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 into other points in the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku covers the final major battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. But perhaps the most intriguing is Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, delving deep into the complex character of Kylo Ren.

IGN spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to learn more about this new series and its exploration of Ben Solo. See the exclusive preview below, then read on.

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 major 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 get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule told IGN. "It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, and I've always felt there was more to tell. 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 to write emotional characters—and Kylo's about as emotional as they come."

Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross, with whom he previously collaborated on several Star Wars projects. "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule says. "He’s captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage perfectly. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing amazing 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 the turmoil he faces as he tries to move on and kill his past.

"Poor Ben," Soule says. "We know he's still in there, but at this point, he's been shoved into a dark corner of Kylo Ren's psyche. 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."

The series begins with Ben visiting Vader's fortress on Mustafar, attempting to confront his past and his conflicted feelings towards his grandfather, 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, part of him seeks guidance. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather—he's conflicted."

The series will also focus on the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde. "I'd be bummed if I didn't get to play with 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 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 how the story ends, the book will provide insight into Ben Solo's choices.

"I try to make sure every story can be appreciated on its own, while also fitting into the larger Star Wars canon," Soule says. "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 viewed that way. 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, check out our breakdown of every Star Wars movie and series in development.