Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, Vol. 1: The Reign of Kylo Ren

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader

by Charles Soule, Luke Ross (Illustrator), Stefano Raffaele (Illustrator)

The shadow of Darth Vader looms large over the Star Wars galaxy, and nowhere does it reach deeper than in the mind of young Kylo Ren and the rise of the First Order!

As Marvel enters a new era of STAR WARS storytelling, the dark obsession of young Kylo Ren leads him to Mustafar! But what secrets does Fortress Vader hold for the young tyrant? And what face from the past will guide him on his quest? Next, Ren’s formative journey takes him to the home planet of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker — where he must face Gardulla the Hutt and her guards — plus a rancor! Secrets of the past will be unearthed in the harsh sands of Mos Espa!

COLLECTING: Star Wars: The Legacy of Vader (2025) 1-6

Genres: Star Wars, Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Marvel, Fiction, Adult

152 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Charles Soule is a #1 New York Times-bestselling novelist, comics author, screenwriter, musician, and lapsed attorney. He has written some of the most prominent stories of the last decade for Marvel, DC and Lucasfilm in addition to his own work, such as his comics Curse Words, Letter 44 and Undiscovered Country, and his original novels Light of the Jedi, The Endless Vessel, The Oracle Year and Anyone. He lives in New York.

Reviews

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh no, a solo series about Kylo Ren? They're going to make him seem all sympathetic and actually not a bad guy, right?

WRONG.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this. Charles Soule takes Kylo on a trip back through some of Darth Vader's greatest hits, from Mustafar to Tatooine to Naboo, to try and show him exactly why Vader was who he was, and why Kylo will never be the same. Kylo's exasperation and desperation to be better than he is shines through, but the truth of the matter is that he'll never have what Vader had, no matter how much he chases it - something that we, the reader, already know, but that he's going to learn the hard way.

I hesitate to say that Soule leans into the fact that Kylo is basically a big baby throwing all his toys out of the pram, but there are more than a few moments where that's an apt description. The parts where he heads back to the First Order and Hux is like "PLEASE CAN WE DO SOMETHING IMPORTANT" and Kylo's just like "No, and also I hate you :)", followed by a panel of Hux just looking utterly devastated at how incompetent and unfocused their so-called Supreme Leader is, will never not be funny.

The art's great also - Luke Ross is always reliable, and Stefano Raffaelle has just spent the better part of a few years drawing Darth Vader, so he's in the right place as well.

Not what I expected, but so much better than I'd hoped.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started strong but is getting tedious.

[Connor Stompanato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading 'Legacy of Vader' at the same time as I read 'The Love Hypothesis' was interesting because there Kylo (well, not really him but y'know) is so cute and misunderstood inside. 'Legacy of Vader' has the character at his most vicious and violent. The Ben Solo present in this comic series is desperate to earn his place in the Dark Side Hall of Fame.

Vaneé is such a creepy, horrifying little side character that spends a lot of time talking to Kylo throughout this series. I love when 'Star Wars' includes some horror in its stories and this series is full of that. Between Vaneé's design and the amount of killing Kylo does, this is not a story for kids. He slaughters so many innocent people as well as some people who aren't so innocent, it can be scary. I think this might be the most frightening version of the character.

We get a lot of insight into how Kylo views his grandfather (Darth Vader) which I loved seeing, that is the type of thing I have been dying for since starting this chronological project. As horrifying as it can be, I like getting a peak into the mind of a mad man. Reading this series has got me even more hyped to rewatch 'The Rise of Skywalker' because Ben has been through so much since the end of 'The Last Jedi'. This comic is him going full Voldemort.

