Marvel’s Legacy of Vader Series Reveals Deeper Character Depth Than Star Wars Sequels
The latest installment in the Star Wars canon is prompting a reevaluation of the sequel trilogy, with many arguing that the complexities of Kylo Ren are far better realized in Marvel’s Legacy of Vader comic series than in the films themselves.
Ten years after their release, the Star Wars sequels remain a point of contention among fans. Now, a new narrative is emerging – one that suggests the films’ shortcomings weren’t necessarily in what they did wrong, but in what they failed to explore. A key element missing from the cinematic portrayal of Ben Solo, now known as Kylo Ren, is being powerfully addressed in the 2025 Legacy of Vader series.
Coming from legendary Star Wars writer Charles Soule, Marvel’s Legacy of Vader has quietly become one of the strongest Star Wars stories in recent years. Set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, the series delves into Supreme Leader Kylo Ren’s internal struggles as he attempts to sever ties with his past and claim the power once wielded by his grandfather, Darth Vader. The narrative also intricately explores the history of Anakin Skywalker, both as a Jedi and as a Sith Lord.
With only one issue remaining, Legacy of Vader has taken Kylo Ren on a journey to iconic worlds like Mustafar, Naboo, and Tatooine, retracing the steps of his grandfather. The series has also presented moments that feel tailor-made for the big screen, including a full conversation with Luke Skywalker’s Force ghost in the Netherworld of the Forces, a secret rebellion orchestrated on Naboo, and a duel with Tava Ren, the warrior who assumed leadership of the Knights of Ren after Kylo Ren’s rejection.
These conversations, visions, and confrontations are described as intensely compelling and crucial for understanding Ben Solo’s character and his conflicted identity. According to observers, the added emotional context significantly enhances the impact of his eventual redemption in The Rise of Skywalker, making it far more resonant than it would be based on the films alone.
This isn’t the first time Marvel Comics has arguably surpassed the films in its exploration of Kylo Ren. The 2019 miniseries The Rise of Kylo Ren, also penned by Charles Soule, already illuminated aspects of Ben Solo’s descent to the dark side and his relationship with Snoke that were largely absent from the sequel trilogy.
Legacy of Vader continues this trend, solidifying Kylo Ren’s position as a tragic and compelling figure – arguably one of the best Star Wars characters created in the Disney era. In a year that saw Disney reportedly reject Adam Driver’s pitch for “The Hunt for Ben Solo,” the existing emotional foundation within the comics feels particularly poignant. While the sequel trilogy introduced Kylo Ren, it can be argued that it is the canon Star Wars comics that truly understand Ben Solo and his complex inner world.
The final issue of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader is scheduled for release on January 14th, 2026, from Marvel Comics.
