The most unexpected new chapter in the Star Wars saga has finally reached its climax, taking the grandson of Anakin Skywalker into the darkest dungeons of Darth Vader’s fortress, to remake him in the Sith Lord’s image. Instead, fans may finally have their explanation for Ben Solo‘s return in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, only made possible by the death of Kylo Ren.
Star Wars ‘Kills’ The Kylo Ren Persona in New Rise of Skywalker Prequel
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #11 by Charles Soule, Luke Ross, Nolan Woodard
In the wake of his failure in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the lost Kylo Ren has been given a new, untold chapter in his canon story. Looking to investigate, uncover, and ultimately destroy the Legacy of Vader in the Marvel series, Kylo has nevertheless rewalked Anakin’s path into becoming the Sith Lord.
Most recently, bringing Kylo into the depths of his grandfather’s Mustafar fortress, and into the waiting and scheming hands of Vader’s attendant, Vaneé. At which point, things went horribly wrong.
After communing with the Force inside Darth Vader’s most top secret vault, Kylo was ambushed and wounded by what appeared to be a new, twisted form of Emperor Palpatine. Leaving the young man grievously wounded, Vaneé deposited his body into Vader’s bacta tank to begin the final step of this devious crucible. In his words, “Kylo Ren must die” to truly ascend and become the new embodiment of Darth Vader. Injecting Kylo with an unknown substance designed to do exactly that.
This Canon Change Might Completely Explain The Return of Ben Solo
Becoming Vader’s ‘True Heir’ Finally Scared Ben Solo Back To The Light
The full story has yet to be revealed, but already, writer Charles Soule has delivered yet another crucial piece of Ben Solo’s canon story. Having previously confirmed that, unlike Darth Vader, Ben Solo never fell to the dark side (but instead was forced into service by Palpatine, through Snoke), this new twist is laying the foundation for a distinct and dramatic shift in character for Kylo/Ben. On the surface, it means the end of his false or misguided beliefs as ‘Kylo Ren,’ leaving only Ben Solo behind. Going deeper, it connects the dots of his movie appearances for fans desiring a more complete, more satisfying arc.
To movie audiences who witnessed a desperate, and more-lost-than-ever Ben struggling with his future in The Rise of Skywalker, this new backstory offers all the explanation or context needed. In fact, the cover art depicting Darth Vader’s helmet being lowered onto a terrified Kylo carries all new meaning. As Vaneé did for his dark master, we now know he is forcibly placing the mantle of Vader onto his grandson (both literally and figuratively). Could that moment be horrifying enough to finally break Palpatine’s hold over Ben Solo?
Considering Kylo Ren has recently traveled to Jedi Heaven and reconnected with his forgiving master and uncle, Luke, he is primed for a reconsideration of his true path. As Luke noted in their reunion, even being able to reach the Netherworld of the Force is an arduous task. To have achieved it, even in his rage, means the power of the light side is still strong inside Ben. In the end, forcing Ben to retrace his grandfather’s own steps far too closely for comfort.
Whether this new change to the story is explicitly confirmed, or alters the odds of seeing the Hunt for Ben Solo movie resurrected, is anyone’s guess. For now fans can read the preview pages for themselves above, and see the entire story when Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #11 arrives on December 3, from Marvel Comics.
- Died
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Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise Of Skywalker
- Alliance
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Jedi, First Order
- Race
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Human