Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #8

Kylo Ren was the primary antagonist of Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, leading the First Order and eventually becoming Supreme Leader. However, a new and canonical comic has confirmed that Darth Vader’s grandson was not nearly as well-known as Vader himself.

In Legacy of Vader #8 by Charles Soule and Stefano Raffaele, Star Wars reveals the whereabouts of the Knights of Ren between The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker, while also explaining their absence from the first two sequel movies. Furthermore, the new issue implies a surprising truth about Kylo Ren and his notoriety across the galaxy far, far away.

Kylo Ren Might Have Been The Supreme Leader, But He Was Still An Unknown

In this new issue, Tava Ren makes her Star Wars debut, a new dark side warrior revealed to have led the Knights after Kylo Ren abandoned them on the orders of Supreme Leader Snoke (before the events of The Force Awakens).

Unable to comprehend why the Knights are in such a diminished state following a botched mission where they all retreated, Tava Ren questions what happened to them, only to express confusion about the name Kylo Ren, as she’s apparently never heard of him before.

Bearing in mind that this issue takes place not long after Kylo Ren has become the new Supreme Leader after killing Snoke in The Last Jedi, it’s quite surprising that Tava has not already heard of the powerful leader who not only once led her Knights, but is actively taking control of the entire galaxy with an iron fist.

While we don’t yet know Tava Ren’s full history, her unfamiliarity with Kylo Ren at this point in the Star Wars timeline suggests some galaxy-wide ambiguity regarding how well-known Kylo Ren actually was during the sequels.

Darth Vader Was Far More Infamous Than His Grandson

While it may seem surprising, it actually makes sense that Darth Vader would be far more infamous and well-known than his grandson, if only due to timing. Despite being in very similar positions with the Empire and First Order, respectively, Darth Vader was Emperor Palpatine’s Sith apprentice and primary enforcer for over two decades before he met his demise.

Conversely, the events of the sequel trilogy in its entirety are far more brief, with Kylo Ren only coming onto the scene right before The Force Awakens and subsequently being redeemed all within the span of a single year.

Combined with the sheer vastness of the galaxy, it makes sense that individuals within the First Order, like Kylo Ren, weren’t as well known, resulting in rivals like Tava not knowing who he was (though she certainly knows who he is now).

As such, it’s going to be fascinating to see how the new Supreme Leader regains control of his Knights in future issues ahead of Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #8 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.

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  Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader

  Created By

  George Lucas

  Franchise

  Star Wars

  Died

  Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi

  Race

  Human

  Movies

  Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

  TV Shows

  Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Ahsoka

  Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.

  
  

  
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  Ben Solo/Kylo Ren

  Created By

  J.J. Abrams, Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan

  Franchise

  Star Wars

  Died

  Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise Of Skywalker

  Race

  Human

  Movies

  Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise of Skywalker

  TV Shows

  Star Wars: Resistance

  The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben was manipulated by Palpatine through the Force for most of his life, influenced toward the dark side of the Force. A misstep by Luke Skywalker ultimately left Ben feeling he had no choice but to embrace the dark side, and he became Kylo Ren, a key figure in the First Order. Kylo Ren’s heart remained deeply divided, however, even after he ascended to become Supreme Leader of the First Order. He was ultimately redeemed by Rey, with whom he shared a remarkable Force bond, and by the love of his parents.

  
  

  
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