This is the Best Version of Luke Skywalker (and It’s Not the Original Trilogy)

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Luke Skywalker is a cherished character within the Star Wars series, serving as the viewpoint character for many viewers’ first exploration of the films’ vibrant universe. For others, he holds significant importance in the Star Wars Legends expanded universe. To some, he symbolizes the peak of Star Wars’ greatness. No matter how people perceive him, Luke Skywalker embodies what a Jedi should be, and his journey to become that person is central to his character arc in the original trilogy. Over time, he has transcended being just a character and become an ideal for other characters to aspire to. However, this ideal can lead to conflict for Luke as a character, since interpretations of him across various Star Wars media often spark debates among fans.

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Many people have different opinions about which portrayal of Luke Skywalker’s character is the most accurate. Some believe that his character in the original trilogy is the best, while others think he shows the most growth in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Others point to the expanded lore in “Star Wars Legends” as the most authentic. However, I contend that although each of these versions has its merits to some extent, and some have more than others, the most convincing interpretation of Luke Skywalker is not found in any of them. Instead, it’s the version of Luke depicted in the Marvel Comics “Star Wars” comics, specifically the 2015 and 2020 series both titled simply as “Star Wars.

What Do the Comics Have That Other Media Doesn’t?

The 2015 and 2020 series follow the adventures of Luke, Leia, and Han in the galaxy following the events of “A New Hope” and “The Empire Strikes Back,” respectively, with another series planned for after “Return of the Jedi.” While the films primarily focus on the characters’ immediate circumstances, these timeframes are significant as they witness Luke going through some of the most transformative periods in his life.

In my humble opinion as a movie critic, prior to his formal training with Master Yoda, young Luke Skywalker was more of a farm boy and rebel than a Jedi in the making. The 2015 series beautifully illustrates this transition, as we witness Luke’s gradual immersion into the wider galaxy, interacting with an array of characters and expanding his worldview.

The defining question for Luke becomes: what truly is a Jedi? His adventures serve as a stepping stone towards the definition he will ultimately employ in his climactic battle against Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. The 2020 series delves deeper into this transformation, exploring the aftermath of Luke’s shocking discovery that Vader is none other than his father. This revelation compels him to confront the darkness lurking within and face his deepest fears. At his emotional nadir, Luke strives valiantly to hold onto hope amidst the shadows, seeking a path towards redemption.

How Do the Comics Portray Luke?

In both series, the character of Luke is portrayed with remarkable consistency. Primarily, he is depicted as a student and a hero, consistently seeking to understand the essence of being a Jedi. He chases any clue that might link him to their past or uncover an artifact related to them. Despite various opinions from characters in both storylines about whether he truly embodies the title, Luke remains determined in his pursuit of understanding. His quest leads him to fragments of Jedi history, including holocrons, journals, and ancient teachings, which offer him insights into how the Jedi functioned. However, he mainly discovers records of their actions, rather than their mindset. Luke gains an appreciation for their devotion and compassion primarily from Obi-Wan’s wisdom and his own sense of justice, using these as compass points in interpreting the Jedi way.

In these comics, we witness Luke Skywalker’s transformation from an innocent, optimistic young man into a mature, patient, and wise Jedi warrior. His journey, marked by growth and self-discovery, is central to the Star Wars universe as he embodies hope and virtue. He plays a pivotal role in redeeming Darth Vader and fulfilling the heroic potential of Anakin Skywalker. Throughout his adventures, Luke consistently strives to aid others in their struggle against tyranny and misuse of power. While every character in Star Wars shares this trait to some extent, Luke stands out due to his unwavering commitment to saving even his enemies. His influence encourages kindness and improvement in those around him.

The outstanding depiction of Luke is most clearly seen in episodes 42 and 43 of the 2020 series. This two-part narrative follows Luke’s mission to mend a crimson kyber crystal by venturing into it and encountering the spectral presence of its former Sith master. Once within the crystal, Luke is apprehended and tormented by the Sith, who insists that suffering can never be erased and shapes people fundamentally. However, Luke rejects this notion. He revisits the most distressing memories of the Sith, offering him solace and aid instead. In the climax, Luke is compelled to grapple with his own apprehension towards his father, where he discerns that even someone like Vader must have their wickedness stem from fear and anguish, hence they can be saved. Luke overcomes his fears, allowing them to dissipate, because they were only impeding him. In doing so, he demonstrates to the Sith that pain does not have to rule you, and aids in his healing, thus healing the crystal simultaneously.

In essence, Luke Skywalker represents the epitome of a true Jedi – he’s a virtuous individual who consistently extends aid to those in need, even towards his most formidable adversaries. This is the quintessential image of a Jedi that the Star Wars comics strive to portray, making Luke Skywalker the embodiment of this noble character.

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2025-05-04 16:10