Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #11 (Marvel)
Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 11th issue of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader from Marvel Comics!
Kylo Ren has assumed the mantel of Supreme Leader of The First Order after he has killed Snoke back during the events of The Last Jedi. Since then he’s been on a journey of discovery and exploration looking into the past of his grandfather, Darth Vader. It’s lead him from Tatooine to Naboo & now to one of the most important planets in the story of Vader…Mustafar. So just what secrets await Ren in the bowls of Vaders castle? Let’s jump into it!
Credit: Marvel Comics // Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #11 by Charles Soule (Writer), Luke Ross (Artist), Nolan Woodard (Color Artist), VC’s Joe Caramanga (Letterer) & Derrick Chew (Cover Artist) is a fascinating issue that gives us an incredible look at Kylo Ren with what we know now.
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
The Story
Charles Soule really is one of the best authors in all of Star Wars right now. I know I’ve said that a lot, but this issue really is another reason that cements just how good he is. He’s been able to take a character like Kylo Ren that most everyone has an opinion on, and provide a really unique perspective on just what makes him tick and explore some of his motivations.
The issue picks up right where the last one left off, and that’s with Kylo recovering in a bacta tank in Vader’s castle on Mustafar. He’s then injected with some sort of substance into his neck, and the next thing he knows he’s tied down to a table and getting Darth Vader’s mask forced onto his head. It’s wild couple of panels, but given Kylo’s fascination with all things Vader it’s not entirely surprising.
He then goes through a gauntlet like journey through the depths of the castle, just trying to survive. All the while it’s being narrated by Vanee who appears to have a greater interest in this journey then simply teaching Kylo. It should be noted that I’m fairly certain this whole sequence is taking place in Kylo Ren’s mind as a result of whatever was injected into him. Mainly because he has way more scars than I remember him having in the films, especially in his face.
The issue also has a fascinating ending, that is sure to leave fans speculating what will happen in the next issue. I’m guessing a battle between Vader & Kylo on an astral like plane in the Force. Kind of like what we saw in the Ahsoka series on Disney+.
The Artwork
Luke Ross & Nolan Woodard did a phenomenal job with the art on the issue. I really liked the way the colors in the issue and the way they were able to give it a suspenseful look while also keeping up the intensity you would expect from Mustafar/Vader’s castle. Also as fan, seeing the Vader helmet ON Kylo Ren was a really cool visual to see.
FINAL POINT: Charles Soule continues to deliver with one of the best Star Wars comics of the decade, and together with tremendous artwork that is stunning to look at. this is an issue (and a series) you do NOT want to miss!
Overall Grade: 9.0/10
Thank you for taking the time to check out my review. Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter, and let me know what you thought of the issue!
