WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Star Wars: Darth Vader #12, by Greg Pak, Guiu Vilanova, Dean White, Giada Marchisio and Joe Caramanga, on sale now.

The Rebellion was arguably the greatest threat to the Galactic Empire. Before the destruction of the first Death Star, the Empire thought the Rebels were nothing more than a slight inconvenience. That attack completely redefined the Empire's opinion of the Rebellion and angered the Empire's elites. While Darth Vader shared in the Empire's hatred of the Rebellion, he also seems to have his own reasons for hatred that go beyond the Empire's grand designs.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #12 depicts Vader's return after being put through the gauntlet on Exegol. While Vader underwent his repairs, he was shown multiple visions and flashbacks. These included Vader removing Luke's hand and his pursuit of Skywalker during the attack on the Death Star. Vader's visions help him come to the realization that Luke is weak because he could never accomplish anything without his friends. Vader's thoughts immediately turn towards a previously unknown story between him and Solo which could be the first time that Vader learned of Solo's identity.

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Vader does not know Han

After the destruction of the Death Star, Vader went in pursuit of the Corellian freighter that he knew Luke traveled aboard. Han and Chewie happened to be on Corellia during Vader's search. Luckily, there were many Corellian freighters planetside at the time which gave Han and Chewie an opportunity to escape Vader's grasp. Vader then went into the shipyard on Corellia where he learned of Han Solo's identity from an employee.

Vader explains that he wants Luke to continue to believe that he saved his friends and that he's survived this long with their help. Vader also has an interesting perspective on his relationship with Luke. Before their interaction on Bespin, Vader fully believed that Luke would join him on the Dark Side. Vader was ultimately shocked by Luke's refusal, but instead of looking at the faults Luke saw in the Dark Side, Vader immediately blamed Luke's companions.

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At this point, Luke had not proven himself as a Jedi to Vader. The Dark Lord of the Sith knew that Luke had been raised under the watchful eye of Obi-Wan Kenobi. When Vader first encountered his son, Luke was aboard the Death Star with Han, Chewie and Obi-Wan after rescuing Leia on their way to the Rebellion. Even during the destruction of the Death Star, Han Solo caused a distraction that allows Luke time to blow it up. Vader knew that Luke felt stronger when around his friends and hated them for it. He truly believed that Luke's friendships were keeping him from joining the Dark Side.

Vader tortures Han Solo

This also goes to show that Vader was being personal by freezing Han in carbonite. This can be seen in Empire Strikes Back as Vader and the Empire tortured Han before they froze him. Vader believed the pain Luke felt while losing Han would lead him to hate and eventually embrace the Dark Side. Vader's assault on Luke's friends and the Rebellion was an effort to leave Luke with nothing but hatred, revenge, Vader and the Dark Side.

Star Wars: Darth Vader #12 is the beginning point for Darth Vader's entrance into the hunt for Han Solo. After Boba took control of Solo's body, he brought it to Nar Shaddaa where it was stolen. Vader has heard about Fett's carelessness and has newfound plans to recapture Solo for his own. Vader's visions have given him a renewed hatred for the Rebellion and especially Han Solo. While Vader might not be attempting to turn Luke anymore, he still can use Solo to his benefit. Only time will tell what Vader has in store for Han if he does come out victorious in The War of the Bounty Hunters. 

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