I was just wondering what everybody elses' opinion is on this issue. Personally I feel he did not disapear. We do not see it in the movie and why have it happen off screen it makes no sense. And it definetly makes no sense that Luke would drag Vader's armor down to the planet and burn it what would be the purpose. This stupid theory began by Kevin Anderson in the late 90's, Lucas has never said a word on it. I think the reason why it was started is that people are trying to come up with an explanation of why Anakin reapeared at the end of the ROTJ. But it is simple he didn't disapear, because he never learned how to do it. We all saw how surprised he was when Obi-Wan vanished he couldn't figure out what happened to him. Most likely either Obi-Wan and Yoda used their abilities to bring Anakin's spirt back to show Luke that he was back to the light or else any Jedi can reappear. I guess we will have to wait to see if Qui-Gon will make an appearance in EP 2