by Henry Aug 08,2025
It's a pivotal moment for Marvel’s Star Wars comics as the publisher shifts focus from the post-Empire Strikes Back era—previously explored in series like Star Wars, Darth Vader, and Doctor Aphra—to bold new corners of the galaxy. With those flagship titles concluded, Marvel is expanding its storytelling across the timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku dives into the final clash between the Rebel Alliance and the crumbling Empire, while the upcoming Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order in the years leading up to The Phantom Menace. But the most compelling addition is Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, a series poised to deepen the legacy of Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren in profound ways.
IGN recently spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to uncover the vision behind this highly anticipated series and how it enriches the complex journey of Ben Solo. First, enjoy an exclusive preview in the gallery below, then explore what lies ahead.
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Charles Soule has been a defining voice in Marvel’s Star Wars universe, leading major storylines like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids while anchoring the main Star Wars series in the post-Empire era. Now, shifting decades forward, Soule returns to a character he helped shape—Kylo Ren. His 2020 miniseries The Rise of Kylo Ren chronicled Ben Solo’s fall to the dark side, and now Legacy of Vader picks up the thread in the emotionally charged aftermath of The Last Jedi.
“I’ve wanted to return to Kylo Ren for a long time,” Soule shares. “It’s been over four years since The Rise of Kylo Ren, and while that story explored his transformation, the films only show us so much. There’s so much more beneath the surface—emotions, conflicts, and unresolved trauma that deserve deeper exploration.”
Setting the story right after Episode VIII allows Soule to examine a character in flux—someone who has undergone immense change in a short span. “Kylo has faced Luke, killed Snoke, murdered his father, nearly killed his mother, and tried to turn Rey to the dark side,” Soule explains. “Now he’s in control of the most powerful military force in the galaxy. That’s a lot to process. This series captures him at his most volatile, his most emotional—raw in a way few characters ever get to be.”
A key creative reunion enhances the storytelling: Soule is once again collaborating with artist Luke Ross, known for his dynamic Star Wars work. “I’ll work with Luke anytime I can,” Soule says. “His art has evolved with each project, and here, he’s at his peak. Alongside colorist Nolan Woodard, they’re capturing Kylo’s inner chaos—the cold rage, the instability, the turmoil—perfectly. You’ll feel it in every panel.”
Art by Derrick Chew. (Image Credit: Marvel/Lucasfilm)
Legacy of Vader unfolds during one of the most critical junctures in Ben Solo’s life—the immediate aftermath of The Last Jedi. He has just failed to turn Rey, dueled his uncle for the last time, and taken command of the First Order. Emotionally, he’s fractured. The series delves into the psychological storm within Kylo Ren as he attempts to sever his past and fully embrace the dark side.
“Ben is still in there,” Soule notes. “We see glimpses in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, but at this moment, he’s buried deep beneath Kylo’s persona. In just weeks, he’s faced mentors, committed family betrayals, and seized ultimate power. The trauma is fresh, overwhelming. He wants to move forward, but the past won’t let go.”
The series begins with Ben traveling to Mustafar, visiting the volcanic fortress once ruled by his grandfather, Darth Vader. It’s a symbolic pilgrimage—Kylo seeks to destroy his past by confronting the legacy that shaped him. “Kylo tells himself he wants to erase his history,” Soule says. “But part of him is searching for guidance, for connection. He’s deeply conflicted about Anakin Skywalker—both repelled and drawn to him. That tension defines this chapter of his journey.”
Beyond Kylo’s internal struggle, Legacy of Vader shines a light on the First Order’s internal power dynamics. General Hux, played by Domhnall Gleeson, harbors deep resentment toward Kylo, while figures like Allegiant General Pryde (Richard E. Grant) are already maneuvering in the shadows, paving the way for Palpatine’s return. These political undercurrents are central to the narrative.
“I’d be disappointed if I didn’t dive into the First Order’s internal conflicts,” Soule admits. “Hux is definitely in the story, and Pryde’s influence is felt during this period. Kylo’s arc is the core, but how he consolidates power, manipulates loyalty, and faces dissent within the ranks is crucial to understanding his rule.”
At its heart, Legacy of Vader is about identity. It’s a story of a man torn between legacies—trying to become something new while haunted by who he was and who his bloodline demands he be. Soule aims to make the series accessible to all readers, whether they’re deeply familiar with the canon or new to Kylo’s journey.
“I’ve been telling Star Wars stories for a decade now,” Soule reflects. “Each series should stand on its own, but also enrich the larger saga. This book is about Kylo’s struggle to define himself—a struggle marked by pain, anger, and confusion. Some fans see this as proof that Ben Solo never truly died, that he’s always present beneath the mask. Others can simply experience Kylo as a young man searching for purpose, albeit one with a lightsaber and immense power.”
“There’s plenty of emotional depth,” Soule adds, “but we don’t skimp on action. This is Star Wars, after all. Expect drama, introspection, and explosive moments that remind you why Kylo Ren remains one of the franchise’s most compelling villains.”
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 launches on February 5, 2025.
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