Marvel's Star Wars comics are diving into new eras of the galaxy's timeline. Previously centered on the year between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi with titles like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra, Marvel is now exploring fresh narratives. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the climactic clash between the Rebel Alliance and the faltering Empire. The upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Knights illuminates the Jedi Order's history before The Phantom Menace. Most compelling, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader delves deeply into Adam Driver's Kylo Ren, enriching his complex character.
IGN recently spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to uncover details about this new series and its expansion of Ben Solo's story. First, explore an exclusive preview of the series in the slideshow gallery below, then continue reading for more insights.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery
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Revisiting Kylo Ren's Journey
Soule played a key role in Marvel's exploration of the post-Empire Strikes Back era, writing the main Star Wars series and leading crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids. Curious about his shift to a later timeline, we learned Soule was eager to return to Kylo Ren, a character he first explored in 2020.
"I've been eager to revisit Kylo Ren for years," Soule told IGN. "It's hard to believe it's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, the miniseries I wrote with Will Sliney about Ben Solo's transformation into Kylo Ren. Set before Episode VII, that story left so much more to explore. Like Darth Vader, the films only reveal parts of Kylo's story, leaving much implied or untold."
Soule added, "Setting this series right after Episode VIII lets me explore a character who's undergone immense change in a short time. His life has been upended dramatically. It's a unique opportunity to write a character brimming with raw emotion."
Soule's enthusiasm for Legacy of Vader also stems from reuniting with artist Luke Ross, a frequent collaborator on Star Wars projects.
"I'll collaborate with Luke whenever I can!" Soule said. "We've worked together on three major Star Wars projects—War of the Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids, and now this. His art keeps improving, and here, he's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's inner turmoil and fierce intensity. With colorist Nolan Woodard, they're delivering exceptional work."
Ben Solo After The Last Jedi
Legacy of Vader unfolds in the critical moments following Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Ben Solo has failed to sway Rey to the Dark Side, confronted his uncle Luke Skywalker in a final battle, nearly killed his mother as he did his father, and seized control of the galaxy's most formidable military force. This turbulent period shapes the series' exploration of Kylo Ren's deep inner conflict as he strives to sever ties with his past.
"Ben's in a tough spot," Soule explained. "We know traces of Ben Solo persist, as seen in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, but right now, he's buried deep within Kylo Ren's psyche. In just weeks, he's faced Luke Skywalker, killed Snoke, ended his father's life, nearly did the same to his mother, formed a profound connection with Rey, and taken command of the First Order. That's a lot to process, and moving forward isn't simple."
The series begins with Ben journeying to Mustafar to visit Darth Vader's former fortress. Intent on erasing his past, he seeks to connect with the legacy of the grandfather who profoundly influenced him, even if not literally. Soule hints that Ben's feelings about Anakin Skywalker are as conflicted as the rest of his life.
"Kylo isn't always honest with himself," Soule noted. "He makes bold claims and projects invincibility, but deep down, he's lost. While he says he wants to destroy his past, he's also desperately seeking guidance. That's how he feels about his grandfather—torn."
"While he claims he wants to erase his past, part of him is searching for any guidance he can find."
The series also dives into the First Order's internal dynamics. General Hux, played by Domhnall Gleeson, openly despises Kylo Ren, while officers like Allegiant General Pryde, portrayed by Richard E. Grant, scheme in the shadows, paving the way for Palpatine's Final Order. The political maneuvering within the First Order is a key focus, as Kylo Ren works to solidify his leadership.
"I'd be disappointed if I couldn't explore the First Order's political intrigue in this era," Soule said. "Hux is definitely in the story, and Pryde is present too. While Kylo's journey is central, his management of the First Order is a big part of it."
Ultimately, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to deepen our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding nuance to the Sequel Trilogy's central villain. Though we know his story's conclusion, the series reveals more about who Ben Solo is and why he makes the choices seen in The Rise of Skywalker.
"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule reflected. "I aim for each to stand alone while rewarding fans who know its place in the broader Star Wars canon."
Soule continued, "This story follows Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself—a painful, turbulent journey. Some fans might see it as Ben Solo fighting to reclaim his true self, but it works even if you only know Kylo from these pages. He's a young man searching for identity, wielding a lightsaber with deadly intent. It's packed with angst, drama, and action—fans will love it."
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 hits shelves on February 5, 2025.
For more on the Star Wars franchise's future, explore our guide to every Star Wars movie and series in development.
