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

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously focused on the period between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with titles like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra, Marvel is now expanding its storytelling across different eras. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku covers the final clash between the Rebels and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. However, perhaps the most compelling new series is Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, delving deep into the character of Kylo Ren.

IGN spoke with writer Charles Soule about this new series and its exploration of Ben Solo's complexities. Below is an exclusive preview.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Kylo Ren's Journey Continues

Soule, known for his work on the post-Empire Strikes Back era, including the flagship Star Wars series and crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids, explains his return to Kylo Ren, a character he previously explored in 2020's The Rise of Kylo Ren. He felt there was much more to tell about Kylo's story beyond what the films depicted.

"I’ve wanted to revisit Kylo Ren," Soule stated. "It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, and I always believed there was untapped potential. The films only show a fraction of his story; much is implied or left unexplored."

He continues, "Setting this after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time. It's a chance to portray a character with raw emotion – and Kylo is as emotionally charged as they come."

Soule also reunited with artist Luke Ross, collaborating again after War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids. "I'll work with Luke whenever possible!" Soule enthusiastically shared. "His work has improved with each project, and this one is exceptional. He's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after The Last Jedi. Ben has failed to sway Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series focuses on his internal conflict as he grapples with his past.

"Poor Ben," Soule commented. "We see glimpses of him in Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker, but here, he's buried deep within Kylo Ren. In a short time, he's confronted Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and taken control of the First Order. Kylo wants to move on, but the trauma is overwhelming."

The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's fortress on Mustafar, attempting to conquer his past but simultaneously grappling with his conflicted feelings toward his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explains. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, trying to convince himself he's untouchable. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance, reflecting his complex feelings about his grandfather."

The series will also explore the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde. Kylo's consolidation of power within the First Order will be a significant plot element.

"I wouldn't want to write a story in this period without exploring the First Order's internal conflicts," Soule says. "Hux and Pryde are present. Kylo's journey is central, but his manipulation of the First Order is integral to the narrative."

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

"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule says. "I strive for each story to stand alone while contributing to the larger Star Wars canon. This book focuses on Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition, a journey filled with turmoil and pain. Fans can interpret it through the lens of Ben's inner conflict, or simply appreciate the story of a young man searching for himself – who also happens to be a powerful dark side user. There's plenty of angst and action."

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