Marvel's Star Wars line is undergoing a significant transformation. Previously centered on the one-year gap between *The Empire Strikes Back* and *Return of the Jedi* with titles like *Star Wars*, *Darth Vader*, and *Doctor Aphra*, the publisher is now venturing into new territories within the Star Wars universe. *Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku* delves into the final showdown between the Rebel Alliance and the crumbling Empire. *Star Wars: Jedi Knights* offers a glimpse into the Jedi Order's past before *The Phantom Menace*. And most excitingly, *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* promises to deeply explore the character of Adam Driver's Kylo Ren.
In an exclusive interview with IGN, Charles Soule, the writer behind *Legacy of Vader*, shared insights into the series, which aims to add new dimensions to the complex character of Ben Solo. Before diving into the interview, take a moment to view an exclusive preview of the series in the gallery below.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery
12 Images
Returning to the Story of Kylo Ren
Charles Soule, known for his work on Marvel's flagship *Star Wars* series and major crossovers like *War of the Bounty Hunters* and *Dark Droids*, is eager to return to the character of Kylo Ren. "I've wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule told IGN. "It's amazing to me that it's been over four years since *The Rise of Kylo Ren*, the miniseries I created with Will Sliney that chronicled Ben Solo's transformation into Kylo Ren. That one was set before *Episode VII*, and I've always thought there was so much more story to tell with Kylo."
Soule is particularly excited about setting *Legacy of Vader* directly after *Episode VIII*. "I think setting this book directly after *Episode VIII* gives me a chance to deal with a character who's gone through an extreme amount of change in a very short amount of time – his life has changed in drastic ways. I do think it's a huge opportunity. You want to write characters with emotion to them – and at this point, Kylo's about as emotional as a character can get."
The opportunity to collaborate again with artist Luke Ross, with whom Soule has worked on several Star Wars projects, adds to his enthusiasm. "I'll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule says. "He and I have done three big pieces of work in the Star Wars universe at this point – *War of the Bounty Hunters*, *Dark Droids*, and now this story. I think his work has leveled up with each project, and this one… wow. He's captured the turmoil and unpredictable cold rage of Kylo Ren perfectly."
Ben Solo After The Last Jedi
*Legacy of Vader* is set in the immediate aftermath of *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*, a crucial period for Ben Solo. Having just failed to turn Rey to the Dark Side, faced his uncle Luke in battle, and nearly killed his mother, Ben is at a tumultuous point in his life. The series explores the profound turmoil within Kylo Ren as he attempts to move forward and sever ties with his past.
"Poor Ben. We know he's still in there somewhere because of the things we see in both *Last Jedi* and *Rise of Skywalker*, but at this particular moment he's been shoved down into some dark corner of Kylo Ren's psyche," Soule says. "In a very short amount of time, Kylo's faced down one of his great mentors in Luke Skywalker, killed another in Snoke, killed his father, almost killed his mother, met someone with whom he's felt a unique, powerful connection in Rey, and assumed total control of one of, if not the most powerful military organization in the galaxy."
The series begins with Ben traveling to Mustafar to visit Darth Vader's fortress, seeking to commune with the spirit of his grandfather as he struggles with his past. "One of the key things to understand about Kylo is that he's not particularly honest with himself," Soule explains. "As I see his character, he's big on grand pronouncements, big on posturing, big on trying to convince himself he feels a certain way, e.g., untouchable and all-powerful. In reality, though, he's pretty lost. So 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 internal politics of the First Order will also be a significant focus of *Legacy of Vader*. "I would be bummed if I were writing a series set at this time period and not get to play with the First Order and its internal political shenanigans," Soule says. "Hux is certainly in the book, and Pryde was around as well during this time period. Kylo's journey is the book's focus, but the way he uses and develops the First Order is certainly part of the story too."
Ultimately, *Star Wars: Legacy of Vader* aims to enhance our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo and add new layers to the character central to the Sequel Trilogy. "I've been doing this job (telling Star Wars stories) for a while now – a decade," Soule says. "I try to make sure every one can be appreciated as a tale on its own, while also having elements that can be appreciated by readers who know exactly where the story fits into the overarching mega-story that is all of the Star Wars canon."
Soule elaborates, "This book is about Kylo Ren's struggle to define himself, and it is not easy for him. It feels like every moment of his life is accompanied by turmoil and pain. Some fans would say that's because he is not himself as Kylo – part of him knows he's truly Ben – and the story can be viewed through that perspective. But I think it also works if you know nothing about Kylo Ren other than what you see in these beautifully-drawn pages – that he's searching for himself, like many younger people do. Of course, he's also a dark space wizard with a laser sword he loves to use to deadly effect whenever he feels like it. There's plenty of angst and drama, but we don't stint on the action, either. I think fans will love it."
*Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1* is set to be released on February 5, 2025.
