A lore-changing death just shookStar Wars' continuity to its core, and fans are voicing their thoughts on it in unexpectedly hilarious ways. In a groundbreaking reveal,Darth Vaderhas killed a prominent character from his past: Watto. Although he isn’t a significant presence in the series compared to the likes of Vader, Watto has evidently made a lasting impression on theStar Warsaudience.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vaderby Charles Soule and Luke Ross is an upcoming series that stars Kylo Ren as he follows in Darth Vader’s footsteps. Mark Paniccia, Marvel Comics' Senior Editor, has made waves by releasing apreview for the series' second issue on X. This first look shows thatDarth Vader once returned to Tatooine and murdered Watto, the junk dealer who enslaved Anakin’s mother.
Darth Vader killing WattoupendsStar Warscanon by confirming the death of a key figure from his past, and fans of the series have voiced their unhinged reactions on X. See a few examples below:
As terrible as Watto was, a common recurring joke that’s trended on social media involves Star Wars fans mourning his loss.@JoeStokowskiposts an edited image of a memorial being set up in Watto’s honor, mirroring the memorial that’s taking place across X.
@Ky1eKatarnshares a picture of a cloud with a shape that resembles Watto, citing that he’s reminded of the character everywhere he goes. By the looks of it, even the clouds are joining in on theStar Warsfandom’s running gag.
@OchiofBestoonjokingly laments a team-up that could have taken place between Watto, Anakin, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Sebulba. It’s unlikely that thisPhantom Menacereunion would fare well, given their history with one another, so it’s for the best that it’ll never happen.
To comfort those grieving Watto,@MKuppermansuggests that his contributions to society will outlive him even after his untimely passing. Of course, considering Watto’s history of human trafficking, perhaps his ideas should be laid to rest as well.
Not every Star Wars fan is saddened by Waddo’s demise, as some have opted to celebrate instead.@CartyScorseseposts Darth Vader striking a pose over Watto’s grave to indicate that he harbors no guilt about ending his life.
News of Watto’s death has taken the social media landscape by storm, but some aren’t as tuned-in to current events.@GermainLussierdiscusses how tumultuous his week has been and says he’s been offline as a result of it, but through the hardship he’s endured, he can take solace in Watto being alive - which, obviously, he no longer is.This joke is yet another comical reaction to Watto’s death, highlighting fans' unexpected passion for such a minorStar Warscharacter.
Star Wars Writer Explains Why Kylo Ren’s New Series Is So Overdue: “The Films Only Give Us So Much”
Ahead of the upcoming “Legacy of Vader” comic series, author Charles Soule spoke about the importance of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Watto’s Death Sparks a Surprising Response From Star Wars Fans
Although Fans Jokingly Mourn Watto, His Fate Is Deserved
The irony of these reactions to Watto’s death is that he is detested in theStar Warsuniverse, despite what the outpouring of love indicates.Darth Vader traveling to his home planet to take out Watto is a shocking development for the franchise that rids Tatooine of a cruel presence.Anakin avenging his motheris satisfying to see, though there’s also no harm in poking fun at the situation by pretending that Watto will be missed. Watto may be gone in officialStar Warscontinuity thanks to Darth Vader, but he lives on in the hearts of many - even if he doesn’t deserve it.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader#1will be available on February 5th, 2025.
