as a Sith Lord and the dark forces shaping his destiny.