Darth Vader was once Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi with great potential. He was lured to the dark side by Palpatine. His fall was tragic. He became a Sith Lord, a powerful enforcer for the Empire. He wore the iconic black suit and had a menacing presence. He was involved in many battles, like the destruction of Alderaan. In the end, he redeemed himself by saving his son, Luke Skywalker.
Yes, he was, although his presence was not as prominent as in other Star Wars movies. 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' was centered around Han Solo's backstory. Darth Vader is a key figure in the Star Wars franchise, and while his character wasn't directly involved in the main plot of 'Solo', his existence in the Star Wars lore added a sense of the overarching dark side presence in the galaxy during that time period. The movie was mainly about Solo's journey, his relationships, and his entry into the seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe, and Vader's character was not directly related to those aspects but was still part of the larger Star Wars context.
The rise of Darth Vader was a complex process. His own internal struggle was a major part. Anakin was a very powerful Jedi, but he had a lot of emotional turmoil. His love for Padmé was so strong that it became a weakness that Palpatine could exploit. Also, the Jedi Order's rigidity contributed. They had strict rules and were slow to adapt. Anakin, who was full of passion and different ideas, felt restricted. This, combined with the external influence of Palpatine and the overall situation in the galaxy during the Clone Wars, ultimately led to his transformation into Darth Vader.
One main theme is power. Darth Vader is constantly seeking more power and we see his journey to gain it. Another theme is redemption. There are often hints at a possible redemption for Vader deep down inside him.
The Darth Vader gloves are an iconic part of his menacing look. They were designed to be both functional and intimidating. Functionally, they likely had various controls for his suit's systems. They added to his overall dark and powerful appearance, making him look even more like a fearsome Sith Lord.
One of the most memorable moments is when he reveals his true identity to Luke Skywalker, saying 'I am your father.' This moment completely changed the course of the Star Wars story. Another is his epic lightsaber duels, like the one with Obi - Wan Kenobi on the Death Star. His first appearance in the original Star Wars movie, with his imposing figure and deep breathing, is also very memorable.