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 Rebellion and the Empire, while Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. Most notably, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves into the complex character of Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver.

IGN recently spoke with Charles Soule, writer of Legacy of Vader, to discuss the series and its impact on our understanding of Ben Solo. 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 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 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 immense change in a short time. His life has drastically altered, offering a huge opportunity. You want emotionally resonant characters—and Kylo is about as emotional as it gets."

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 any chance I get! His work has improved with each project, and this one is incredible. He’s perfectly captured Kylo Ren’s turmoil and unpredictable rage. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing top-notch work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after The Last Jedi, a pivotal moment for Ben Solo. He 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," Soule says. "We know he’s still in there, but right now he’s buried deep within Kylo Ren. In a short time, he’s faced Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and assumed control of the First Order. Kylo wants to move on, but the trauma is fresh."

The series begins with Ben visiting Vader's fortress on Mustafar, attempting to conquer his past but grappling with his connection to his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker. Soule teases Ben's internal conflict regarding this connection.

"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 also explores the First Order's internal politics, featuring characters like General Hux and General Pryde. Soule notes, "I’d be disappointed not to explore the First Order’s internal politics. Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around. Kylo’s journey is the focus, but his use and development of the First Order are 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 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 accompanied by turmoil and pain. Some fans will see it through the lens of Ben struggling within Kylo. But it works even if you know nothing about Kylo—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 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.