Welcome, Rebelscum fans! This week for our coverage, we’re focusing on the Infinities comic book storylines that told alternate history “what if” versions of the original trilogy events. In case you missed it, check out our “Expand Your Mind” base article to learn about the history of the series, how it differs from other Star Wars media, and the best merchandise you can find inspired by the comics. Throughout the week, we’ve been expanding with the “Timeline Breakdown” article that explores other non-canon Star Wars material, and Bobby’s wealth of knowledge in video form.




Today with our “Character Spotlight,” we’re not looking at a character whose part of the Legends continuity, but an alternate version of an iconic one. In the Infinities version of Return of the Jedi, Vader is stricken by his son’s heroism and begs for his forgiveness. While Palpatine escapes the battle, Vader becomes Anakin once more and reemerges with white armor to fight alongside his children.


Infinities: Return of the Jedi plots a different course for the Chosen One. After the rebels fail to save Han Solo from Boba Fett, Vader is dispatched to Dagobah to capture his son. Yoda has already died, but Force spirits confirm to Luke the truth behind his heritage, and he passes on this knowledge to the rebels via holomessage before he is captured and taken before Palpatine.


Leia eventually manages to track down Han and steals Slave I, embarking on a mission to save her brother aboard the Death Star II. An epic battle ensues; Luke and Leia fight side-by-side to face off against Vader and the Emperor. When the dark side looks to take the upper hand, Luke stops the battle by revealing the truth to all. He and Leia are siblings and the Dark Lord is their father.


The reveal causes Vader to reconsider; he’s still courted by the temptations of the dark side, but is critically wounded by Luke, who refuses to kill him. It's only after seeing his merciful son choose to spare him and his daughter tortured by Palpatine’s force lightning that Vader begins his redemption, helping both children escape before the station explodes.


It's in the aftermath of the battle that Infinities unveiled one of its most iconic images: the white-armored Anakin Skywalker. Unlike the other Infinities comics that tidily wrapped things up by the end, the Return of the Jedi series is open-ended. Palpatine escapes to remass the Empire, and the three Skywalkers now lead a strengthened Rebellion in a New Galactic Civil War.


It’s certainly an intriguing version of events, reframing the heart of Vader’s redemption and giving him the chance to see both his children working together to restore the Skywalker legacy. The white-armored Vader has become one of the most sought after modern Star Wars figures, appearing alongside Leia in a comic book two-pack.

What do you think Rebelscum fans? What do you think of the Infinities depiction of Vader in Return of the Jedi? Have you managed to get your hands on a white armor Anakin figure? Let us know in the forums, and as always, may the Force be with you!