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 to other points in the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku covers the final clash between the Rebels and the Empire, 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 spoke with writer Charles Soule about this new 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, 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, 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, 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 lot 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 – his life has drastically altered. It's a huge opportunity. You want emotionally resonant 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. 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 gained control of the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he tries to escape 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, 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 that trauma is fresh and hard to overcome."

The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to confront his past and his conflicted feelings about Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule explains. "He makes grand pronouncements, 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, he also seeks guidance. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather – he's 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 focus on the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and Allegiant 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. 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. 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 viewed that way. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo, that he's searching for himself, like many young people. Of course, he's also a dark space wizard with a lightsaber. There's angst and drama, but also plenty of 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.