A decades-oldStar Warscomic hasDarth Vaderreveal the true danger of one iconicForce powerthat viewers often take for granted. Marvel’s classicStar Warscomics from the 1970s and 80s are one of the most underrated gems in theStar Warsfranchise. These comics are among the oldest non-movieStar Warsproperties, and they allowed viewers enamored byA New Hopeto follow the continued adventures of the Rebel heroes in between and after the releases of the original trilogy films. The comics also include one use of the famous Jedi mind trick that I find chilling.
Jedi mind tricks are one of the first Force powers shown in theStar Warsmovies, so they are naturally one of the franchise’s most iconic. Luke Skywalker and the viewers themselves were amazed by Obi-Wan Kenobi’s use of the power to escape a confrontation with Imperial Stormtroopers in Mos Eisley, and the power appears again in act one ofReturn of the Jedi, with Luke now using the ability – and showing us how far he has come sinceA New Hope. When used by a Sith Lord, however, we see the danger of a mind trick used unscrupulously.
Darth Vader Showed Just How Terrifying Mind Control Can Really Be
Darth Vader is infamous for executing Imperial military personnel on the spot if he deems them a liability, and his signature method of murder is a brutal Force choke. There are, of course, occasional exceptions, and one issue ofMarvel’sStar Warscomics shows Vader using a Sith mind trick on Major Kuhru, compelling him to exit a Star Destroyer via the airlock without a space suit. To make the moment darker, Darth Vader dismisses the murder as the result of a “faulty mechanism,” which the terrified Naval Officers around him begrudgingly accept.
The originalLegends continuityincludesother examples of Sith mind tricks that demonstrate how utterly nightmarish the power is when unrestrained by morals. Palpatine planted a suggestion inMara Jade’s mind to kill Luke Skywalker, though she managed to follow his last command without actually killing Luke. Palpatine is also alleged to have used mind tricks on countless beings on Coruscant to keep the existence of the Lusankya, a Super Star Destroyer hidden beneath the surface of Coruscant, a secret. Obviously, Jedi do not use mind tricks like this, but I have nevertheless found it an odd ability for them.
Palpatine might have used many mind tricks on non-Jedi to maintain his façade of a well-meaning Senator – and later Supreme Chancellor.
It’s Always Seemed Strange To Me That Mind Control Is A “Jedi” Force Power
Due to their use by Obi-Wan and Luke in the original trilogy and their seemingly nonviolent nature, mind tricks are associated more with the Jedi than the Sith. Yet, I have always found the ability to be ethically questionable at best. I understand that Obi-Wan had few options for evading the Stormtroopers in Mos Eisley that would not involve lethal force or end with him and Luke being pursued by the Empire, but mind control in and of itself seems antithetical to the Jedi code of honor.To suppress someone’s free will, even to avoid violence, is almost impossible to justify.
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.
When thinking about the implications of mind tricks and their use by the Jedi, I recall a passage from Ryder Windham’sJedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force. The book includes a quote from Jedi MasterYarael Poof, who warns Jedi initiates of the potential dangers of affecting another’s mind, yet Poof considers mind tricks to ultimately be more ethical than killing an enemy. While I understand this perspective, I still think that tampering with another being’s mind should be as much of a last resort as using lethal force.
Star Wars Is Recognizing The Dangers Of Mind Control
Interestingly, my opinion is reflected in the modernStar Warscanon’sStar Wars: The High Republicmultimedia project. In this era of relative peace following the apparent destruction of the Sith,the Jedi Order referred to mind tricks as “mind touch,” and felt that the power took its practitioners to a dark place and thus discouraged their use. Despite their iconic status within theStar Warsfranchise, mind tricks have always been questionable as a Jedi power, so I feel this perspective truly aligns with the high ethical standards of the Jedi Order.
July 06, 2025
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.
