If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a family legacy that’s… well, a bit on the dark side, Kylo Ren’s got you covered. In the new Marvel comic series Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, written by Charles Soule, Kylo takes center stage, picking up the dark torch from his famous grandfather, Darth Vader. With Soule at the helm, known for his previous Star Wars works like The Rise of Kylo Ren and Darth Vader – Dark Lord of the Sith, this series promises a deep dive into Kylo’s turbulent journey. And if you’re a fan of exploring the inner turmoil of wayward Force-users, this one’s for you.
A Trip Down Memory Lane—But Make It Evil
Remember Mustafar? That lovely volcanic vacation spot where Anakin Skywalker left his Jedi membership card behind for good? Well, Kylo’s heading back there in Legacy of Vader. The story kicks off with Kylo Ren exploring the ruins of Vader’s infamous castle, a place brimming with secrets and dark energy. It’s like a spooky family reunion, minus the awkward small talk—just some serious dark-side brooding. And later on, our favorite Supreme Leader is set to visit the sands of Tatooine, in search of even more answers about his family’s mysterious and sinister past.
Soule hinted at the series during New York Comic-Con 2024, promising fans a tale that ties back to his earlier works on Kylo Ren and Darth Vader. According to him, this series fills in a juicy gap in the Star Wars timeline, a period when Kylo is still figuring out how to rule as the head honcho of the First Order. And let’s face it, “figuring out” is putting it lightly—Kylo’s got a lot of baggage, from fighting family members to killing his dad and, almost, his mom. This is Star Wars therapy, but with more lightsabers and fewer hugs.
Why We’re Excited: The Soule and Ross Dream Team
Fans of Star Wars comics will recognize Charles Soule’s name. He’s the guy who brought us that fantastic 2017 Darth Vader series, giving us a deep dive into Vader’s early years as a Sith. Soule knows how to take a character with a dark side (literally) and make them deeply compelling. He’s back at it again with Legacy of Vader, bringing Kylo Ren’s struggles into focus. Soule’s perspective on Kylo during this period? “He’s truly lost,” he says, describing Kylo’s search for guidance, even if it’s from his deceased, helmeted grandpa.
And let’s not forget about the art! Luke Ross, who previously brought his talents to Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) and War of the Bounty Hunters, is illustrating the series. The first issue will showcase his work, along with cover art by Derrick Chew and a variant cover by Annie Wu. If you’ve ever wanted to see Kylo Ren portrayed with just the right mix of menace and confusion, Ross’s artwork is sure to deliver.
What Makes Legacy of Vader So Intriguing?
You might be wondering: “Do we really need more stories about Kylo Ren being all moody and conflicted?” Well, yes. Yes, we do. Here’s why:
- It’s a Story About Legacy: Legacy of Vader dives deep into Kylo’s obsession with his grandfather’s dark legacy. It’s not just about wielding a red lightsaber; it’s about understanding what made Vader tick and why that’s so compelling to Kylo. What does Vader’s legacy mean for the galaxy, and what does it mean for Kylo personally? These questions are central to the series.
- A Peek Into the Unknown: The series takes place between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, a period filled with unanswered questions. How does Kylo handle being the Supreme Leader? How does he navigate the pressure, the power, and the occasional existential crisis? There’s plenty of narrative ground here, and fans are eager to see it explored.
- Dark-Side Drama: Come on, who doesn’t love a little dark-side drama? Kylo’s internal struggle—his desperation for validation and power—mirrors the path Vader walked. But will he learn from his grandfather’s mistakes, or is he doomed to repeat them? Spoiler: probably a bit of both.
Mark Your Calendars: February 5, 2025
For those itching to dive into the darkness (metaphorically, of course), Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 arrives on February 5, 2025. The issue will not only serve up the story of a Supreme Leader in turmoil but also bring the stunning visuals of Luke Ross’s art and covers from artists like Derrick Chew. For collectors, there are variant covers by E.M. Gist, Karen S. Darboe, Ramon Rosanas, and more—perfect for adding that extra touch of the dark side to your comic collection.
Final Thoughts: Vader’s Legacy Lives On—But Will Kylo Ren?
Legacy of Vader isn’t just another Star Wars story; it’s a deep dive into the mind of Kylo Ren as he grapples with the shadow of Darth Vader. It’s about lineage, legacy, and the allure of the dark side that’s just too tempting to resist. As Kylo walks the line between power and madness, fans are in for a story that promises to be as intense as it is revealing.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Star Wars comics or you just love a good tale of family drama (galactic style), this series looks like it’s going to be a wild ride. Buckle up, grab your copy, and get ready to explore the galaxy’s darker side—one Sith legacy at a time.