[Jesús De la Jara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este nuevo cómic es uno que el autor Charles Soule prometió que iba a ser largo. Y la idea principal es contarnos lo que sucede con Kylo Ren entre el episodio VIII y IX. Como su título menciona el interés en mostrarnos la conexión de Kylo con Darth Vader, es decir, con Anakin por lo cual empezará el nuevo Líder supremo a conocer aspectos de la vida pasada de Darth Vader.
El primer número empieza fuerte, mostrando Kylo el cadáver de Snoke y proclamándose ante la Primera Orden. Se ve el conflicto de Ren, a pesar de todo y por ello va a buscar historias de Vader a Mustafar. Allí encuentra a Vanée quien casi momificada lo recibe y le empieza a mostrar lugares y eventos relacionados a Vader. Vanée le dice algo muy interesante: que el pasado de Vader era su fortaleza, obviamente por la ira que sentía por haber muerto Padme.
Primero van a Tatooine (donde se encuentra con Gardulla Hutt), luego a Naboo y finalmente a Corellia.
Las imágenes de los recuerdos infantiles de Ben Solo y las portadas son excelentes. Así mismo la historia que se construye muy interesante. Desde luego, es siempre bueno para mí ver más de Kylo Ren y las secuelas.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good Kylo Ren story. This one was more him finding his connection to Vader by visiting Vader's "significant locations". And it was interesting near the back half, the first being too much of a rehash of Vader/Anakin's life that we know pretty well. I'm interested to see this post Last Jedi Kylo and what he can do.

[Valentina Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this volume of issues about Kylo Ren so much. Throughout the sequels, we always see him as this performative scary but in reality pouty spoiled dude. It’s kinda of funny to see sometimes but we never really understand why he has so many feelings of pain and ambition for power when we all know he was raised with love and wealth. These texts explain exactly that. His self-imposed pressure to be his own personage, which is nothing similar to the person he actually is, is tearing him apart. He grew up hearing stories about his grandfather’s imposition of power and fear. He is well aware of his family’s honorable benevolent status. He’s convinced himself he has to be just as revolutionary and memorable in his own way, setting him apart from his parents. He let himself be seduced by Darth Vader’s aura, wishing to be evil like him, rather than be good likes his parents— this would mean he was rebellious and unique in his own way somehow. His main frustration in every single media he is represented in, is that he just can’t seem to figure out how his grandfather was so cold and ruthless. The volume exposes so accurately and symbolically the differences in upbringing as to why he does not share the same sort of passionate anger Vader endures. For his grandfather, it’s a curse, laid upon him through the dusty dunes of Tatooine and his magical infatuation in Naboo. His strong pull to the darkness is one that’s been developing and hiding beneath him due to his incessant suffering since birth. This is not something Ben shares in common with his grandfather which is why he will never be him, and we see how harshly it breaks his soul and perplexes his mind.

[Zuze29 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legacy of Vader Vol. 1' is yet another great story birthed from the skill of Charles Soule. This series grants Kylo Ren well earned emotional depth and ferocity, something the sequel trilogy unfortunately lacked.

Although we know 'The Rise of Skywalker' didn't wield the potential of the character, Soule still managed to reward us with just what the fans wanted: Seeing Kylo Ren being purely vicious, away from the repetitive distraction of Rey. I really enjoyed Kylo's journey through his dark family history, tracing the lines of Vader's past, while taking his own baby steps into a leading position. Finally watching him unleash in rage and heartlessly slaughter innocents free of guilt is just the dark side grittiness I wanted from this comic run. Vanee served as both a great narrator to the story and a genuinely fascinating character.

Another thing Charles Soule always does amazing is add brand new lore and facts alongside his epic storylines. Seeing the new expansion and conquest of the First Order into worlds like Naboo and Corellia does well fleshing out world building. My only tiny critique would be the fact that I felt General Hux seemed a little out of character, and not quite whiny or moody as usual, but it was overshadowed by merit.

Overall, I can confidently say that 'Legacy of Vader' is by far the best comic run in the sequel era, and I suspect will most likely maintain that status thanks to its stunning art and engaging premise. I can't wait for volume two!

[Shaun Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down to 3⭐️

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader Vol. 1 The Reign of Kylo Ren collects issues 1-6 of the Marvel Comics series written by Charles Soule, art by Luke Ross and Stefano Raffaele, and colors by Nolan Woodard.

