Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously, the publisher concentrated on the year between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with titles like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra. Now, with those concluded, Marvel is expanding to other eras. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final major conflict between the Rebels 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 Kylo Ren's character.
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's Story
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," 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. I always felt there was more to tell. The films only show us so much; much of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."
He continued, "Setting this after Episode VIII lets me explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time. His life drastically altered. It's a huge opportunity. You want emotional characters—and Kylo is about as emotional as it gets."
Soule also reunited with artist Luke Ross (collaborator on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids).
"I'll work with Luke anytime!" Soule exclaimed. "His work improves with each project, and this one…wow. He's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage. Luke, and 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 escape 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 faced Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and assumed control of the First Order—all in weeks! Kylo wants to move on, but the trauma is fresh."
The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to conquer his past by confronting his grandfather's legacy. Soule hints at Ben's conflicted feelings about Anakin Skywalker.
"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explained. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, convincing himself he feels a certain way—untouchable, all-powerful. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That's his feeling about his grandfather—conflicted."
The First Order's internal politics are also central. Hux dislikes Kylo, and Pryde plots. Kylo's consolidation of power within the First Order is a key storyline.
"I'd be disappointed not to explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule admitted. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around. Kylo's journey is the focus, but his use 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. The book will provide insight into Ben Solo and 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—part of him is Ben—and the story can be viewed that way. 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. I think fans will love it."
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 releases February 5, 2025.
AnswerSee ResultsFor more on upcoming Star Wars projects, see our overview of every Star Wars movie and series in development.
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