Black Series Mace Windu & Darth Sidious

Mace Windu is a prominent Jedi Master in the Star Wars saga, known for his unwavering dedication to the Jedi Order and his formidable combat skills. Introduced in the prequel trilogy and portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, Windu serves on the Jedi High Council and is regarded as one of the most powerful Jedi of his time, second only to Yoda.​

Background

Born on the harsh planet Haruun Kal, Windu was discovered by the Jedi Order as a child and trained under the Mirialan Jedi Master Cyslin Myr. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become one of the youngest Jedi Masters to sit on the Council at the age of 28. He is known for his strict adherence to Jedi discipline, strong sense of justice, and skepticism towards emotional attachments, which complicated his relationship with Anakin Skywalker.​

Role in Revenge of the Sith

During the Clone Wars, Mace Windu functions both as a Jedi General and a key advisor, working to maintain the Republic amid growing political turmoil. He is a vocal opponent of Chancellor Palpatine’s growing power and distrusts Anakin Skywalker’s rapid rise in the Jedi Order. After uncovering Palpatine’s secret identity as the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, Windu leads a daring attempt to arrest him but is ultimately betrayed and killed by Anakin, marking a pivotal moment in the fall of the Jedi Order.​

Abilities and Characteristics

• Lightsaber: Mace wields a distinctive purple-bladed lightsaber, unique among Jedi.
• Combat Style: He mastered the aggressive and risky lightsaber form Vaapad, which channels opponents’ dark side energy without succumbing to it.
• Personality: Stoic, disciplined, and commanding, he is known for his strong leadership and uncompromising morals.

Legacy

Despite his death, Mace Windu remains a symbol of Jedi strength and integrity. His combat prowess and leadership were critical throughout the Clone Wars, and his story highlights the tragic fall of the Jedi and rise of the Sith during the Galactic Republic’s last days.

Darth Sidious, also known as Sheev Palpatine, is the primary antagonist of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and the overarching villain of the Star Wars saga. A master manipulator and Dark Lord of the Sith, he orchestrates the fall of the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order to establish himself as the ruler of a tyrannical Galactic Empire.​

Name

Sheev Palpatine / Darth Sidious

Background

Born on Naboo, Palpatine was secretly trained in the dark side of the Force by Darth Plagueis, his Sith Master, whom he ultimately killed to claim the title of Dark Lord. Operating under the guise of a humble senator from Naboo, Palpatine masterfully manipulated galactic events, including the invasion of Naboo, to rise politically as Supreme Chancellor of the Republic.​

Role in Revenge of the Sith

As Supreme Chancellor, Palpatine secretly engineers the Clone Wars by controlling both sides—leading the Republic’s clone army and the Separatists’ droid forces—to destabilize the galaxy and accumulate emergency powers. He exploits Anakin Skywalker’s fears and ambitions, ultimately seducing him to the dark side and rechristening him Darth Vader. Palpatine’s machinations culminate in the execution of Order 66, which orders the Republic’s clone troopers to kill their Jedi commanders, annihilating much of the Jedi Order. He then reveals himself as the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, overthrowing the Republic and declaring the first Galactic Empire.​

Personality and Powers

Darth Sidious is a cunning, ruthless, and patient strategist who embraces manipulation, deception, and overwhelming dark side power to achieve his goals. He is a powerful Sith sorcerer capable of Force lightning, mind control, illusions, and incredible lightsaber combat. His mastery of the dark side allows him to cheat death and return with greater power even after apparent defeat.​

Legacy

Sidious’ rise marks the tragic collapse of democracy and the near-extermination of the Jedi. His reign shapes much of the Star Wars galaxy’s history, making him an immortal symbol of tyranny and corruption. Though seemingly destroyed, his influence endures beyond Revenge of the Sith, impacting sequels and extended lore through his apprentices and dark legacy.​

In Revenge of the Sith, Darth Sidious exemplifies the ultimate Sith Lord—patient, cunning, and supremely powerful—who orchestrates galactic downfall from the shadows to rule as Emperor Palpatine.