Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new era. Previously focused on the period between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with titles like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra, Marvel is now expanding its storytelling across the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku delves into the final conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader promises a deep dive into the complex character of Kylo Ren.
IGN recently spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its exploration of Ben Solo. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by our interview.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery
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Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren
Soule, known for his work on Marvel's 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 miniseries.
"I've wanted to revisit Kylo Ren for a long time," Soule told IGN. "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 us so much; a significant portion of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."
He continues, "Setting this book after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short period. His life has drastically altered, providing a huge opportunity. You want to write emotionally complex characters, and Kylo is as emotionally charged as they come."
Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross, with whom he collaborated on previous Star Wars projects: "I'll work with Luke anytime! We've done three major Star Wars projects together, and his work keeps improving. In this one, he perfectly captures Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing phenomenal work."
Ben Solo After The Last Jedi
Legacy of Vader is set immediately after Star Wars: The Last Jedi, a pivotal moment for Ben Solo. He failed to turn Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and gained control of the First Order. The series explores the turmoil he faces as he tries to overcome his past.
"Poor Ben," Soule says. "We know he's still in there, but at this point, he's buried deep within Kylo Ren's psyche. In a short time, he's confronted Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and assumed control of the First Order. Kylo wants to move forward, but the trauma is raw and hard to overcome."
The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's fortress on Mustafar, 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, posturing to convince himself he feels a certain way—untouchable and all-powerful. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he's also seeking guidance. That's his relationship with his grandfather—conflicted."
The story also delves into the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde.
"I wouldn't want to write a story set in this period without exploring the First Order's internal conflicts," Soule states. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around. Kylo's journey is central, but his manipulation of the First Order is also part of the narrative."
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to enrich 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 says. "I try to make each story stand alone while fitting into the larger Star Wars canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself. It's a story of turmoil and pain. Some fans might see it through the lens of Ben's inner struggle, but it works even if you only know Kylo from the films—a young person searching for themselves, who also happens to be a dark space wizard with a lightsaber."
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 releases February 5, 2025.
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