Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 – Power

Kylo Ren has been missing from the First Order. Now taking on the title of Supreme Leader he must return and bring order. But can Kylo handle the mental struggles of his past conflicting with his future…?

Creative Team

Charles Soule (Writer), Will Sliney (Artist), Guru-eFX (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

Mikey J. Basso (Assistant Editor), Mark Paniccia (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Power

Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren is a new series written by Charles Soule. Fans of Star Wars comic books know that Charles is no stranger to scripting amazing stories! This debut issue seems like a regular walk in the park for him. Giving readers an in depth look into the mental struggles that Kylo Ren is dealing with, along with the First Order being torn apart from the inside out. There is a new weight that has also been added to the shoulders of Kylo, being the new Supreme Leader.

This first issue starts off focusing on Kylo after he becomes the new Supreme Leader. Now during this time he (Kylo) is not with the First Order. He is off somewhere in the galaxy. Now, as he makes his way back to the First Order is when readers will get to see a vulnerable Kylo. Similar to the film adaptation of him struggling between the light and dark side of the force. But in this instance he is struggling with the skeletons of his past and how they may effect his future. This is something I know for a fact people will resonate with. Which makes this portion of the story very impactful.

Another portion of this story deals with how the First Order is operating with the absence of Kylo. There are two “acting” leaders who come from two very different backgrounds as well as thinking styles. Which leads to failures in battles that shouldn’t have been a struggle at all. That is until the Supreme Leader arrives and places every individual in the First Order in check. The way Kylo interacts with the two leaders is phenomenal! Somber dialogue that makes subtle peaks in aggression in order to get his point across to them. And like a true leader, Kylo makes sure to take some of the blame for the state of the First Order. But also grills the two leaders to get their acts together. This hits on some major leadership traits that I was not expecting to realize while reading this issue.

The final portion of this first issue focuses on Kylo having a deep conversation with the “spirit” of his grandfather. This conversation is more like a vow. Kylo is not going to let his past corrupt or dictate his future. He is the Supreme Leader and he will lead the First Order into becoming the sole power of the galaxy. This is when the “spirit” shares a bone chilling message to Kylo. I believe Kylo is going to hold on to his past and it will effect his leadership of the First Order. That is, if he has any of his grandfather within him…

The Writing

Charles Soule tells Star Wars stories so elegantly. This story stays within a somber yet angry tone throughout the issue. Giving plenty of focus on the struggles of the title character. Giving him this new highly regarded title and responsibility and making readers believe that he can handle it is poetic. The narration within this issue is very descriptive leaving ultimately no gaps that need to be filled right this moment. The dialogue between characters carries the right amount of passion and aggression that is expected given the settings they are used in. I am a fan of Charles Soule’s writing, and I cannot wait for the next issue of this series.

The Artwork

Will Sliney and Guru-eFX present a visual for this issue that is stunning. The pencil work within this issue is smooth and defined. Adding a different tone and texture for the eye to see. The coloration sets the visual tone for the story based off of the script, dark and mysterious. The art makes you feel the mental discomfort from Kylo as well as the outlandish disappointment regarding his leaders. The attention to details within the panels is astonishing! Facial expressions within this issue are quite possibly the best I’ve ever seen. Battle scenes are displayed in iconic Star Wars lore. Amazing work!

Variant Covers

Final Thoughts

I love everything about this first issue! The character development of Kylo fulling taking over as Supreme Leader while trying to bury his past is so compelling. Making his grand appearance and laying down the “Kylo Ren” law to the First Order will make you want to jump to attention and join his forces. Stellar storytelling combined with exceptional artwork makes this a must have for Star Wars fans. Do not miss out on this new series! Make sure you pick up this debut issue from your local comic book shop today!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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