‘Fall of Kylo Ren’ #1 Explains Everything ‘Rise of Skywalker’ Didn’t
The Fall of Kylo Ren: Comic Review – What Happens When the Villain Takes a Vacation?
The Big Picture: Where Does This Story Fit?
Imagine you’re watching a movie trilogy. The Last Jedi just ended, and The Rise of Skywalker hasn’t started yet. There’s a gap in the middle—and that’s exactly where this new comic series, "The Fall of Kylo Ren," lives.
Important Callout: This comic is the direct sequel to the earlier miniseries Kylo Ren: Legacy of Vader. If you missed that one, Kylo Ren basically went on a "Force sabbatical" (a solo spiritual trip) and disappeared for a while. Now he’s back—and things are a mess.
What’s the Story So Far? (ELI5 Version)
Think of the First Order (the bad guys) like a school without a principal. While Kylo Ren was away soul-searching:
- The generals started fighting each other instead of conquering the galaxy.
- Two top leaders—General Hux and General Pryde—became bitter rivals.
- Their armies even started wearing color-coded shoulder bands to show whose side they’re on:
- Red bands = Team Hux
- Gray bands = Team Pryde
It’s like a high school cafeteria split into cliques—except with star destroyers.
The Main Conflict: Hux vs. Pryde at Hetzal Prime
The Mission
Both generals are sent to Hetzal Prime—a peaceful farming planet that feeds the whole galaxy. Their job? Crush a rebellion. Easy, right?
The Twist
- Hux has a bold, modern plan.
- Pryde uses old-school spy tricks (sabotage, subterfuge).
- Pryde secretly breaks Hux’s main guns on the Finalizer (their flagship).
- Hux’s plan fails. Pryde "wins."
Key Insight: This isn’t just a battle—it’s a job interview for "Top General." And Kylo Ren is the hiring manager.
Kylo Ren’s Master Plan: Promote the Rival, Demote the Enemy
When Kylo returns, he doesn’t just fix things—he manipulates them.
| Action | Real Reason |
|---|---|
| Promotes Pryde to "Allegiant General" (a brand-new, super-high rank) | He hates Hux and wants him gone |
| Tells them to "work together" | He knows they won’t—and that’s the point |
| Uses Hetzal Prime as an excuse | Makes it look official, not personal |
This is the start of Hux’s betrayal arc—which we see pay off in The Rise of Skywalker when Hux helps the Resistance just to spite Kylo.
Cool Easter Eggs & Connections
1. Hetzal Prime Returns!
- First seen in The High Republic books (set 200+ years earlier).
- Still a galactic breadbasket—making food and medicine for everyone.
- Fun question: Why wasn’t this planet a battlefield in the Clone Wars or Galactic Civil War? It’s that important.
2. Planetary Shield Gate = Rogue One Callback
- Pryde mentions the Empire used one at Scarif (the Rogue One beach planet).
- Same tech, new era. Nice touch for longtime fans.
3. Kylo Talks to Vader’s Mask… Again
- The issue opens with Kylo speaking to Darth Vader’s melted helmet.
- Sets up the theme: "The Fall of Kylo Ren"—but what does that mean?
The Big Mystery: What Does "The Fall" Actually Mean?
By The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo seems stronger than ever:
- He has the Knights of Ren back.
- The First Order is massive and terrifying.
- He looks confident, not falling.
So… what "fall" is this comic showing?
Possible Answers:
- Internal doubt – He’s secretly unsure about being a tyrant.
- Ben Solo is leaking through – The good guy inside never really died.
- A conversation with Luke – Maybe we’ll see a Force ghost chat? (The reviewer hopes so!)
Writer Charles Soule has a track record of deep, surprising Kylo stories. Whatever happens, it won’t be simple.
Summary: Should You Read It?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Explains the Hux/Pryde rivalry perfectly | Less "Force mysticism" than Legacy of Vader |
| Great character moments for Kylo, Hux, Pryde | Hetzal Prime’s importance feels a bit too convenient |
| Fun lore connections (High Republic, Rogue One) | |
| Sets up Hux’s betrayal logically | |
| Beautiful art by Phil Noto (cover) and team |
Final Rating: 7/10 — A strong start that fixes movie plot holes while telling a juicy political thriller.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Do I need to read Legacy of Vader first?
Yes, ideally. This picks up right after it. You’ll understand why Kylo was gone and why he’s back.
2. Is this canon?
Absolutely. Marvel’s Star Wars comics are official Lucasfilm canon—same level as the movies and shows.
3. When does this take place exactly?
Between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker—roughly one year after Kylo kills Snoke.
4. Why is Hetzal Prime such a big deal?
It’s the galaxy’s grocery store. If it falls, people starve. That makes it a strategic goldmine—yet it’s barely mentioned in other eras. A bit suspicious!
5. Will Kylo actually "fall" in this series?
That’s the million-credit question. The title suggests yes—but in Episode IX, he’s at his peak. The "fall" might be emotional, spiritual, or hidden. We’ll have to read on to find out.
Final Thought: The Fall of Kylo Ren isn’t just about lightsabers and space battles—it’s about power, pride, and what happens when a villain’s mask starts to crack. If you love Star Wars politics and character drama, this one’s for you.