Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1!It’s almost impossible forStar Warsfans not to compareDarth VaderandKylo Ren, as both were dark side students of Darth Sidious who kept the galaxy in check on behalf of their respective Empires with an iron fist. Not only that, butKylo Ren is Darth Vader’s grandson, making their connection even more pronounced. However, as similar as these two are, there is one major difference between them.
The canonStar Warscomics (published by Marvel Comics) is entering an all-new era, one that takes place immediately following the events ofReturn of the Jedi. At least, that’s when the new flagshipStar Warscomic series will take place, but there’s another upcoming series that is set a bit later in the timeline.Star Wars: Legacy of Vaderwill be set between the events ofThe Last JediandThe Rise of Skywalker, and it will follow Kylo Ren as he explores the lost history of Darth Vader.
Enjoy the main and variant covers forStar Wars: Legacy of Vader#1 by artists: Derrick Chew, Annie Wu, Erik M. Gist, John Giang, and Ramón Rosanas.
The architects of this newStar Warsera are Charles Soule, Marc Guggenheim, and Alex Segura, all of whom were interviewed on the YouTube channelStar Wars Explained, where they were asked about these upcoming books.
When Charles Soule was asked aboutStar Wars: Legacy of Vader, he had this to say:
Charles Soule: The way both Vader and Kylo present themselves to the galaxy, to the public, is very untouchable - unflappable - reserved. The difference between Vader and Kylo is that Vader did that because he successfully destroyed his emotions in many ways and he felt almost nothing until he understood that Luke existed. Kylo is still feeling all of it, he is very much in his feels I believe even though he’s pretending he’s not.
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1by Charles Soule and Luke Ross is available July 09, 2025.
Star Wars Reveals the Biggest Difference Between Darth Vader & Kylo Ren
Darth Vader Feels Nothing, Kylo Ren Feels Everything
As Soule explained in the interview, the main difference between Darth Vader and Kylo Ren is that Darth Vader feels nothing while Kylo Ren feels everything. Vader succeeded in suppressing his emotions, using the pure hatred in his heart to fuel his power in the dark side. Vader doesn’t necessarily feel that hate, it’s simply all he is, and is the reason why he’s such a powerful Sith.
Star Wars Writer Explains Why Kylo Ren’s New Series Is So Overdue: “The Films Only Give Us So Much”
Ahead of the upcoming “Legacy of Vader” comic series, author Charles Soule spoke about the importance of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Kylo Ren, on the other hand, is ruled by his emotions, with anger being the one he feels the most - which is the source of his power in the dark side. Kylo acts like he doesn’t feel anything, presenting himself to the galaxy as Vader once did, but it’s all a facade. Every life he takes or society he destroys weighs heavy on his heart, which fills Kylo with shame and frustration, and only furthers his descent into the dark side.
The Difference Between Darth Vader & Kylo Ren Explains Their Redemption
Darth Vader & Kylo Ren Both Found Redemption, but in Completely Different Ways
Thisdifference between Darth Vader and Kylo Renperfectly explains their respective redemption stories. Vader only regained his ability to feel something other than numbing hatred after he learned that Luke was his son, and only found redemption when he saved his son’s life. Kylo Ren, however, was able to be convinced to return to the light by Rey and the memory of his father, Han Solo, as all he had to do was let go of the weight of the dark side and realize that his ability to feel was a gift, not a source of frustration and anger.
Star Wars Writer Explains the Truth Behind Kylo Ren’s Most Iconic Line: “Let the Past Die. Kill If If You Have To.”
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader author Charles Soule explains the inner turmoil that motivated Kylo Ren’s infamous “let the past die” quote.
The fact that Charles Soule understands this difference betweenDarth VaderandKylo Ren, while also addressing how the two are undeniably similar, proves that the future ofStar Warsis in good hands, and that fans should be very excited about the chapters to come.
