Marvel's Star Wars line is undergoing a significant transformation. Previously, the focus was primarily on the one-year gap between *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi*, explored through titles such as *Star Wars*, *Darth Vader*, and *Doctor Aphra*. With these series concluded, Marvel is now venturing into new territories within the Star Wars timeline. *Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku* delves into the final confrontation between the Rebel Alliance and the fading Empire. The upcoming *Star Wars: Jedi Knights* illuminates the Jedi Order's past, set before *The Phantom Menace*. Most intriguingly, *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* aims to enrich the narrative of Adam Driver's character, Kylo Ren.
IGN recently had the opportunity to discuss *Legacy of Vader* with its writer, Charles Soule, who provided insights into the series and its contribution to Kylo Ren's story. Before diving into the interview, take a look at an exclusive preview of the series in the slideshow gallery below.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery
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Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren
Charles Soule, who played a pivotal role in Marvel's exploration of the post-*Empire Strikes Back* era through his work on the flagship *Star Wars* series and major crossovers like *War of the Bounty Hunters* and *Dark Droids*, expressed his eagerness to revisit Kylo Ren. "I’ve wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule shared with IGN. "It’s amazing to me that it’s been over four years since *The Rise of Kylo Ren*, the miniseries I created with Will Sliney that chronicled Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren. That one was set before Episode VII, and I’ve always thought there was so much more story to tell with Kylo. Just like Darth Vader, the films only give us so much – a great deal of Kylo’s story is either implied or just not really addressed at all."
Soule further explained, "I think setting this book directly after Episode VIII gives me a chance to deal with a character who’s gone through an extreme amount of change in a very short amount of time – his life has changed in drastic ways. I do think it’s a huge opportunity. You want to write characters with emotion to them – and at this point, Kylo’s about as emotional as a character can get."
The appeal of *Legacy of Vader* for Soule also lies in his collaboration with Luke Ross, a renowned Star Wars artist. "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule exclaimed. "He and I have done three big pieces of work in the Star Wars universe at this point – *War of the Bounty Hunters*, *Dark Droids*, and now this story. I think his work has leveled up with each project, and this one… wow. He’s captured the turmoil and unpredictable cold rage of Kylo Ren perfectly. You’ll see – Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing top-notch work here."
Art by Derrick Chew. (Image Credit: Marvel/Lucasfilm)
Ben Solo After The Last Jedi
*Legacy of Vader* is set in the immediate aftermath of *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*, a crucial period for Ben Solo. Having failed to turn Rey to the Dark Side, faced his uncle Luke in battle, nearly killed his mother, and taken control of the galaxy's most formidable military force, Ben is grappling with immense turmoil. "Poor Ben. We know he’s still in there somewhere because of the things we see in both *Last Jedi* and *Rise of Skywalker*, but at this particular moment he’s been shoved down into some dark corner of Kylo Ren’s psyche," Soule remarked. "In a very short amount of time, Kylo’s faced down one of his great mentors in Luke Skywalker, killed another in Snoke, killed his father, almost killed his mother, met someone with whom he’s felt a unique, powerful connection in Rey, and assumed total control of one of, if not the most powerful military organization in the galaxy. All that in what seems to be just a matter of weeks! Kylo wants to move forward, but all of that trauma and intensity is very fresh – not easy to get past."
The series begins with Ben journeying to Mustafar to visit the fortress once occupied by his grandfather, Darth Vader. As he tries to sever ties with his past, Ben seeks guidance from the ghost of the man who inspired him. "One of the key things to understand about Kylo is that he’s not particularly honest with himself," Soule noted. "As I see his character, he’s big on grand pronouncements, big on posturing, big on trying to convince himself he feels a certain way, e.g. untouchable and all-powerful. In reality, though, he’s pretty lost. So 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. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather at this point – 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 internal politics of the First Order will also play a significant role in *Legacy of Vader*. As seen in the Sequel Trilogy, General Hux, portrayed by Domhnall Gleeson, is no ally of Kylo Ren, and officers like Allegiant General Pryde, played by Richard E. Grant, are secretly plotting against their Supreme Leader. "I would be bummed if I were writing a series set at this time period and not get to play with the First Order and its internal political shenanigans," Soule said. "Hux is certainly in the book, and Pryde was around as well during this time period. Kylo’s journey is the book’s focus, but the way he uses and develops the First Order is certainly part of the story too."
The overarching goal of *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* is to deepen our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding new dimensions to the Sequel Trilogy's central villain. Although we know the ultimate fate of this story, the series aims to provide insight into Ben Solo's motivations and decisions leading up to *The Rise of Skywalker*. "I’ve been doing this job (telling Star Wars stories) for a while now – a decade," Soule reflected. "I try to make sure every one can be appreciated as a tale on its own, while also having elements that can be appreciated by readers who know exactly where the story fits into the overarching mega-story that is all of the Star Wars canon."
Soule concluded, "This book is about Kylo Ren’s struggle to define himself, and it is not easy for him. It feels like every moment of his life is accompanied by turmoil and pain. Some fans would say that’s because he is not himself as Kylo – part of him knows he’s truly Ben – and the story can be viewed through that perspective. But I think it also works if you know nothing about Kylo Ren other than what you see in these beautifully-drawn pages – that he’s searching for himself, like many younger people do. Of course, he’s also a dark space wizard with a laser sword he loves to use to deadly effect whenever he feels like it. There’s plenty of angst and drama, but we don’t stint on the action, either. I think fans will love it."
*Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1* is set to be released on February 5, 2025.
