Star Wars Author Unveils Meaning of Kylo Ren’s Iconic Quote: “Let the Past Die. Kill It If You Must.”

Renowned writer Charles Soule, a key figure in Marvel’s Star Wars comic series, has recently delved into the deeper meaning behind Kylo Ren’s notorious phrase, “let the past die; kill it if you have to,”from The Last Jedi. This line has sparked renewed interest in the character as Soule gears up for the release of the **Legacy of Vader** comic series.

In a recent interview with IGN, Soule revealed insights into his upcoming project, **Legacy of Vader**, illustrated by Luke Ross. The series seeks to explore the profound effects of Darth Vader on the next generation of Star Wars heroes, making it fitting that the story revolves around Ben Solo, the conflicted grandson of Anakin Skywalker.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader Variant Cover by Erik Gist

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader Variant Cover by Annie Wu

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader Variant Cover by John Giang

The **Legacy of Vader** promises to delve into Kylo Ren’s motivations and actions throughout the Sequel Trilogy. Soule’s commentary on the character’s “let the past die”statement sheds light on the thematic depth fans can anticipate in this adaptation.

Understanding Kylo Ren’s “Kill The Past”Quote

Insights from Charles Soule

Kylo Ren leading stormtroopers into battle in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

As per Soule, Kylo Ren—also known as Ben Solo—is a profoundly intricate character. His desire to sever ties with his heritage is matched by his ambition to transcend it, enhancing the character’s appeal as a lead in the series. The internal conflict manifests through his dishonesty about his feelings and motivations. As Soule articulates:

One of the key things to understand about Kylo is that he’s not particularly honest with himself. As I see his character, he’s big on grand pronouncements, big on posturing, big on trying to convince himself he feels a certain way, e.g. untouchable and all-powerful. In reality, though, he’s pretty lost. So while he’s telling himself he wants to kill his own past, part of him is also looking for any sort of guidance he can get. That sums up his feelings about his grandfather at this point – he’s conflicted.

Soule’s role as a writer is to navigate this complexity and develop Kylo further. Notably, while professing a desire to “kill his own past,”Kylo simultaneously idolizes Darth Vader, exemplified by his retention of Vader’s shattered helmet as a connection to the very legacy he claims to reject. This duality offers a rich narrative landscape for Charles Soule to explore, potentially reshaping fans’ perceptions of Kylo Ren.

Kylo Ren’s Intricate Legacy and Its Impact on Star Wars Fans

Throughout the Sequel Trilogy, various elements have sparked debate, with Kylo Ren emerging as a focal point of contention. His character represents a complex blend of his uncle Luke Skywalker’s and grandfather Darth Vader’s legacies, causing unease among long-time fans. This is particularly true for those familiar with Luke’s transformative journey in the original Expanded Universe, who see Ren as a representation of Luke’s perceived failures.

Articulating this complex history within expanded universe materials presents a unique challenge for writers. Although the story arc from start to finish is established, authors like Soule must extract emotional depth and drama from this predetermined path. However, the obstacles of character development can lead to significant narrative rewards, making **Legacy of Vader** a highly anticipated reading for Star Wars enthusiasts.

The Impact of Kylo Ren’s Comic Depictions on the Star Wars Universe

A Part of a Larger Narrative

Kylo Ren with cross-guard lightsaber in snowy forest in The Force Awakens

While Kylo Ren’s overall story arc may have concluded, his character development is still ripe for exploration. Numerous narratives remain to be crafted about him, allowing talented writers like Charles Soule to enrich his backstory and make it integral to the overarching Star Wars universe. With **Legacy of Vader**, Soule demonstrates a profound psychological understanding of Kylo Ren, indicating that the storyline is in capable hands.

Star Wars has played a pivotal role in shaping modern multimedia franchises, yet, it is evident that the Disney era has presented challenges in achieving cohesion across different platforms, diverging from the unified approach seen during the height of the Prequel Trilogy.

Source: IGN, Charles Soule Interview

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