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

Marvel's Star Wars line is undergoing a transformative phase, expanding its narrative scope beyond the familiar one-year gap between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." With the conclusion of the series such as Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra, Marvel is now venturing into new territories within the Star Wars universe. One of the new ventures, "Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku," delves into the climactic confrontation between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire's remnants. Another upcoming title, "Star Wars: Jedi Knights," offers a deep dive into the Jedi Order's past before "The Phantom Menace." However, it's "Star Wars: Legacy of Vader" that promises to be a game-changer, aiming to enrich the lore surrounding Adam Driver's enigmatic character, Kylo Ren.

In a recent interview with IGN, Charles Soule, the writer behind "Legacy of Vader," shared insights into the series and its impact on Kylo Ren's character development. Before diving into the discussion, take a moment to explore an exclusive preview of the series through our slideshow gallery below.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren

Charles Soule, who previously contributed significantly to Marvel's exploration of the post-"Empire Strikes Back" era through the flagship Star Wars series and major crossovers like "War of the Bounty Hunters" and "Dark Droids," is eager to revisit Kylo Ren. "I’ve wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule expressed to IGN. "It’s been over four years since 'The Rise of Kylo Ren,' the miniseries I crafted with Will Sliney, which chronicled Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren before 'Episode VII.' There's so much more to his story that we haven't seen yet, much like with Darth Vader."

Soule sees the period immediately following "Episode VIII" as a perfect opportunity to explore Kylo Ren's emotional and psychological turmoil. "I think setting this book directly after 'Episode VIII' gives me a chance to delve into a character who's undergone immense change in a short span," he explained. "Kylo's emotional intensity makes him a compelling character to write."

Additionally, Soule is thrilled to collaborate once again with Luke Ross, an artist he's worked with on multiple Star Wars projects. "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule exclaimed. "His work continues to evolve, and in this series, he captures Kylo Ren's chaotic and cold rage brilliantly, with stunning contributions from our colorist Nolan Woodard."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

"Legacy of Vader" is set in the aftermath of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," a crucial period for Ben Solo. After failing to turn Rey to the Dark Side, confronting his uncle Luke Skywalker, nearly killing his mother Leia, and seizing control of the First Order, Ben is at a crossroads. Soule describes this moment as a time of profound turmoil for Kylo Ren, who struggles to move forward while grappling with his past.

The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's fortress on Mustafar, attempting to sever ties with his past while seeking guidance from his grandfather's legacy. "One of the key things to understand about Kylo is that he’s not particularly honest with himself," Soule noted. "He's conflicted about his connection to Anakin Skywalker, wanting to move forward yet seeking guidance."

The narrative will also delve into the internal politics of the First Order, highlighting tensions with characters like General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde. "The politics of the First Order will be a major element of 'Legacy of Vader,' as we see Kylo Ren's efforts to consolidate his power," Soule said.

The ultimate goal of "Star Wars: Legacy of Vader" is to enhance our understanding of Kylo Ren and Ben Solo, offering new insights into his motivations and choices leading up to "The Rise of Skywalker." Soule, who has been telling Star Wars stories for a decade, aims to craft a tale that stands on its own while enriching the broader Star Wars canon.

"This book is about Kylo Ren’s struggle to define himself," Soule concluded. "It's a journey filled with turmoil and pain, reflecting his inner conflict. Yet, it's also a story of action and drama that fans will enjoy."

"Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1" is set to be released on February 5, 2025.