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STAR WARS: Legacy of Vader #1: “Kylo’s desire to finish what his grandfather Darth Vader started has led him down sinister paths: murdering his father, slaying his former master to supplant him as Supreme Leader, and attempting to decimate the remaining Resistance forces on Crait. Now, a volatile Kylo vows to continue to destroy the past at all costs. But in the process, he might discover that some parts of the past are not so easily killed….” Marvel Comics
Charles Soule (WRITER)
Luke Ross (ARTIST)
Nolan Woodard (COLORS)
VC’s Joe Caramagna (LETTERS)
Derrick Chew (COVER)
Let’s Start With the Story:
Matt: Charles is adding a lot of lore and depth to Kylo immediately in this issue. It has me immersed into this run right off the bat. Seeing Kylo struggle with his past and not understand why he cannot let go adds much-needed depth to his character.
Returning to Mustafar and going back to his roots is tying the legacy of the Skywalkers together very neatly. Getting to see Kylo with outward confidence and inward doubt is setting this story up to be very exciting. A welcome addition to the Star Wars series.
A NEW LEGACY!
Pad: If I’m being 100% honest, Charles Soule is adding some depth to a character that desperately needs it. Kylo started off as a compelling character (despite a rehashed backstory). There are only a few things anyone saw interesting about him. It was either the lightsaber or just how destructive he could be in those moments of rage.
Starting the series right after the end of The Last Jedi is a VERY interesting choice. It’s one that I did not see coming. I figured the story would be set before the events of The Force Awakens. It should have been AFTER Ben has already turned into Kylo). Seeing Kylo try to come to grips with his new responsibilities was big. Add that along with his loss at the hands of Luke & the Resistance, it was a very compelling read. Charles is really going to some places. He tells quite possibly the most interesting story of the Disney era of Star Wars.
Now For the Art:
Matt: Starting with the art done by Luke has done a tremendous job in detailing Kylo. We see the outward anger and frustration. The sadness and almost child-like innocence are drawn into his eyes and expressions. When it comes to the coloring, Nolan has that vibrant red of the lightsaber effects are done so vividly. It jumps from the page against the contrasting Mustafar landscape.
The inner panels that connect as Kylo is struggling. There are flashbacks to his unforgiving deeds. They are some of the best artwork in this issue and stand out to me a lot.
Pad: Outside the story, (cause I’ve never read a Charles Soule Star Wars story I didn’t love), the artwork pops. It is a standout feature of this issue. Ross does an immaculate job capturing the likeness of Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Mark Hamill and others from the films. It feels like he’s taken the text from scenes cut from The Rise of Skywalker and brought them to life. He also does a FANTASTIC job at illustrating just what goes through Kylo’s mind during those infamous fits of rage we see in the films. It is something I’ve been mildly curious about since 2015.
The color art by Nolan Woodard is also fantastic. It really gives the issue a dark and foreboding feel about the situation overall. And let’s face it, this isn’t supposed to be a happy go lucky story about hope and justice. It’s Kylo Ren exploring the not so colorful side of his family’s past. There’s going to be some dark secrets in that closet he’s going to find.
Overall Grade: 10/10
Matt: 10. Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 does a wonderful job tying the family connections of Kylo and Vader together. It adds depth to a conflicted character. The art and story combined show that this team has a deep understanding and appreciation of the story they are fleshing out. I am hooked and cannot wait to continue on this journey with Kylo!
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Pad: 10. Charles Soule & the entire creative team behind Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 do an incredible job. They flesh out one of the main characters that didn’t have a lot of depth to him (other than some angst and a lot of family issues). Soule continues his run as the best storyteller in Star Wars today. Paired with the artwork in this issue makes for an incredible combination. If this series is not in your pull list then it needs to be added ASAP. I cannot wait to see where this series goes next. I am hooked on this like you would not believe.
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