Marvel’s Star Wars comics are adding new layers to fans’ understanding of the Sequel Trilogy, as the upcoming Legacy of Vader miniseries explores Kylo Ren’s complicated dynamic with his family lineage, from his infamous grandfather Darth Vader to his parents, Han and Leia, and uncle Luke Skywalker, the one-time saviors of the galaxy.
In an interview discussing the upcoming Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1, author Charles Soule – who is joined by artist Luke Ross – explained the book’s focus on Kylo Ren, as he treads a fine line between making his grandfather’s mistakes, and forging his own path forward, even if it does lead to the Dark Side.
Kylo Ren not only believes in everything Vader stood for, but believes that he is the person to finish what Vader had started. However, Kylo Ren may very well have things to learn about the man behind the mask, Anakin Skywalker.
Writer Charles Soule Teases What Is In Store For Kylo Ren In His Upcoming Sequel Trilogy-Era Series
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 – Written By Charles Soule; Art By Luke Ross; Color By Nolan Woodard; Main Cover By Derrick Chew
In “The Future of Star Wars” interview on the YouTube channel “Star Wars Explained,” Charles Soule spoke about his upcoming series, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, and explained Kylo Ren’s motives:
[…] There’s a point where Kylo Ren decides he needs to face a Jedi after what happened with Luke, so he goes on the search for any possible Order 66 survivors, which is a plot point that I think is really rich to think about and explore this far after Order 66. It’s kind of a fun mirror of Vader.
After Order 66 – the directive from Palpatine instructing all Clone Troopers to execute the Jedi – Anakin, now Darth Vader, continued to hunt any surviving Jedi for years to come. With the help of Inquisitors, Vader managed to eliminate many remaining Jedi, though a good number of survivors remained. Significantly, two of the most important Jedi in Anakin’s former life – his apprentice, Ahsoka Tano and his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi – managed to elude capture, haunting Vader for decades.
Soule’s reference to “after what happened with Luke,” most likely refers to the events shown in flashbacks in the sequel trilogy. Kylo Ren, then Ben Solo, was a student in Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy in the early days of the New Republic, when Luke was attempting to rebuild the number of Jedi in the galaxy. Ben, of course, was eventually seduced by the Dark Side and destroyed Luke’s Jedi temple, killing his fellow trainees. Kylo Ren’s destruction of trainees and a Jedi training base parallels Anakin’s actions of executing Younglings upon becoming Darth Vader.
Marvel’s New Series Highlights The Parallels Between Kylo Ren & Darth Vader – But Also Potential Differences
The Order 66 Connection Is Vital To Legacy Of Vader
Just as Vader went on to mercilessly hunt down and murder any remaining Jedi who would not join the Dark Side, it will be interesting to discover if Kylo Ren follows suit in that manner, or if Legacy of Vader will take this story in a different direction. Star Wars fans know Kylo Ren is driven by revenge and anger, much like his grandfather. However, Vader had the benefit of a sharp military strategic mind from his past life as a respected General in the Clone Wars. Kylo Ren had no such training and it showed in his actions.
Source: Star Wars Explained YouTube
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Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 will be available February 5, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
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Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
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Ben Solo/Kylo Ren
The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben was manipulated by Palpatine through the Force for most of his life, influenced toward the dark side of the Force. A misstep by Luke Skywalker ultimately left Ben feeling he had no choice but to embrace the dark side, and he became Kylo Ren, a key figure in the First Order. Kylo Ren’s heart remained deeply divided, however, even after he ascended to become Supreme Leader of the First Order. He was ultimately redeemed by Rey, with whom he shared a remarkable Force bond, and by the love of his parents.
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Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
