How Star Wars: Legacy of Vader Fleshes Out Kylo Ren's Lost Year

Marvel's Star Wars comic book line is undergoing a significant shift. Previously, the publisher primarily focused on the year between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with titles like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra. Now, with those series concluded, Marvel is expanding into other eras. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final major clash between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire's remnants. The upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves into the complex character of Kylo Ren.

IGN interviewed Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its impact on Ben Solo's portrayal. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by further details.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Revisiting Kylo Ren's Story

Soule, a key figure in Marvel's post-Empire Strikes Back era, penned the main Star Wars series and oversaw crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids. His decision to jump decades ahead stems from a desire to revisit Kylo Ren, a character he previously explored in 2020.

Soule stated, "I've wanted to return to Kylo Ren for a long time. It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, the miniseries I co-created with Will Sliney, which depicted Ben Solo's transformation. That was set before Episode VII, and I always felt there was more to tell. Like Darth Vader, the films only reveal so much; a significant part of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

He continued, "Setting this book after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short period. His life has drastically altered. It's a huge opportunity. You want emotionally resonant characters – and Kylo is as emotionally charged as they come."

Soule also reunited with artist Luke Ross, with whom he collaborated on previous Star Wars projects.

"I'll work with Luke whenever possible!" Soule exclaimed. "We've done three major Star Wars projects together – War of the Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids, and now this. His work improves with each project, and this one… wow. He's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing exceptional work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after The Last Jedi. Ben failed to sway Rey to the dark side, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he tries to overcome his past.

Soule commented, "Poor Ben. We know he's still in there, but at this point, he's been pushed into a dark corner of Kylo Ren's psyche. In a short time, he's confronted Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and seized control of the First Order. All within weeks! Kylo wants to move on, but the trauma is raw."

The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to conquer his past by confronting his grandfather's legacy. Soule hints at Ben's conflicted feelings towards Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explained. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way – untouchable and powerful. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That's his feeling about his grandfather – conflicted."

The story will also delve into the First Order's internal dynamics, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde. The First Order's political landscape will play a significant role as Kylo consolidates his power.

Soule added, "I'd be disappointed if I didn't explore the First Order's internal politics. Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around then. Kylo's journey is central, but his use and development of the First Order is part of the story."

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to deepen our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding layers to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While the outcome is known, the book will illuminate Ben Solo's motivations and choices in The Rise of Skywalker.

Soule concluded, "I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade. I ensure each story stands alone while connecting to the larger canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition. Every moment is filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might say that's because he's not truly Kylo – part of him is Ben – and the story can be viewed that way. But it works even if you know nothing about Kylo, that he's searching for himself. He's also a dark space wizard with a lightsaber. There's angst and drama, but plenty of action too. Fans will love it."

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 releases February 5, 2025.