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 the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku explores the final clash between the Rebels and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights delves into the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader promises a deeper exploration of Kylo Ren.

IGN recently spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule about this new series and its impact on the enigmatic Ben Solo. See an exclusive preview below, then read on for more.

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 the 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: "I’ve wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," he says. "It’s been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, and I’ve always felt there was more story to tell. The films only give us so much; much of Kylo’s story is implied or unaddressed."

He continues, "Setting this book after Episode VIII lets me explore a character undergoing extreme change in a short time. It's a huge opportunity. You want emotionally resonant characters – and Kylo is about as emotional as it gets." Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross: "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get! He’s captured Kylo Ren’s turmoil and rage perfectly. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing top-notch work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after The Last Jedi. Ben has failed to turn Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. Soule describes this tumultuous period: "Poor Ben. He’s still in there somewhere, but at this point, he’s been shoved into a dark corner of Kylo Ren’s psyche. In a short time, he’s faced Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and assumed control of the First Order. All that in weeks! Kylo wants to move forward, but the trauma is fresh."

The series begins with Ben visiting Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to kill his past but grappling with his connection to Anakin Skywalker. Soule teases Ben's internal conflict: "Kylo isn’t honest with himself. He’s big on pronouncements and posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way – untouchable and all-powerful. But he’s lost. While he says he wants to kill his past, part of him seeks guidance. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather."

The story also explores First Order politics, with characters like General Hux and General Pryde. Soule notes: "I’d be bummed if I didn’t get to play with the First Order’s internal politics. Hux is certainly 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."

Ultimately, 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. Soule concludes: "This book is about Kylo Ren’s struggle to define himself. It’s not easy. Every moment feels accompanied by turmoil and pain. Some fans would say that’s because he’s not himself as Kylo – part of him knows he’s truly Ben. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo Ren – that he’s searching for himself. Of course, he’s also a dark space wizard with a laser sword. There’s plenty of angst and drama, but we don’t stint on the action."

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.