Comic Review: Legacy of Vader #9

Clashing in a blaze of fiery sparks, lightsabers crossed between them, Kylo Ren faces Tava Ren in a brilliant duel on Chew’s direct cover. It’s bold, dramatic, and there’s so much detail across these armoured warriors. Armour also features heavily in Yu’s variant as Tava fights off several stormtroopers, tying into a key moment for Legacy of Vader #9. Meanwhile Godtail’s variant solely focuses on Kylo in a dynamic composition that’s very eye-catching with its contrasting blue and red lighting.

Kylo Ren once led the Knights of Ren, raiding and pillaging across the galaxy. But then he betrayed them to serve at Supreme Leader Snoke’s side, allowing the First Order to attempt to hunt them down. They survived – but were lost. Now they have a new leader, Tava Ren, who wishes to return them to their former glory. And to do that she intends to face off against Kylo Ren to gain revenge for her warriors…

After revealing how Kylo betrayed the Knights of Ren in the previous issue, leaving them behind for the First Order, Legacy of Vader #9 builds on this hatred. It helps to explain why the Knights were so willing to try and kill Ben Solo at the end of Episode IX. It’s revenge. Revenge against the leader who abandoned them and left them for dead. So, it’s very surprising that the Night Buzzard is allowed to dock aboard the Finalizer.

Kylo states that the Knights of Ren mean nothing to him, even though he still carries the name. Yet he waits for them to appear at the docking ramp and gets a surprise – Tava. After duelling first, asking questions later, the two come to a tense truce. And then we get to glimpse a First Order dining room. Obviously, the officers must eat somewhere, but it’s surprising to see how normal this space is upon a Star Destroyer. Even while eating a luxurious meal, neither are letting down their guard, and you can see both of their lightsabers conveniently within arm’s reach on the table.

After being deserted by Kylo and nearly killed under Snoke’s orders, the Knights of Ren had gone into hiding. They were reduced from feared assassins and treasure hunters to thugs taking jobs from the galaxy’s underworld. That’s how Tava ended up as their new leader, rescuing them after a job went wrong. She’s clearly ruthless and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. There’s an edge to Tava and Soule hasn’t shied away from writing her character as a tad psychotic. Throughout her conversation with Kylo it feels like one wrong move could easily tip Tava over the edge.

It almost seems like that’s what she wants though. She’s taunting Kylo Ren about everything he’s lost, the freedom he sacrificed to serve the First Order. And it is certainly true that Kylo doesn’t truly want the leadership position he now finds himself in. I’ve mentioned before in previous reviews that Kylo doesn’t care about the First Order or what would be beneficial for the regime. It’s one of the reasons he clashes with General Hux so often. He has an entire army, a multitude of resources, yet no clear vision or goals. Except for Rey.

When Tava tries seduction, it backfires spectacularly. Ren forces her away and immediately places a death mark on her head. There’s only one scavenger he wants in the entire galaxy and he’s still trying to find her. It highlights how Rey is always on his mind, and he’s dedicated to her even while she’s on the run.

Tava barely manages to escape, utilising all her skill in the Shadow as the Knights of Ren like to call it (a weaker form of the Dark side). It’s still an impressive amount of power though, and Raffaele packs the action scenes with entire garrisons of stormtroopers. Then, inexplicably, Kylo lets her escape into hyperspace, even though the Finalizer could have easily blasted the ship into atoms. Why does he let her live?

It’s an odd decision considering he placed a death mark on her head. Hux’s surprised expression, perfectly drawn by Raffaele, only drives the moment home. But it could be a move on the board for a longer game. As the Knights of Ren have been in hiding for so long, this provides an opportunity for Kylo to find them again. So, it could be he plans to track the ship instead – these events are set after The Last Jedi, so the First Order have hyperspace tracking now.

Legacy of Vader #9 explores Tava’s character in greater depth, really fleshing out her backstory and hinting at her motives. She’s an extremely interesting side character and it will be exciting to see where Soule will take her story. I also really like how in theory, Tava is someone who Kylo could connect with, but he’s so obsessed with Rey that he rejects Tava without a second thought. He’s really embracing the idea of a man who yearns for his lost love. Next issue sees another return to Mustafar as Kylo explores deeper within Vader’s Castle.

Availability;

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader is an ongoing series published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $4.99 and is available online from Amazon (comiXology) and your local comic book store.