Set after the events of the Battle of Crait and Snoke’s death, Kylo Ren has declared himself the new Supreme Leader of the First Order. Tortured by the weight of this position, Kylo turns inward towards his obsession with his grandfather, Darth Vader.

Kylo arrives at Vader’s Castle on Mustafar to find Vader’s old servant still waiting for his Master to return. Vaneé’s knowledge of Kylo’s grandfather will send Kylo Ren around the galaxy learning about key moments in the life of Anakin Skywalker.

Great premise that feels flawed to me because many of the actions Kylo does throughout these issues feel out of character. Soule absolutely knows the characters of the original and prequel trilogies but seems disconnected with sequel-era characters. I really enjoyed the parts where Vaneé was explaining to Kylo Ren about Anakin’s inner turmoil at turning points of his life and how it led him to becoming Vader. But then how Kylo processes these revelations is where the stories loses me and doesn’t feel “accurate.”

Star Wars comics almost always deliver in the art department and this issue is no exception. There some really cool pieces and settings in this book. I especially liked the Naboo palaces in ruin and decay.

[FER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylo Ren has had quite the day. He just killed his mentor. Got bamboozled by his Uncle. The Girl™️ slammed the door closed on their Force Bond. And it turns out he isn't qualified for the job of Supreme Leader. He reverts to what he knows best - obsessing over his grandfather.

This read like A Christmas Carol. Vader's retainer, acting as the Ghost of Sith Lord's Past, takes Kylo on a nostalgia trip across the galaxy. Kylo learns a bit of Anakin lore and maybe gains some insight about himself after each stop. And kills a lot of locals. Leaning into that "kill it if you have to" pretty heavily.

Highlights for me were Kylo's reflections. The full spread of young Ben and his family. The single panel of The Last Jedi throne room fight as he ruminates on his desires. Acting as a double agent on Naboo was very surprising. And of course his Solo genes were on full display when he jumped in his cockpit and blew some things up.

I'm eager to see what's next on Kylo's Scrooge journey. Volume one ended on quite the cliffhanger.

[Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic start to this series. Charles Soule proves once again that he is an all-time great Star Wars writer. Its awesome to see Ren in his time as Supreme Leader, especially with the great artwork in this book. There were multiple panels that I paused to look at for a long time.

The pacing of this series is great, if almost a little too fast. I like that we never spent more than a couple issues on a planet. The conversations between Vanee and Kylo are great, and I really liked the arc on Tatooine. The issue set on Naboo where Kylo fakes being a resistance fighter was a bit silly, but was really the only down point of these first 6 issues.

The ending teases an excited next issue, and I can not wait to continue reading this series. I would recommend this to any Star Wars fan who wants to see more Kylo.

[Joey Nardinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t blame Soule for this, but I would have liked this a bit more if Kylo Ren weren’t such a whiny, crybaby poseur trying so hard to act like his perfect childhood didn’t totally undercut all of his current posturing. The stuff with him and Vaneé is fine, but when he’s interacting with Hux, the dialogue feels especially well-written. Some fun splash panels with action in segments through inserts, but there’s one on Mustafar where I actually could not, for the life of, determine the dialogue reading order. Also find it a little weird to be getting yet ANOTHER set of visits to Tatooine and Naboo, especially this new Naboo that’s fallen into decline via political infighting that ultimately warrants a little more exploration.

[Chandler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Kylo Ren story set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. The story deals with the character tension of Kylo Ren’s desire to abandon his past, but also his desire to be like Darth Vader. I thought this story provided a good bridge between the two films and captured his character well, though some of Soule’s dialogue for the character did not quite fit Adam Driver’s performance. Well paced, and provides great connections between the Sequel Trilogy and Prequel Trilogy. Curious to see what’s in store with the 2nd volume and if the quality stays consistent. I also enjoyed the artwork a lot!

