Throughout its run, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader has explored the pain that drives Kylo Ren’s self-destructive journey. What else would drive someone to follow in Darth Vader’s footsteps, other than a deep self-loathing and desire to know his place in the galaxy? This journey has brought Kylo to every planet that’s been touched by his grandfather’s shadow, and in Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #12, it ends in the bowels of Fortress Vader as Kylo finally comes face to face with Vader…or so it seems.
Considering Vader’s shadow has loomed large over this comic since its inception, it’s only fitting that it ends with him showing up. As if to emphasize how much of a hold Vader has over Kylo, Luke Ross draws the Dark Lord of the Sith as a towering figure, who berates Kylo about the nature of power. Even when Kylo shatters Vader’s helmet and tumbles inside, he finds himself in a battle with his grandfather – a moment that Ross gives extra detail, especially when Vader’s red blade meets Kylo’s crackling, fiery saber.
The shadow of Vader also literally looms over this book, due to Nolan Woodard’s color art. Woodard makes heavy use of blacks and reds, which is fitting given that Kylo and Vader harness the dark side of the Force; you’re basically required to wear all black and carry a red lightsaber, and it only shows how Vader has influenced Kylo’s path in life. Woodard’s colors even bleed into Joe Caramagna’s artwork, making Vader’s voice feel as imposing as it is in the movies.
Marvel
The real meat of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #12 lies in Charles Soule’s script, which finally peels away all the anger and desperation that Kylo has cloaked himself in, revealing Ben Solo. Having written the events that led to Ben taking on the mantle of Kylo Ren, Soule understands more than most what really drives him and what is stopping him from achieving his goal of ruling the galaxy. This becomes evident in a lightsaber duel that also doubles as therapy, resulting in a surprisingly heart-wrenching scene of Ben’s birth. It’s moments like these that underline the tragedy behind most of Star Wars’ great villains, as well as Soule’s ability to dig deep into the characters we know and love.
Yet as Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #12 came to a close, I found myself wanting more. Where does Kylo go after such a long and soul-searching journey? While I know the events of these series eventually lead into Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, it felt like there was more elements that could have been explored, particularly the reveal about the Knights of Ren or how the First Order operates under Kylo’s rule. Soule and Ross may have left room to explore, as a sentence hints that “Kylo Ren…will return”. What form that return might take remains to be seen.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #12 might end on a rather short note, but it accomplishes its goal of exploring what makes Kylo Ren tick, and how he’s both similar to yet utterly different from his grandfather. Hopefully this isn’t the last story set in this era, as I feel there’s more to be told.
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