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

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously, the publisher concentrated on the period 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 exploring other eras. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final major conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. Star Wars: Jedi Knights focuses on the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves into Kylo Ren's backstory.

IGN interviewed Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by the interview.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Revisiting Kylo Ren

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. He felt there was more to tell. The films only hinted at much of Kylo's story.

Soule states that setting the comic after Episode VIII allows him to explore a character undergoing significant change in a short time. He emphasizes the emotional depth of Kylo Ren at this point. The collaboration with artist Luke Ross (also on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids) is another highlight for Soule, praising Ross and colorist Nolan Woodard's work.

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after The Last Jedi. Ben has 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.

Soule describes Ben as deeply conflicted, buried within the persona of Kylo Ren. His recent experiences—confronting Luke, killing Snoke and his father, nearly killing his mother, and his connection with Rey—have left him deeply scarred. He seeks to move forward, but the trauma is overwhelming.

The story begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's fortress on Mustafar, attempting to conquer his past but grappling with his conflicted feelings towards his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. Soule highlights Ben's dishonesty with himself, his posturing, and his underlying insecurity. While outwardly rejecting his past, he subconsciously seeks guidance.

The First Order's internal politics also play a significant role, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde. Kylo Ren's efforts to consolidate power within the First Order are a key part of the narrative.

Legacy of Vader aims to deepen our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, providing context for his actions in The Rise of Skywalker. While the ending is known, the comic sheds light on his internal struggles and motivations. Soule emphasizes the series' ability to stand alone while also enriching the larger Star Wars canon. He describes the story as a balance of action, angst, and drama, focusing on Kylo Ren's search for self-definition amidst turmoil and pain.

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

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