8 Star Wars Expanded Universe Changes That Were Completely Justified

4. Darth Vader's Discovery Of Luke Skywalker

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Marvel Comics

One of the best things about seeing the new Expanded Universe develop has been the way in which it's tackled the prequels. In many ways, they've actually managed to elevate those stories, and one of the best examples of that comes in Star Wars: Darth Vader #6.

Written by Kieron Gillen, and with art from Salvador Larroca, Darth Vader quickly became one of the most compelling Star Wars books on shelves, focusing on the Emperor's apprentice in the aftermath of the Death Star's destruction. Its sixth issue, simply titled Vader Part VI, includes a moment where the Emperor's right hand man finds out the name of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star - "Skywalker."

The ensuing panels illustrate just how affected Vader is by the revelation, with flashbacks to Revenge of the Sith - specifically the moment where Padme told Anakin that she was pregnant, and later the scene where Palpatine lied and said that Vader had killed his wife - further enforcing the gravity of the moment.

It's a subtle change that completely alters the way Vader conducts himself in the Empire Strikes Back, and a great way of foreshadowing the tension between him and his master. Plus the series itself - as well as its spin-off, Doctor Aphra - are pretty much perfect, and well worth reading if you're looking for an example of how the prequels can work in Disney's Star Wars.

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Content Producer/Presenter
Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.