Review: “Star Wars: Legacy of Vader” #1 – Kylo Ren’s Internal Struggle
“Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1” marks the beginning of Kylo Ren’s journey as he steps into his role as Supreme Leader following the events of “The Last Jedi.” With Supreme Leader Snoke dead, Kylo suddenly finds himself in power, yet he is more lost than ever. There is a massive power void to fill, and despite all his bravado, he struggles to figure out what kind of leader he should be. Without Snoke’s manipulations and guidance, Kylo is left to navigate his destiny alone. Looking for answers, Kylo turns to his grandfather, Darth Vader, for answers on he was able to rule the galaxy for so long. This issue gives us a fascinating glimpse into his psyche as he wrestles with uncertainty, rage, and the ever-present temptation of the dark side.
Written by Charles Soule with art by Luke Ross, the narrative follows Kylo Ren’s pilgrimage to Mustafar, where he seeks to uncover answers to his internal struggle within the walls of Fortress Vader. Upon his arrival, he is met by a pack of guards that decide they want to take him on. Kylo obliges. In what is probably the best page of the entire issue, Kylo swiftly deals with the pack of guards in true Kylo Ren fashion – a fit of rage.
Upon entering the castle, Kylo is met by Vaneé, Lord Vader’s long time servant. I think it is refreshing to see Vaneé, especially in this new form that has undoubtedly kept him alive. If you are a Futurama fan, then it may remind you of the preserved President heads in the Head Museum – at least that is what it reminded me of. Vaneé is able to sweet talk Kylo into letting him live and follow in his grandfather’s footstep by letting his emotional past drive his connection to the dark side of the force.
I find Soule’s writing compelling, offering a nuanced portrayal of Kylo Ren’s character. Luke Ross’s artwork complements the story beautifully, with creative visuals seeped in the black and red hues that are often associated with the dark side of the force. The depiction of Mustafar and Fortress Vader is particularly striking, immersing readers in the dark and foreboding atmosphere of these iconic locations. The artwork is truly one of the best parts of this issue.
In conclusion, “Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1” is a compelling read that offers a deeper understanding of Kylo Ren’s character and his struggle with his heritage. With its engaging narrative and stunning artwork, this issue sets a high standard for the series to follow.
Score: 8.5/10
If you are looking for a sneak peak of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #2, Mark Paniccia dropped a few panels on his X account.