The landscape of Marvel's Star Wars line is undergoing a significant transformation. 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 narrative reach across the Star Wars timeline. The new series *Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku* delves into the climactic confrontation between the Rebel Alliance and the faltering Empire. Meanwhile, *Star Wars: Jedi Knights* explores the storied history of the Jedi Order before *The Phantom Menace*. Perhaps the most compelling addition is *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader*, which promises to enrich the character of Adam Driver's Kylo Ren.
IGN had the opportunity to discuss *Legacy of Vader* with its writer, Charles Soule, to gain deeper insights into this new series and its impact on the complex character of Ben Solo. Before diving into our conversation, take a moment to explore 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, 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*. Now, he's excited to jump forward in time to revisit Kylo Ren, a character he previously explored in *The Rise of Kylo Ren* in 2020.
"I've been eager to return 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 co-created with Will Sliney, which detailed Ben Solo's transformation into Kylo Ren. That story was set before *Episode VII*, and I always felt there was much more to tell about Kylo. Just like Darth Vader, the films only scratch the surface – a lot of Kylo's story is either implied or left unaddressed."
Soule further explains, "Setting this book directly after *Episode VIII* allows me to delve into a character who's undergone extreme change in a short span – his life has been drastically altered. It's a huge opportunity. You want to write characters with emotion, and at this point, Kylo's as emotional as a character can get."
Additionally, Soule is thrilled to collaborate once again with Luke Ross, a renowned Star Wars artist. "I'll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule enthuses. "We've done three significant projects in the Star Wars universe – *War of the Bounty Hunters*, *Dark Droids*, and now this. Luke's work has improved with each project, and in this one, he's perfectly captured the turmoil and cold rage of Kylo Ren. You'll see – Luke, along with our colorist Nolan Woodard, is delivering exceptional work."
Ben Solo After The Last Jedi
*Legacy of Vader* is set in the critical aftermath of *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*. At this juncture, Ben Solo has just failed to turn Rey to the Dark Side, faced his uncle Luke Skywalker in battle, nearly killed his mother, and taken command of the galaxy's most powerful military force. The series explores the deep turmoil within Kylo Ren as he strives to move forward and sever ties with his past.
"Poor Ben. We know he's still in there somewhere, as evidenced by both *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 explains. "In a short time, Kylo has confronted one of his mentors, Luke Skywalker, killed another, Snoke, killed his father, nearly killed his mother, connected powerfully with Rey, and assumed control of the most formidable military organization in the galaxy. All this in just a few weeks! Kylo wants to move on, but the trauma and intensity are still very fresh – not easy to overcome."
The series begins with Ben traveling to Mustafar to visit the fortress once occupied by his grandfather, Darth Vader. As Ben tries to kill his past, he seeks guidance from the ghost of the man who inspired him. Soule notes that Ben is as conflicted about his connection to Anakin Skywalker as he is about anything else in his life.
"One of the key things to understand about Kylo is that he's not particularly honest with himself," Soule says. "He's big on grand pronouncements and posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way, like being untouchable and all-powerful. In reality, he's quite lost. So while he's telling himself he wants to kill his past, part of him is also seeking any guidance he can get. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather – he's conflicted."
The inner workings of the First Order will also be a focal point in the series. The Sequel Trilogy highlighted the tensions between Kylo Ren and General Hux, played by Domhnall Gleason, and the subterfuge of officers like Richard E. Grant's Allegiant General Pryde, who are plotting the rise of Palpatine's Final Order. The political dynamics within the First Order will be a significant element of *Legacy of Vader* as Kylo Ren works to consolidate his power.
"I'd be disappointed if I were writing a series set in this period and didn't explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule remarks. "Hux is certainly in the book, and Pryde was around during this time. Kylo's journey is the focus, but how he uses and develops the First Order is part of the story too."
The ultimate aim of *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* is to deepen our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo and add new dimensions to the villain central to the Sequel Trilogy. Although we know how his story ends, the book will provide insight into Ben Solo's motivations and choices in *The Rise of Skywalker*.
"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade now," Soule reflects. "I aim to ensure each story can stand on its own while also enhancing the broader Star Wars canon for those who follow it closely."
"This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself, and it's not easy for him," Soule continues. "It feels like every moment of his life is accompanied by turmoil and pain. Some fans might say that's because he's not himself as Kylo – part of him knows he's truly Ben – and the story can be viewed through that lens. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo Ren other than what you see in these beautifully drawn pages – he's searching for himself, much like many younger people do. Of course, he's also a dark space wizard with a laser sword he wields with deadly precision. There's plenty of angst and drama, but we don't skimp on the action either. I think fans will love it."
*Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1* will hit the shelves on February 5, 2025.
