Marvel Puts a Star Wars Twist on Death Note

As a seasoned gamer and avid reader of comics, I must admit that Marvel’s Star Wars #50 has left me utterly captivated. It’s not every day you come across a comic that seamlessly blends the galaxy far, far away with the dark, philosophical undertones of Death Note – two universes I never thought I’d see collide.

In the Marvel comics adaptation of Star Wars, the narrative delves into a grim science fiction tale, where Luke Skywalker, Leia, and their companions embark on a mission to eliminate Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious. Along the way, they confront decisions of life and death that mirror those in the manga/anime series Death Note. To be precise, issue #50 of Star Wars seems more akin to an episode of Death Note than a typical Star Wars movie. If you’re skeptical, here are potential spoilers for you to consider.

In the final episode of Marvel’s Star Wars series, Luke Skywalker resides in the peaceful era following the war, grooming his apprentice Ben Solo for the title of Jedi Knight. To assess Ben’s moral fiber, Luke shares a hidden tale from the period between “Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”. During this time, Luke, Leia, Lando, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO pursued an artifact known as the “Grim Rose”, an antique box that harnessed mysterious supernatural energy to eliminate any specified target once provided with a sample of their genetic makeup.

The concept you’ve presented seems remarkably similar to the “Death Note” notebook from the popular anime and manga series. In this story, the supernatural rules of Japanese death gods (Shinigami) are utilized to portray how the main character, Light Yagami, eliminates his victims. Similarly, in Star Wars #50, the narrative revolves around the ethical dilemma that arises when one possesses the ability to kill indirectly. Just like Death Note, this storyline grapples with the query: If given the chance to eliminate a tyrant or mass murderer, would you act upon it? More importantly, should you?

As a devoted fan, let me clarify that in Star Wars #50, the Grim Rose’s lethal nature is subtly addressed. It turns out that the Grim Rose doesn’t merely eliminate its target; it seeks them out spiritually. By tracing the trail of their spiritual influence, the Grim Rose locates the person who carries the strongest echoes of its intended victim’s influences. Following this spiritual chain, the Grim Rose eventually reaches its target. In Palpatine’s case, his immense influence as both Emperor and Sith Lord had touched countless souls – Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader among them. To terminate Palpatine, the Grim Rose would have to extinguish not just him, but all those other souls influenced by him along the way.

Before activating the Grim Rose, Luke and his companions discover a caveat that makes them hesitate. However, Chewbacca’s intense anger over the Empire’s destruction of his home and people justifies the sacrifice for him. Once the box is switched on, there’s no way to destroy it or halt its progression. Eventually, Luke finds a loophole – he can alter the targets by providing the device with a sample from an ancient Jedi whose life and connections are already severed.

Interestingly, the tale concludes with Luke teaching Ben Solo that one shouldn’t embrace evil to combat evil – a lesson Luke seems to have momentarily forgotten himself, as he nearly attacks Ben in fear at a later point.

Star Wars #50 (and the entire comic series) is available at Marvel Comics.

2024-09-12 19:40

Read More