[Cale · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, but Kylo Ren has never been an interesting character to me, and this book doesn't change that. Soule's writing is fine, but the episodic nature of the story means none of the situations or other characters gets much chance to develop. Vanee, who is set up as the catalyst for the story, comes across as obsequious. Ultimately, this feels a bit like a discarded Vader storyline, which may be kind of the point, but Ren's attitude just left me wishing it really were Vader, rather than a pale imitation.

[Raphael Muniz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quadrinhos de Star Wars, em geral, são uma grande bobajada. Aqui não é muito diferente, mas pra quem tem interesse no universo, como eu, até que foi um passatempo divertidinho. Agora, chega a ser meio engraçado como todo o aspecto de "garoto bad boy emburrado" que o Kylo Ren possui nos filmes é levado a um grau muito maior nesses quadrinhos.

[Martijn Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Star Wars comics leaving the space between 'Empire'& 'Return of the Jedi'. This new series focusses on Kylo Ren after defeating Luke Skywalker in 'The last Jedi' and being obsessed with killing the past. Overall this has a good setup, intresting characters and some great scenes with Kylo discovering more about Darth Vader.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25
This series really grew on me. Strong start, but the next three issues got worse and low key bad.

But 5 and 6 became excellent, building on those prior issues.

Some cool territory to explore here, if that can continue to do it well.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

did I just... care about Kylo Ren? setting this book between episode eight and nine, we get to look back into the past but also see a troubled young man build an empire, and I have to say that I'm fascinated.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yet again, SW is hidebound to the older better stories and incapable of creating new entertainment.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kylo Ren just doesn't make any sense as a character and I guess this is the series that will help to further explain why that is. Decent artwork.

[Keegan Schueler · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a guy who like doesn’t really like the sequels this was a pretty dope story to get and excited to see where next volume picks up at.

[Dominic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think this comic helps make the case that Ben should have been redeemed at the end of TROS. He's a petulant mass murderer.

[Mitchie Baudelaire]

Kylo my man, just be honest with yourself and whole galaxy for once: you are doing all of this only for Ray to see how tough and cool you are.
As for writing, Charles did it again. He always delivers.

[Jordan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

No, this isn’t some misunderstood masterpiece of the Star Wars mythos. It’s not even really that good. But, much like a gas station sandwich at 2 a.m., it somehow tastes better when you consider what else is available. Compared to the flaming wreckage of a lot of Disney-era canon, The Reign of Kylo Ren is… surprisingly okay?

Charles Soule takes us on a brisk, easily digestible stroll through Kylo Ren’s emo villain phase. The art across the four main issues is solid—stylish without being overly cluttered, and it manages to make Ben Solo look tragic instead of just constipated with rage. It’s readable, it’s coherent, and hey, in the modern Star Wars landscape, that’s apparently a small miracle.

Now, the biggest irony here? For a story supposedly about “killing the past,” Kylo spends a whole lot of time just listening to stories about the past. Flashbacks, legends, holocrons, mysterious old guys telling campfire tales—it’s less a character arc and more a guided museum tour of stuff that already happened. The plot leans so hard on previously told, better stories that it might as well be piggybacking them through the galaxy.

Still, there are a few bright moments. Seeing Vanee (yes, that creepy priest guy from Rogue One) slither back into the narrative is an unexpected treat. He’s still weird, still whispery, and somehow adds a sliver of gothic flair that momentarily distracts from the otherwise recycled material.

Kylo Ren isn’t original, it’s not deep, but it is competent. If you’re a diehard Kylo fan (do those actually exist?) or just want something that doesn’t completely fry your brain with lore contradictions, this comic may scratch a mild itch. Just don’t expect it to redefine the Force. Or even slightly bend it.

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was more fun that I thought it would be (although I will admit that the Free Comic Book Day sneak peak did give me some hope!). I wish we'd seen more of Kylo Ren's journey in visual media, but I'll take what I can get. Vaneé is a great character and instigator. Looking forward to the next volume.