Marvel's Star Wars comic book line is undergoing a significant shift. Previously, the publisher primarily focused on the year between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, exploring this period through titles like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra. With the conclusion of these series, Marvel is expanding its scope to other points in the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku depicts the final major conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the remnants of the Empire. The upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Knights delves into the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. However, perhaps the most intriguing project is Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, which promises a substantial expansion of Adam Driver's Kylo Ren character.

IGN recently interviewed Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the new series and its contribution to the enigmatic Ben Solo's narrative. Below is an exclusive preview, followed by further insights.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Revisiting Kylo Ren's Story

Soule played a key role in Marvel's exploration of the post-Empire Strikes Back era, writing the main Star Wars series and overseeing major crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids. His decision to jump forward several decades stems from a desire to revisit Kylo Ren, a character whose origins he previously chronicled in 2020.

"I've wanted to return to Kylo Ren for a long time," Soule told IGN. "It's been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, the miniseries I created with Will Sliney, which detailed Ben Solo's transformation. That was set before Episode VII, and I always felt there was more to explore with Kylo. Like Darth Vader, the films only reveal so much; a significant portion of Kylo's story is implied or left unaddressed."

Soule continued, "Setting this book after Episode VIII allows me to focus on a character undergoing immense change in a short period – his life has drastically altered. It's a fantastic opportunity. You want to write emotionally resonant characters – and Kylo is about as emotionally charged as it gets."

A key factor in Soule's involvement was the chance to collaborate again with Luke Ross, a prolific Star Wars artist with whom he's worked on several projects.

"I'll work with Luke whenever possible!" Soule exclaimed. "We've collaborated on three major Star Wars projects: War of the Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids, and now this. His work has improved with each project, and this one...wow. He's perfectly captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable, icy fury. Luke, and our colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing exceptional work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Ben has failed to convert Rey to the dark side, battled his uncle for the final time, nearly killed his mother (as he did his father), and seized control of the galaxy's most powerful military force. The series explores the intense turmoil plaguing Kylo Ren as he attempts to overcome his past.

"Poor Ben. We know he's still in there somewhere, as seen in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, but at this point, he's been pushed into a dark corner of Kylo Ren's psyche," Soule stated. "In a short time, Kylo confronted Luke Skywalker, killed Snoke, killed his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and took control of the First Order. All within weeks! Kylo wants to move forward, but the trauma is raw – not easily overcome."

The series begins with Ben visiting his grandfather Darth Vader's fortress on Mustafar, attempting to sever his past. This involves confronting the ghost of the man who profoundly influenced him. Soule hints at Ben's conflicted feelings towards Anakin Skywalker.

"A key aspect of Kylo is his dishonesty with himself," Soule explained. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, convincing himself he feels a certain way – untouchable and powerful. In reality, he's lost. While claiming to kill his past, he seeks guidance. That summarizes his feelings about his grandfather – 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 series will also focus on the First Order's internal dynamics. General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) dislikes Kylo Ren, and Allegiant General Pryde (Richard E. Grant) is plotting. The First Order's politics will be a significant element as Kylo consolidates his power.

"I'd be disappointed if I wrote a story set in this period and didn't explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule said. "Hux and Pryde are in the book. Kylo's journey is central, but his use and development of the First Order are also part of the story."

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to deepen our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding layers to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While the ending is known, the book will provide insights into Ben Solo's character and his choices in The Rise of Skywalker.

"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule stated. "I strive to make each story stand alone while incorporating elements appreciated by readers familiar with the broader Star Wars canon."

Soule continued, "This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition, and it's not easy. Every moment seems filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might attribute this to him not being himself – a part of him knows he's Ben – and the story can be viewed from that perspective. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo Ren beyond what you see in these pages – that 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 also plenty of action. I think fans will enjoy it."

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 releases February 5, 2025.