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 covers the final clash between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire's remnants, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. But perhaps the most exciting is Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, delving deep into the complex character 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

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Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren

Soule, a key figure in Marvel's post-Empire Strikes Back era storytelling (Star Wars series, War of the Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids), explains his return to Kylo Ren, a character he previously 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; a lot of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

He continues, "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 emotionally complex characters—and Kylo is about as emotionally charged as they come."

Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross, with whom he collaborated on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids.

"I'll work with Luke anytime!" Soule says. "We've done three major Star Wars projects together, and his work improves with each one. 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. "He's faced Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and controls the First Order—all in weeks! Kylo wants to move forward, but the trauma is fresh."

The series begins with Ben visiting Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to confront his past but also seeking guidance from his grandfather. Soule hints at Ben's conflicted feelings about Anakin Skywalker.

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

"While he’s telling himself he wants to kill his own past, part of him is also looking for any sort of guidance he can get."

The series will also delve into the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't get to explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule says. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around then. Kylo's journey is the focus, 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 we know the ending, the book will illuminate his 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 for him. 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 seen 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 plenty of angst and drama, but also action. I think fans will love it."

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.