Kylo Ren's Lost Year Revealed in Star Wars: Legacy of Vader

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new era. Previously focused on the year 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 covers the final clash between the Rebels and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves deep into the character of Kylo Ren.

IGN spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its impact on Ben Solo's complex portrayal. See the exclusive preview below, 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, penned the main Star Wars series and major crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids. His motivation for jumping decades forward? Revisiting Kylo Ren, a character whose origins he explored in 2020's The Rise of Kylo Ren miniseries.

"I've wanted to return to Kylo Ren for a long time," Soule told IGN. "It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, the miniseries I created with Will Sliney. 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; much of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

He continued, "Setting this book after Episode VIII lets me explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time—his life has drastically altered. It's a huge opportunity. You want to write emotional characters—and Kylo is about as emotional as it gets."

Soule also reunited with artist Luke Ross, collaborating on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids.

"I'll work with Luke anytime!" Soule exclaimed. "We've done three major Star Wars projects together. His work improves with each project, and this one…wow. He's captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage perfectly. 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 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. In a short time, 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 raw."

The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to kill his past but grappling with his grandfather's influence. Soule hints at Ben's conflicted feelings about Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explained. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way—untouchable and powerful. But he's lost. While he says he wants to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That's how he feels about his grandfather—conflicted."

The series will also focus on the First Order's internal politics, featuring General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde.

"I'd be disappointed not to explore the First Order's political machinations," Soule stated. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around. Kylo's journey is central, but his use and development 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 try to make each story stand alone while fitting into the larger canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself. 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 Ren—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.

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