Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously, the publisher largely focused on the year between 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 its storytelling across the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final major clash between the Rebellion and the Empire's remnants. Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves deeply into Adam Driver's Kylo Ren.
IGN interviewed Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its impact on Ben Solo's character. Below is an exclusive preview.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery
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Revisiting Kylo Ren's Story
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.
"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, 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 show us so much; a significant portion of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."
He continued, "Setting this after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time – his life has drastically altered. It's a fantastic opportunity. You want emotionally resonant characters – 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 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 sway Rey to the dark side, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he attempts to overcome his past.
"Poor Ben. We know he's still in there, but at this point, he's buried deep within Kylo Ren," Soule commented. "He's confronted Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and commands the First Order – all seemingly 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 confront his past and his conflicted feelings towards his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.
"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explains. "He makes grand pronouncements, postures, and tries 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 how he feels about his grandfather – conflicted."
The series will also explore First Order internal politics, including General Hux's dislike for Kylo Ren and the machinations of officers like General Pryde.
"I'd be disappointed to write a story in this period without the First Order's internal struggles," Soule said. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around then. Kylo's journey is central, but his manipulation of the First Order is part of the story."
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to enhance our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding layers to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While the ending is known, the book will illuminate Ben Solo's choices in The Rise of Skywalker.
"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule said. "I strive to make each story stand alone while also fitting into the larger canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition, filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might see it through the lens of Ben's inner struggle, but it works even without that context – a young person's search for self, albeit a dark space wizard with a lightsaber."
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 releases February 5, 2025.
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