New Dark Side Users in Star Wars Gain Major Advantages Over the Sith

Marvel’s Star Wars comics have recently unveiled a noteworthy faction aligned with the Dark Side known as the Acolytes of the Beyond. This group possesses a significant strategic advantage over their Sith counterparts, notably circumventing the restrictive “Rule of Two.”While this rule was initially designed to ensure the survival of the Sith Order, facilitating their rise to galactic dominance, it ultimately contributed to their demise during the fateful Battle of Endor.

Star Wars Republic Under Siege #1 cover, Luke escorting a Republic fighter pilot against a backdrop of a space battle

During confrontations, the Acolytes’ leader, Yuan Howzell, ominously proclaims to Rynn that “the Acolytes of the Beyond are everywhere — if you defeat one, another will rise.”This relentless persistence starkly contrasts with the Sith’s limited numbers and may provide the Acolytes with an upper hand against Luke Skywalker, a dynamic the Sith were unable to exploit.

The Acolytes of the Beyond: A Shift from the Sith Dynamics

The Sith’s Rule of Two was part of a long-term strategy designed to ensure secrecy and survival, enabling the Sith to seek vengeance against the Jedi following the devastation of the Jedi-Sith war. Darth Sidious, through cunning manipulation of the Galactic Republic, successfully dismantled the Jedi Order and established himself as the ruler of a new Empire. However, he deviated from the established Sith plan by refusing to restore the traditional Sith Empire; instead, he configured it to serve his personal ambitions while maintaining the Rule of Two.

This consolidation of power introduced vulnerabilities to the Sith. When Sidious was ultimately vanquished aboard the Second Death Star and Darth Vader was redeemed, this marked the end of an unbroken line of Sith lineage that had lasted millennia. Importantly, however, the demise of the Sith didn’t eradicate Dark Side practitioners from the galaxy, as highlighted in Republic Under Siege #1. This installment emphasizes the emergence of new threats for young Luke Skywalker as he embarks on his journey as a Jedi.

The Emerging Menace: Acolytes of the Beyond

An Enduring Enemy

Adelhard working with Acolytes of the Beyond Star Wars

In Republic Under Siege, the Acolytes of the Beyond deliver a chilling message: they will continue to resurrect themselves, no matter how many times they are defeated by Luke. This determination positions them as formidable foes for Luke Skywalker as he strives to rebuild the Jedi Order and defend the nascent New Republic. The comic series intricately explores this exciting period in the Star Wars timeline following Return of the Jedi.

Although the Acolytes may not possess the raw power of the Sith, their sheer numbers could overwhelm Luke, presenting him with unprecedented challenges. As he transitions into his role as a Jedi Master, Luke faces heightened adversity, with the Acolytes poised to test his abilities as the greatest hero of the Star Wars saga.

The Acolytes of the Beyond are not just a ragtag group; they venerate Dark Side users who have succumbed to the “Beyond,”gathering and utilizing relics imbued with their dark essence. This connection not only amplifies their numbers but also channels the influence of some of the most formidable Sith from history, making Luke’s future encounters even more perilous.

Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Republic Under Siege #1 is available now through Marvel Comics, inviting fans to delve deeper into this intriguing chapter of the Star Wars universe.

Source & Images