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 explores the final clash between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights delves into the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader promises a deeper exploration of Kylo Ren.

IGN spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its impact on Ben Solo's character. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by the 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: "I’ve wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," he says. "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 immense change. His life has drastically shifted, providing a huge opportunity. You want to write emotional characters—and Kylo is about as emotional as they come." Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross: "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get! He's captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and rage perfectly. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing exceptional work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader takes place immediately after The Last Jedi. Ben has failed to convert Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he tries to overcome his past.

Soule explains: "Poor Ben. We know he's still in there, but right now he’s buried deep within Kylo Ren. He’s faced Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and assumed control of the First Order—all in weeks! Kylo wants to move on, but the 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. Soule notes Ben's dishonesty with himself: "He’s big on posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way. But he’s lost. While he says he wants to kill his past, part of him seeks guidance."

The story will also delve into the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde. "I wouldn't want to write a story in this period without exploring the First Order's internal struggles," 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, providing context for his actions in The Rise of Skywalker.

Soule concludes: "This book is about Kylo Ren’s struggle to define himself. It’s accompanied by turmoil and pain. Some fans might say that’s because he’s not truly Kylo—part of him is Ben. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo, that he’s searching for himself. He’s a dark space wizard with a lightsaber, 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.