Upcoming Star Wars: Legacy of Vader explores Kylo Ren's struggles

Ben Solo’s untold year is rage, power, and the fight for identity.

Marvel Comics Star Wars: The Legacy of Vader with Ben Solo having memories of his past as Kylo Ren.
Marvel Comics Star Wars: The Legacy of Vader with Ben Solo having memories of his past as Kylo Ren. | Image Credit: StarWars.com

If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Kylo Ren between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, Marvel’s upcoming comic book series Star Wars: Legacy of Vader might just have the answers. Written by Charles Soule and featuring stunning artwork by Luke Ross, this new series dives deep into Ben Solo’s psyche during one of the most turbulent periods of his life.

IGN recently reported that Soule, no stranger to the Star Wars universe, previously chronicled Kylo’s transformation in The Rise of Kylo Ren back in 2020. Now, he’s picking up the story after The Last Jedi, exploring Kylo’s first steps as Supreme Leader. “This is a character who’s gone through so much change in such a short amount of time,” Soule says. “He’s dealing with trauma, power, and the weight of his choices — all while trying to convince himself he’s in control.”

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Marvel Comics Star Wars: Legacy of Vader featuring Kylo Ren. Image Credit: StarWars.com | starwars.com

The series kicks off with Kylo traveling to Mustafar to confront the legacy of his grandfather, Darth Vader. Kylo tells himself he’s there to kill his past, but Soule teases there’s more to it. “Kylo isn’t honest with himself,” Soule explains. “While he claims he wants to destroy his past, part of him is searching for guidance.” This inner conflict between light and dark is a central theme of Star Wars, showing us a Kylo Ren who is equal parts confident and lost.

But it’s not just a personal journey — expect plenty of political intrigue within the First Order. General Hux, Allegiant General Pryde, and other familiar faces will challenge Kylo’s grip on power, hinting at the brewing chaos that leads to the Final Order in The Rise of Skywalker.

At its core, Legacy of Vader is about identity. It asks who Ben Solo is beneath the mask and what drives him — rage, ambition, or the lingering hope of redemption.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 is set to release on February 5, 2025.