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

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new phase. Previously, the publisher primarily focused on the year between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, with series like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra. Following their conclusion, Marvel is expanding its storytelling across the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final major conflict between the Rebellion and the Empire's remnants. The upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. However, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, aiming to significantly expand on Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, is perhaps the most captivating.

IGN interviewed Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its contribution to the enigmatic Ben Solo's character. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by further insights.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Kylo Ren's Continued Story

Soule, a key figure in Marvel's post-Empire Strikes Back era storytelling (writing the flagship Star Wars series and overseeing crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids), shifted his focus several decades forward. He explains his desire to revisit Kylo Ren, a character he previously explored in 2020.

"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 co-created with Will Sliney, detailing Ben Solo's transformation. That was set before Episode VII, and I always felt there was more to tell. Like Darth Vader, the films only reveal so much; much of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

Soule continued, "Setting this after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time – his life drastically altered. It's a significant opportunity. You want emotionally resonant characters – and Kylo is as emotionally charged as they come."

Soule also highlights his reunion with Luke Ross, a frequent collaborator on several Star Wars projects.

"I'll work with Luke whenever possible!" Soule stated. "We've collaborated on three major Star Wars projects – War of the Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids, and now this. His work improves with each project, and this one… is incredible. He perfectly captures Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable fury. 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. Ben failed to turn Rey, battled Luke, almost killed his mother, and now controls the galaxy's most powerful military. The series explores the profound turmoil he faces as he tries to overcome his past.

"Poor Ben. We know he's still in there, but at this point, he's been pushed into a dark corner of Kylo Ren's psyche," Soule explained. "In a short time, he confronted Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and took control of the First Order. All within weeks! Kylo wants to move on, but the trauma is raw – hard to overcome."

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 towards Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule says. "He makes grand pronouncements, postures, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way – untouchable, all-powerful. But he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That describes his feelings about his grandfather – he's conflicted."

The First Order's internal dynamics will also be a focus, with characters like General Hux and General Pryde playing significant roles.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule stated. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was present. 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 deepen 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 strive to make each story stand alone while connecting to the larger Star Wars canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition; it's not easy. Every moment is filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might see it through the lens of Ben's inner struggle, but it also works if you know nothing about Kylo – he's searching for himself, like many young people. He's also a dark space wizard with a lightsaber. Plenty of angst and drama, but also action. Fans will love it."

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