Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1! It’s almost impossible for Kylo Ren is Darth Vader’s grandson, making their connection even more pronounced. However, as similar as these two are, there is one major difference between them.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader will be set between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, and it will follow Kylo Ren as he explores the lost history of Darth Vader.

Enjoy the main and variant covers for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 by artists: Derrick Chew, Annie Wu, Erik M. Gist, John Giang, and Ramón Rosanas.

The architects of this new Star Wars era are Charles Soule, Marc Guggenheim, and Alex Segura, all of whom were interviewed on the YouTube channel Star Wars Explained, where they were asked about these books.

When Charles Soule was asked about Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, he had this to say:

Charles Soule: The way both Vader and Kylo present themselves to the galaxy, to the public, is very untouchable - unflappable - reserved. The difference between Vader and Kylo is that Vader did that because he successfully destroyed his emotions in many ways and he felt almost nothing until he understood that Luke existed. Kylo is still feeling all of it, he is very much in his feels I believe even though he's pretending he's not.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 by Charles Soule and Luke Ross is available February 5, 2025.

Star Wars Reveals the Biggest Difference Between Darth Vader & Kylo Ren

Darth Vader Feels Nothing, Kylo Ren Feels Everything

As Soule explained in the interview, the main difference between Darth Vader and Kylo Ren is that Darth Vader feels nothing while Kylo Ren feels everything. Vader succeeded in suppressing his emotions, using the pure hatred in his heart to fuel his power in the dark side. Vader doesn’t necessarily feel that hate, it’s simply all he is, and is the reason why he’s such a powerful Sith.

Kylo Ren, on the other hand, is ruled by his emotions, with anger being the one he feels the most - which is the source of his power in the dark side. Kylo acts like he doesn’t feel anything, presenting himself to the galaxy as Vader once did, but it’s all a facade. Every life he takes or society he destroys weighs heavy on his heart, which fills Kylo with shame and frustration, and only furthers his descent into the dark side.

The Difference Between Darth Vader & Kylo Ren Explains Their Redemption

Darth Vader & Kylo Ren Both Found Redemption, but in Completely Different Ways

This difference between Darth Vader and Kylo Ren perfectly explains their respective redemption stories. Vader only regained his ability to feel something other than numbing hatred after he learned that Luke was his son, and only found redemption when he saved his son’s life. Kylo Ren, however, was able to be convinced to return to the light by Rey and the memory of his father, Han Solo, as all he had to do was let go of the weight of the dark side and realize that his ability to feel was a gift, not a source of frustration and anger.

The fact that Charles Soule understands this difference between Darth Vader and Kylo Ren, while also addressing how the two are undeniably similar, proves that the future of Star Wars is in good hands, and that fans should be very excited about the chapters to come.

Source: Star Wars Explained/YouTube