Star Wars Finally Acknowledges Kylo Ren’s Crybaby Persona

Kylo Ren has faced continuous criticism from the Star Wars community, often branded as overly emotional, or a “crybaby.”Indeed, he embodies these traits, but the self-proclaimed successor to Darth Vader’s legacy is unlikely to openly acknowledge such perceived weaknesses. As a devotee of the dark side, displaying vulnerability goes against his character. Nevertheless, Kylo Ren does seem to resonate with the fans’ playful jabs regarding his emotional struggles.

Exploring Kylo Ren’s Struggles in “Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1”

In Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1, penned by Charles Soule and illustrated by Luke Ross, readers are taken on a journey just after the events of The Last Jedi. Now serving as the Supreme Leader of the First Order, Kylo Ren grapples with profound inner conflict. Lacking guidance from Snoke and reeling from Rey’s rejection and Luke’s triumph, he is driven by an urgent desire to sever ties with his troubled past and the weight of his lineage.

Kylo Ren threatens to kill Vader's past.

Despite his position of power, Kylo Ren is ensnared by memories of his family and the overshadowing legacy of his grandfather, Darth Vader. Caught in a storm of conflicting emotions, he candidly acknowledges the truth: he too is a crybaby.

Kylo Ren Embraces His Emotional Complexity

Kylo Ren’s self-awareness of his emotional fragility isn’t a new development. From his earliest appearances in The Force Awakens, he has been mindful of his turmoil. While he has long contended with the legacy of his family, his journey was further complicated by the manipulations of Palpatine, who led him to believe that following in Darth Vader’s footsteps was a path to power. Yet, beneath this facade lies a desire for genuine connection, posing an intense internal conflict as he grapples with the dark side’s allure and its emotional cost.

Interestingly, Kylo Ren’s emotional struggles mirror those of Anakin Skywalker, who was also a victim of Palpatine’s machinations. Anakin was tormented by his own allegiances and emotional conflicts, leading to moments of despair. As he transitioned into the persona of Darth Vader, he used his inner turmoil to fuel his wrath. It’s crucial to remember that the legacy of Darth Vader was birthed from profound grief; thus, it’s hardly surprising that Kylo Ren exhibits similar vulnerabilities.

Palpatine’s Preference for Emotional Apprentices

Emperor Palpatine has always sought a means to achieve immortality. To do this, he required a powerful apprentice—someone whose emotional instability could be exploited. The controversial strategy of using emotional turmoil was first showcased in the now-classic Star Wars: Dark Empire comic series and later reinforced in the narrative of Rise of Skywalker. Anakin Skywalker and Ben Solo were both chosen for their immense latent potential entwined with their emotional fragility.

Unlike more resolute Sith Lords, such as Count Dooku and Darth Maul, who possessed strong wills and concrete ambitions, Kylo Ren and Anakin were seen as more malleable. Anakin’s divided loyalties led him to emotional breakdowns, a vulnerability that Kylo Ren similarly grapples with. Ultimately, Kylo Ren’s struggle isn’t rooted in hatred for his family but rather in a profound resentment for the legacy thrust upon him, a nuance that Palpatine manipulates effectively.

In this complex web of emotions, it becomes apparent that Kylo Ren, much like his grandfather, fits the mold of a “crybaby”that Palpatine so eagerly seeks in an apprentice.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 is currently available from Marvel Comics, offering fans a deep dive into the psyche of one of the franchise’s most enigmatic characters.

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