Star Wars: Legacy of Vader has a truly unique concept. It’s a story that has its roots in the past, as it explores the shadow Darth Vader cast over the galaxy, and the future as Kylo Ren struggles to overcome the shackles of legacy. Part of Kylo’s quest sees him traveling to the planets that shaped Vader’s history, including Tatooine and Naboo. However, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #6 takes a strange turn as Vader’s servant Vanee seeks out a challenge for his new master. That challenge? A Jedi who survived Order 66.
This is a double-edged sword for so many reasons. On the one hand, the idea of Kylo Ren dueling a seasoned Jedi is an interesting story concept. But on the other hand, it feels like it lessens the impact of Order 66. Other Star Wars projects, particularly Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, are more or less built on the idea of Jedi who survived Order 66. After a while, there’s only so far this concept can take you.
What makes this story choice ring a little hollow is how Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #6 opens: Kylo has deployed the First Order to attack Corellia, the home planet of his father Han Solo. That should be a BIG deal, yet it’s over and done with in a matter of pages. With Kylo’s Tatooine and Naboo excursions taking place across two issues each, it feels like Charles Soule could have spent more time on what this raid means to Kylo, especially since he killed Han in cold blood during Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Marvel
Soule does do an excellent job crafting the uneasy dynamic between Kylo and General Hux. Hux, although uneasy around Kylo, is quick to remind him that the First Order works better together than apart. Kylo, for his part, is actually willing to hear Hux out (to a point). Soule crafts a chilling speech for Hux where he emphasizes the unity of the First Order; what makes it truly disturbing is the words Hux uses. If you listened to him and didn’t know who he represented, it’d sound like he was advocating for a truly righteous cause instead of a group of space fascists.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #6 also sees the return of Luke Ross to the title, and his work has never been more dynamic. Short as it is, the raid on Corellia is packed full of soaring ships and laser fights, echoing the best of the Star Wars movies. Later, Kylo and Vanee travel to a snow covered planet, with Kylo donning a fur covered black coat that makes him look like a goth skier. I also love that Ross makes Kylo’s new throne resemble Vader’s fortress on Mustafar, signaling that he won’t be able to escape his grandfather’s legacy that easily.
Nolan Woodard also keeps red as a prominent color throughout Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #6. It’s present in the hue of Kylo’s tie fighter. It’s in the background of his throne room. And it’s present in the crackling blade of his lightsaber. But the flashbacks to Vader’s past are also shrouded in red, as if to represent the blood he’s shed.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #6 launches a new story arc that treads very well-worn ground. This Jedi is going to have to do something special to stand out from the other Order 66 survivors if Legacy of Vader wants to continue being a standout Star Wars title.
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