Vader's Legacy: Kylo Ren's Lost Year Unveiled

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously, the publisher focused on the period between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with series like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra. Now, Marvel is expanding into other eras. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku covers the final clash between the Rebellion and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves into Kylo Ren's backstory.

IGN interviewed writer Charles Soule about Legacy of Vader and its impact on Kylo Ren. Below is an exclusive preview.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Revisiting Kylo Ren's Journey

Soule, known for his work on the post-Empire Strikes Back era (including 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 more to tell about Kylo's story, beyond what the films revealed.

Soule states that setting the comic after Episode VIII allows him to explore a character undergoing significant change. He highlights Kylo's emotional depth, calling him "about as emotional as a character can get." The collaboration with artist Luke Ross (also a collaborator on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids) is another draw for Soule, praising Ross's ability to portray Kylo's turmoil.

Ben Solo's Post-Last Jedi Turmoil

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

Soule describes Ben as deeply conflicted, noting his dishonesty with himself. While outwardly projecting power, inwardly he's lost. His visit to Vader's Mustafar fortress symbolizes his attempt to confront his past, including his complex feelings about his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.

The story also explores the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde. Soule emphasizes the importance of depicting the First Order's internal struggles as Kylo Ren consolidates his power.

The ultimate aim of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader is to enrich our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding depth to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While the outcome is known, the comic aims to illuminate his motivations and choices in The Rise of Skywalker. Soule intends the story to stand alone while also enriching the broader Star Wars canon. He emphasizes the emotional turmoil and action within the narrative.

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