Opinions on the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy vary widely among fans, but a common critique centers on the underutilization of the Knights of Ren. After their initial introduction in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Knights were notably absent from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. While they made a brief appearance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, they ultimately served as little more than silent accomplices to Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, dispatched seemingly with ease in the film’s climax. Their portrayal did not quite match the fierce reputation they had garnered among fans.
As is often the case in the expansive Star Wars universe, novels and comics are stepping in to illuminate the gaps left by the films. Enter Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, whose recent issue delves into the dynamics between Kylo Ren and his Knights, offering explanations for their limited screen time during the sequels. Read on for insights, but please be advised of full spoilers for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #8 ahead!
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Charles Soule, the writer behind Legacy of Vader, has been pivotal in expanding the lore of the Knights of Ren, having previously featured them in Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren (2019) and Star Wars (2020). The former series was instrumental in defining the identities and narrative roles of these enigmatic characters.
As detailed in The Rise of Kylo Ren, the Knights of Ren are characterized as a nomadic collective of mercenaries and treasure seekers who adhere to a philosophy of chaotic destruction known as The Ren. While they are adept in the Dark Side of the Force, most of them do not wield lightsabers, referring to the Dark Side as “the shadow.” During the original trilogy era and preceding the sequels, the group was led by a human male named Ren, who initially welcomed the fallen Ben Solo into their ranks, only for Ben to ultimately slay Ren and assume his position.
So, where were the Knights during The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi? The eighth issue of Legacy of Vader introduces Tava Ren, a new character who claims leadership of the Knights following their abandonment during a failed heist. In her quest for accountability, Tava probes into the group’s decline. The character Cardo recounts the Knights’ history post-The Rise of Kylo Ren.
Under Kylo Ren, the Knights initially enjoyed a freewheeling existence, terrorizing the galaxy at will. However, as Kylo’s demeanor darkened, their tasks grew increasingly violent, prompting the Knights to suspect external manipulation. Their fears were realized when Supreme Leader Snoke, accompanied by First Order troops, intervened.
Snoke declares that Kylo’s association with the Knights must come to an end, insisting that Ben Solo is destined for greater things. Despite Kylo’s willingness to eliminate his former allies, Snoke asserts that his own soldiers are capable of doing so.
Forced to abandon their previous lifestyle, the Knights became fugitives from the First Order. As the newly appointed leader, Tava finds herself in peril. Declaring her Knights as “broken,” she suggests plans for revitalization. Tava embarks to the First Order flagship The Finalizer to present her allegiance to the new Supreme Leader, perhaps with her own hidden agenda.
Future issues will likely explore how the reunion between Kylo Ren and his Knights unfolds. Based on franchise lore, it seems reasonable to speculate that Kylo will eliminate Tava and regain control. However, with Kylo grappling with significant emotional conflict, the potential for unforeseen consequences remains high. Future story arcs are anticipated to further develop the relationship between the Knights, Snoke, and the elusive Emperor Palpatine.
What are your thoughts on these new revelations? Are the Knights of Ren finally receiving the recognition they deserve in the expanded Star Wars universe? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.
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Based on reporting by Jesse Schedeen. Read the full story at IGN.