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

Marvel's Star Wars comics are entering a new era. Previously focused 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 expanding to other points in the Star Wars timeline. Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku covers the final major battle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. Star Wars: Jedi Knights explores the Jedi Order before The Phantom Menace. But perhaps the most anticipated is Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, delving deep into the character of Kylo Ren.

IGN spoke with Legacy of Vader writer Charles Soule to discuss the series and its impact on the enigmatic Ben Solo. First, explore the exclusive preview below, then read on for more.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery

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Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren

Soule, known for his work on the post-Empire Strikes Back era (including the flagship Star Wars series and crossovers like War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids), explains his return to Kylo Ren, a character he previously explored in 2020's The Rise of Kylo Ren miniseries.

"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, which chronicled Ben Solo's transformation. That was set before Episode VII, and I always felt there was more to tell. Like Darth Vader, the films only show us so much; much of Kylo's story is implied or unaddressed."

He continues, "Setting this book after Episode VIII allows me to explore a character undergoing immense change in a short time – his life has drastically altered. It's a huge opportunity. You want to write emotional characters – and Kylo is about as emotional as they come."

Soule also highlights his reunion with artist Luke Ross, with whom he collaborated on War of the Bounty Hunters and Dark Droids.

"I'll work with Luke anytime!" Soule says. "We've done three major Star Wars projects together, and his work improves with each. This one… wow. He's captured Kylo Ren's turmoil and unpredictable rage perfectly. Luke, and colorist Nolan Woodard, are doing incredible work."

Ben Solo After The Last Jedi

Legacy of Vader is set immediately after The Last Jedi. Ben has failed to turn Rey, battled Luke, nearly killed his mother, and controls the First Order. The series explores his turmoil as he tries to move on and kill his past.

"Poor Ben. We know he's still in there, but at this point, he's been pushed into a dark corner of Kylo Ren's psyche," Soule says. "In a short time, he's faced Luke, killed Snoke and his father, almost killed his mother, connected with Rey, and assumed control of the First Order. All in weeks! Kylo wants to move forward, but the trauma is fresh."

The series begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's Mustafar fortress, attempting to confront his past but also seeking guidance from his grandfather. Soule teases Ben's conflicted feelings about Anakin Skywalker.

"Kylo isn't honest with himself," Soule says. "He makes grand pronouncements, posturing, trying to convince himself he feels a certain way – untouchable and powerful. But he's lost. While he says he wants to kill his past, part of him seeks guidance. That's how he feels about his grandfather."

"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 inner workings, including General Hux's dislike for Kylo Ren and the plotting of General Pryde. The First Order's politics will play a significant role as Kylo consolidates his power.

"I'd be disappointed not to explore the First Order's internal politics," Soule says. "Hux is in the book, and Pryde was around. Kylo's journey is the focus, but his use of the First Order is part of the story."

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader aims to enhance our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, adding layers to the Sequel Trilogy villain. While we know the ending, the book will illuminate Ben Solo's choices in The Rise of Skywalker.

"I've been telling Star Wars stories for a decade," Soule says. "I try to make each story stand alone while fitting into the larger canon. This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself – it's not easy. Every moment is filled with turmoil and pain. Some fans might say that's because he's not truly Kylo, that Ben is still there. But it also works if you know nothing about Kylo – 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 plenty of action too."

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

For more on upcoming Star Wars projects, see our breakdown of every Star Wars movie and series in development.