Kylo Ren's Lost Year Explored in Star Wars: Legacy of Vader

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* through titles like *Star Wars*, *Darth Vader*, and *Doctor Aphra*. Now, with those series concluded, Marvel is expanding its narrative horizons across different eras of the Star Wars universe. *Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku* delves into the final showdown between the Rebel Alliance and the faltering Empire. *Star Wars: Jedi Knights* illuminates the Jedi Order's past before *The Phantom Menace*. The most captivating addition, however, is *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader*, which promises to enrich the backstory of Adam Driver's Kylo Ren.

IGN had the opportunity to discuss *Legacy of Vader* with its writer, Charles Soule, to uncover how this series will deepen our understanding of the complex character, Ben Solo. Before diving into the interview, take a moment to explore an exclusive preview of the series in the slideshow gallery below.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

12 ImagesReturning to the Story of Kylo Ren

Charles Soule, a key figure in Marvel's exploration of the post-*Empire Strikes Back* era, penned the flagship *Star Wars* series and led major crossovers like *War of the Bounty Hunters* and *Dark Droids*. After immersing himself in that specific timeline for so long, Soule was eager to leap forward in time to revisit Kylo Ren, a character he introduced in 2020's *The Rise of Kylo Ren*.

"I’ve wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule shared with IGN. "It’s incredible to think it’s been over four years since *The Rise of Kylo Ren*, the miniseries I crafted with Will Sliney, which detailed Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren. That story took place before *Episode VII*, and I believed there was much more to explore with Kylo. Like Darth Vader, the films only provide glimpses – a lot of Kylo’s story is implied or unexplored."

Soule is excited about setting *Legacy of Vader* immediately after *Episode VIII*, allowing him to delve into a character undergoing profound transformation. "I think setting this book directly after *Episode VIII* offers a chance to explore a character who’s experienced extreme changes in a short time – his life has shifted dramatically. It’s a huge opportunity. You want to write characters with depth and emotion – and Kylo is as emotional as they come."

Collaborating again with artist Luke Ross, whom Soule has worked with on multiple Star Wars projects, adds another layer of excitement. "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule exclaimed. "We’ve completed three significant works in the Star Wars universe together – *War of the Bounty Hunters*, *Dark Droids*, and now this story. His art has elevated with each project, and in this one, he’s captured Kylo Ren’s turmoil and unpredictable rage perfectly. Alongside our colorist Nolan Woodard, they’re delivering exceptional work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

*Legacy of Vader* is set during a crucial juncture in Ben Solo's life, immediately following *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*. At this point, Ben has failed to turn Rey to the Dark Side, confronted his uncle Luke in battle for the last time, nearly killed his mother as he did his father, and assumed command of the galaxy's most formidable military force. The series delves into the deep turmoil Kylo Ren faces as he tries to move forward and sever ties with his past.

"Poor Ben. We know he’s still in there somewhere, as evidenced by *The Last Jedi* and *The Rise of Skywalker*, but at this moment, he's been pushed into a dark corner of Kylo Ren’s psyche," Soule explained. "In a very short time, Kylo has faced Luke Skywalker, killed Snoke, killed his father, nearly killed his mother, connected deeply with Rey, and taken control of the galaxy's most powerful military. All of this in what seems to be just weeks! Kylo wants to progress, but this trauma and intensity are still very raw – not easy to overcome."

The series begins with Ben visiting Mustafar, the fortress once occupied by his grandfather, Darth Vader. While trying to eradicate his past, Ben seeks guidance from the legacy of the man who inspired him. Soule hints that Ben is as conflicted about his connection to Anakin Skywalker as he is about anything else in his life.

"One key aspect of Kylo is his self-deception," Soule noted. "He makes grand statements, postures, and tries to convince himself he feels a certain way, like being untouchable and all-powerful. In reality, though, he's quite lost. So, while he tells himself he wants to kill his past, part of him is also seeking guidance. This encapsulates his conflicted feelings about his grandfather."

The inner workings of the First Order are another focus of *Legacy of Vader*. As seen in the Sequel Trilogy, General Hux, played by Domhnall Gleeson, is no friend to Kylo Ren, and officers like Richard E. Grant's Allegiant General Pryde are plotting behind the scenes. The politics within the First Order will play a significant role as Kylo Ren consolidates his power.

"I’d be disappointed if I were writing a series set during this time and didn't explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule said. "Hux is certainly in the book, and Pryde was around during this period too. Kylo’s journey is the main focus, but how he utilizes and shapes the First Order is part of the narrative as well."

Ultimately, *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* aims to enrich our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo and add new dimensions to the Sequel Trilogy's central antagonist. Although we know how the story ends, the series will provide deeper insights into Ben Solo's motivations and choices in *The Rise of Skywalker*.

"I’ve been telling Star Wars stories for a decade now," Soule remarked. "I ensure each story stands on its own while also contributing to the overarching Star Wars canon. *Legacy of Vader* explores Kylo Ren’s struggle to define himself, fraught with turmoil and pain. Some might argue this is because he's not truly himself as Kylo – part of him knows he's Ben. But the story can also be appreciated by those who know nothing about Kylo Ren, seeing it as a journey of self-discovery, albeit with a dark twist. There’s plenty of drama and action, and I believe fans will be captivated."

*Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1* is set to be released on February 5, 2025.