Star Wars: Vader's Legacy Expands Kylo Ren's Journey

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously, the publisher concentrated on the year between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with series like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra. Now, with those concluded, Marvel is expanding into other eras. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final clash between the Rebellion and the Empire's remnants. Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most intriguingly, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves deep into Kylo Ren's character.

IGN interviewed writer Charles Soule about this new series and its impact on Ben Solo. 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 Journey

Soule, known for his work on the post-Empire Strikes Back era (including Star Wars 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.

"I've wanted to revisit Kylo Ren for a long time," Soule stated. "It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, which chronicled Ben Solo's transformation. That was pre-Episode VII, and I always felt there was more to tell. The films only show us so much; much of Kylo's story is implied or unexplored."

He continued, "Setting this after Episode VIII lets me explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time. His life has drastically altered. It's a great opportunity. You want emotionally resonant characters—and Kylo is about as emotionally charged as it gets."

Soule also reunited with artist Luke Ross, collaborating on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids.

"I'll work with Luke whenever possible!" Soule said. "We've done three major Star Wars projects together, and his work improves with each. 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 turn Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he tries to overcome his past.

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

The series begins with Ben visiting Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to confront his past and his conflicted feelings about Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explains. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, convincing 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—he's conflicted."

The series will also explore First Order politics, with characters like General Hux and General Pryde.

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

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to enhance our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding depth to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While we know the ending, the book will illuminate his choices in The Rise of Skywalker.

"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule said. "I try to make each story stand alone while fitting into the larger canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself—it's not easy. Every moment is filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might say that's because he's not truly Kylo, that Ben is still there. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo—he's searching for himself, like many young people. Of course, he's also a dark space wizard with a lightsaber. There's angst and drama, but plenty of action too."

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