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 focused 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 covers the final Rebel-Imperial clash, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves deep into Kylo Ren's character.

IGN interviewed writer Charles Soule about Legacy of Vader and its impact on Ben Solo. See the exclusive preview below, then read on.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Kylo Ren's Continued Story

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.

"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, and I always felt there was more to tell. The films only show a fraction of his story; much is implied or unaddressed."

He continued, "Setting this after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short period. It's a chance to portray a character with intense emotion—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 jump at the chance to work with Luke!" Soule said. "His work keeps improving, and this… wow. He's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing incredible 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 now controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he attempts to overcome his past.

"Poor Ben," Soule commented. "We know he's still there, but at this point, he's buried deep within Kylo Ren. 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 fresh."

The story begins with Ben visiting 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 explained. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, convincing himself he feels a certain way. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That's his conflicted relationship with his grandfather."

The series will also explore First Order politics, including General Hux's dislike for Kylo Ren and the undercurrents of dissent.

"I'd be disappointed to not explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule admitted. "Hux and Pryde are in the book. Kylo's journey is central, but his use and development of the First Order is also 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 the ending is known, the book will illuminate his choices in The Rise of Skywalker.

"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule said. "I aim for each story to stand alone while fitting into the larger canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition. It's filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans will see it through the lens of Ben's inner struggle, but it works even without that context—his search for self. He's also a powerful dark side user. There's angst and drama, but plenty of action too."

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