Marvel's Star Wars comic line is undergoing a significant transformation. Previously centered on the gap 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 cover more diverse periods of the Star Wars saga. New releases such as "Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku," which details the final showdown between the Rebel Alliance and the crumbling Empire, "Star Wars: Jedi Knights," exploring the Jedi Order before "The Phantom Menace," and the highly anticipated "Star Wars: Legacy of Vader," which delves deep into the psyche of Kylo Ren, are set to captivate fans.
IGN recently had the opportunity to interview Charles Soule, the writer behind "Legacy of Vader," to gain insights into the new series and its impact on the complex character of Ben Solo. Before diving into the interview, take a moment to view an exclusive preview of the series in the slideshow gallery below.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader - Preview Art Gallery
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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," expressed his eagerness to return to Kylo Ren, a character he first explored in "The Rise of Kylo Ren" in 2020. "I’ve wanted to get back to Kylo Ren for ages," Soule shared with IGN. He emphasized the limited portrayal of Kylo Ren in the films and the rich narrative potential in exploring his character post-"The Last Jedi."
Soule also highlighted the emotional depth of Kylo Ren at this stage in his journey, noting the drastic changes he undergoes. The writer's enthusiasm for collaborating once again with artist Luke Ross adds to the anticipation for the series. "I’ll work with Luke any chance I get!" Soule remarked, praising Ross's evolving artistic prowess and the synergy with colorist Nolan Woodard.
Ben Solo After The Last Jedi
"Legacy of Vader" is set immediately after "The Last Jedi," a critical period for Ben Solo. Having failed to turn Rey to the Dark Side, confronted Luke Skywalker, nearly killed his mother, and assumed control of the First Order, Ben is at a crossroads. The series delves into his internal struggle as he attempts to erase his past and embrace his role as the Supreme Leader.
Soule described Ben's state as being "shoved down into some dark corner of Kylo Ren’s psyche," emphasizing the intense emotional turmoil he's experiencing. The narrative begins with Ben visiting Darth Vader's fortress on Mustafar, seeking to connect with his grandfather's legacy while grappling with his own identity.
The series also promises to explore the internal politics of the First Order, featuring familiar characters like General Hux and Allegiant General Pryde, whose machinations play a crucial role in the storyline. Soule's focus on Kylo Ren's journey is complemented by his interactions with the First Order's hierarchy, adding depth to the narrative.
"Legacy of Vader" aims to enrich our understanding of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, providing new layers to his character and shedding light on his motivations leading up to "The Rise of Skywalker." Soule, with a decade of experience telling Star Wars stories, ensures that the series stands on its own while contributing to the broader Star Wars canon.
The writer sees the series as a tale of Kylo Ren's struggle for self-definition amidst turmoil and pain, resonating with themes of identity and conflict. The narrative promises a blend of action and introspection, appealing to both new readers and long-time fans of the franchise.
"Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1" is set to be released on February 5, 2025.
