Star Wars Reveals: Kylo Ren’s Lack of Knowledge About Darth Vader

Warning: Spoilers for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1

Throughout the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Kylo Ren’s unwavering fixation on his grandfather, Darth Vader, is evident. He strives to “let the past die, ”a philosophy that starkly contrasts with the histories of both Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader, highlighting Kylo Ren’s fundamental misunderstandings about his lineage.

In the inaugural issue of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader by Charles Soule and Luke Ross, it becomes clear that Kylo Ren diverges significantly from the legacy he idolizes.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 comic cover

The narrative suggests that Kylo Ren’s inner conflict and inability to transcend his turmoil will ultimately lead him to a dead end.

Kylo Ren and Darth Vader: A Study in Contrasts

Insights from Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1

From the onset, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 highlights a critical distinction in how Kylo Ren addresses his subordinates. Rather than acknowledging his army, he eclipses their presence with his obsession for power and self-aggrandizement. This behavior reveals his volatility, which manifests as he allows his rage to dictate his actions throughout the comic.

In contrast to Kylo Ren’s tumultuous displays, Darth Vader, despite his notorious actions and inflicting pain upon innocents, wielded his authority with a commanding presence. Vader’s speeches to his troops were delivered with an air of gravitas, reminiscent of a political figure rather than that of a petulant child. He possessed Anakin Skywalker’s historical prowess and strategic brilliance, traits honed as a revered General during the Clone Wars. Vader may insist that Anakin is deceased, yet the remnants of a dignified leader persist within him.

The Divergence: Embracing the Past vs. Rejecting It

The Stark Difference Between Grandfather and Grandson

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 cover featuring Kylo Ren igniting his unstable red lightsaber.

Throughout the comic, Kylo Ren’s repeated attempts to erase his past serve as a poignant commentary on his internal conflict. He conjures memories of his family, only to disavow them in a futile struggle for self-identity. Ironically, while he seeks to obliterate his familial ties, he remains fixated on mimicking Darth Vader. This contradiction underscores his confusion about his heritage and his quest for singular power in the galaxy.

Conversely, Anakin Skywalker could not sever his emotional connections. He endured the agony of losing his mother and the forbidden love he shared with Padmé, which ultimately led to their secret union and offspring. The narrative of the Clone Wars meticulously illustrates Anakin’s strong bond with his padawan, Ahsoka Tano, and his camaraderie with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin cherished his Clone Troopers and prioritized their safety during conflicts. Here lies the story of a man whose profound capacity for love ultimately precipitated his catastrophic fall.

Even upon transforming into Darth Vader, Anakin’s emotional ties lingered. He did not annihilate the sentiments and memories that defined him, even if he professed otherwise. Vader’s profound capabilities for love were both his strength and his undoing. Had Kylo Ren comprehended Anakin Skywalker’s legacy, he would recognize that it was Anakin’s emotional depth and connection to his past that led him down the path of darkness, culminating in countless iconic moments within the Star Wars saga.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 is now available from Marvel Comics.

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