The RotJ novelization has Vader musing he's in his prime. It'll take me a little bit to find the quote, but yeah.
Edit: Found it pretty fast:
Lord Vader did not mind waiting, though, nor was he even aware of it. For it was an honor, and a noble activity, to kneel at his ruler's feet. He kept his eyes inward, seeking reflection in his own bottomless core. His power was great, now, greater than it had ever been. It shimmered from within, and resonated with the waves of darkness that flowed from the Emperor. He felt engorged with this power; it surged like black fire, demon electrons looking for ground ... but he would wait. For his Emperor was not ready; and his son was not ready, and the time was not yet. So he waited.
-Return of the Jedi
Originally posted by Intrepid37
The RotJ novelization has Vader musing he's in his prime. It'll take me a little bit to find the quote, but yeah.Edit: Found it pretty fast:
Lord Vader did not mind waiting, though, nor was he even aware of it. For it was an honor, and a noble activity, to kneel at his ruler's feet. He kept his eyes inward, seeking reflection in his own bottomless core. [b]His power was great, now, greater than it had ever been.
It shimmered from within, and resonated with the waves of darkness that flowed from the Emperor. He felt engorged with this power; it surged like black fire, demon electrons looking for ground ... but he would wait. For his Emperor was not ready; and his son was not ready, and the time was not yet. So he waited.-Return of the Jedi [/B]
Originally posted by Mizukage Yoda
ROTJ Vader...did lose to Luke though. Yes it was fairly circumstantial, but there's no way I can view ROTJ Luke as that close to Marek.
Originally posted by Mizukage Yoda
Also I'd put my money down on ROTS Dooku being fairly close if not superior to ROTJ Vader...and yet people think Marek would demolish him apparently. (I disagree)
Vader would win 6/10, in my opinion, but it'd be very, very close.
Really? I see Vader vs. Dooku being fast and quick on the point with Vader taking it. Vader has killed many adversaries and has already beaten Dooku when he was much weaker. And unless I'm mistaken ROTJ Vader's statement at being in his prime should take into account his pre-Vader stages of his life. As for Vader vs. Luke, I recall Luke stating that if Vader didn't hold back he would have been destroyed easily, just that Vader's conflicted emotions for his son got in the way.
Originally posted by Intrepid37
In a duel, yes he did. Luke muses how Vader could have killed him with his powers (ie telekinesis), but they were equal in terms of swordmastery.
Not doubting you but if you have the ROTJ novel handy could you post a quote?
I always go back and forth on Vader vs Dooku. Dooku has a slim advantage in the skill department, should be slightly faster, and can use lightning. Vader is more powerful, stronger, and is more unpredictable.Vader would win 6/10, in my opinion, but it'd be very, very close.
I always think Dooku could capitalize on his limited mobility and eventually overtake Vader.