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* depicts the final clash between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire's remnants. *Star Wars: Jedi Knights* explores the Jedi Order before *The Phantom Menace*. And perhaps most intriguingly, *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* delves deep into the complexities of Kylo Ren.

IGN recently spoke with Charles Soule, the writer of *Legacy of Vader*, to discuss the series and its exploration of Ben Solo. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by our interview.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

12 Images

Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren

Soule, known for his work on Marvel's post-Empire Strikes Back era comics (including the flagship Star Wars series and 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:

"I've wanted to revisit 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, which chronicled 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 show us so much; a significant portion of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

He continues, "Setting this book directly after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short period. His life has drastically altered. It's a great opportunity. You want to write emotionally complex characters, and Kylo is as emotionally charged as they come."

Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross, with whom he collaborated on previous Star Wars projects:

"I'll work with Luke anytime! We've done three major Star Wars projects together—War of the Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids, and now this. His work improves with each project, and this one… wow. He's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage. 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 has failed to turn 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. 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 says. "In a short time, Kylo confronted Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and took control of the First Order. All in weeks! Kylo wants to move forward, but that trauma is raw."

The series begins with Ben visiting Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to confront his past and his conflicted feelings towards his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker:

"A key aspect of Kylo is his dishonesty with himself," Soule explains. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way—untouchable and powerful. But he's lost. While he claims to want to kill his past, he also seeks guidance. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather—he's conflicted."

The series also explores the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde:

"I'd be disappointed not to explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule says. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around then. 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 depth to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While we know the ending, 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 feels filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might say that's because he's not truly Kylo, but it works even if you know nothing about him—he's searching for himself. 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.