'Star Wars' spin-off proved the movies screwed up with Kylo Ren

Jan 03, 2026

After 10 years, it has become clear that theStar Warssequels are some of the most controversial films in the entire franchise. Now there is something that makes them even worse.

Essentially, the key problem with the new trilogy is what it didn't do. With that in mind, it's quite remarkable that some of the best depth of Kylo Ren's character has been explored in comics, particularly in theLegacy of Vaderline.

Vader's Legacy is better than the movies

The canonical Marvel comic book line created by Charles Soule has quietly become one of the franchise's strongest stories in recent years. The action takes place between the filmsThe Last JediandThe Rise of Skywalker. Sunrise.

The story focuses on the inner torment of Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and his determination to put an end to his past. He seeks to gain the same power that his grandfather held by exploring Anakin Skywalker's past as a Jedi and as Darth Vader.

Kylo Ren visits key planets such as Mustafar, Naboo and Tatooine, following in his grandfather's footsteps. We also see a full conversation with the ghost of Luke Skywalker in the afterlife known as the Force Nether.

Essentially, all of these conversations, visions and confrontations in Vader's Legacy are valuable in understanding the character of Ben Solo and his conflicted identity as Kylo Ren. This adds important emotional context, making his redemption in episode nine that much more meaningful. If you watch only movies, the significance of the moment is reduced.

Canonical Star Wars comics revealed Kylo Ren better than the films

This isn't the first time comics have surpassed feature-length projects for Kylo Ren.The 2019 mini-line The Rise of Kylo Ren (also from Soul) proved how little fans understand about Ben Solo's fall to the dark side.

Vader's Legacy continues to explore the antagonist, solidifying the image of Kylo Ren as one of the most tragic figures in the galaxy. This may even make him one of the best Star Wars characters.

It's especially sad that Disney executives rejected Adam Driver's proposal to make a film about Ben Solo. After all, the emotional basis for a story like this already exists in comics.