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

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 different points in the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku delves into the final clash 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, offering insights into the series and its exploration of Ben Solo. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by the interview.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren

Soule, a key figure in Marvel's post-Empire Strikes Back era, having penned the flagship Star Wars series and major 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 get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule told IGN. "It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, and I've always felt there was more to tell. The films only show us so much; a large part of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

He continued, "Setting this book after Episode VIII lets me explore a character undergoing extreme change in a short time. His life has drastically altered, providing a huge opportunity. You want to write emotionally resonant characters, and Kylo is about as emotional as it gets."

Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross, with whom he collaborated on previous Star Wars projects. "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get! He’s captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage perfectly. 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, a pivotal point in Ben Solo's life. He's failed to sway Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he tries to overcome his past.

"Poor Ben," Soule says. "We know he's still there, but at this moment he's buried deep within Kylo Ren. He's 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 forward, 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 about his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explains. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, convincing himself he feels untouchable. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather – he's conflicted."

The series will also delve into the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde.

"I'd be disappointed not to explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule states. "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 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 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 see it through the lens of Ben struggling within Kylo. 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."

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

For more on upcoming Star Wars projects, see our breakdown of every Star Wars movie and series in development.