Kylo Ren Continues to Yearn for More Past to Destroy in His Latest Comic Strip
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Kylo Ren's latest comic book series, titled "Legacy of Vader," is off to an intriguing start. Rather than being the main attraction as one would expect for the trilogy's antagonist, Kylo has been somewhat overshadowed, with the buzz surrounding the comic stemming not from his actions, but from those of his grandfather, Darth Vader.
This six-issue series, written by Charles Soule with art by Luke Ross, Nolan Woodard, and Joe Caramagna, begins with Kylo Ren still reeling from his humbling encounter with Luke Skywalker in "The Last Jedi." Filled with anger and frustration, Kylo's immediate reactions are to lash out at anyone and anything that dares to oppose him, rather than reflecting on his actions.
The comic series title, "Legacy of Vader," comes from Kylo's internal struggle to live up to the reputation of his grandfather. Namely, he is consumed with a desire to prove himself as the rightful heir to Darth Vader's throne, leading him to hunt down any remaining members of the Jedi Order, mimicking Darth Vader's post-Order 66 actions.
However, Kylo's quest for power and validation is temporarily stalled when he encounters Vanee, a former attendant of Vader, who's somehow survived the destruction of Mustafar. As a grim-looking, floating head implanted in a large cyborg body, Vanee serves as a reminder of the past Kylo desperately wants to forget.
As they explore Mustafar, Vanee tries to convince Kylo that embracing his past, rather than trying to erase it, is the key to finding true power. In doing so, she introduces Kylo to the idea that Darth Vader never truly let go of his humanity, despite his dark-side journey.
In the prior Star Wars comics, we've seen Anakin Skywalker's transformation into Darth Vader, bridging the gap between the two characters. "Legacy of Vader" explores this connection, suggesting that if Kylo emotionally engages with his past, he can access a wellspring of both strength and sentimentality.
As the comic series progresses, Kylo starts to understand that embracing his past will allow him to forge a unique identity of his own. However, the series protagonist may not be looking for internal growth, but rather supernatural power from channeling his anger and resentment.
Set between "The Last Jedi" and "The Rise of Skywalker," "Legacy of Vader" explores some of Star Wars' most captivating themes, like the balance between good and evil, and the need to embrace one's past instead of shying away from it.
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In a future issue of 'io9', predictions about the direction of Kylo Ren's character in 'Legacy of Vader' suggest that he may find power in embracing his past, much like his grandfather, Darth Vader. The advance technology showcased in the comic series, such as Vanee's cyborg body, reflects the futuristic nature of Star Wars technology.
