The Fall of Kylo Ren #1 is the first issue of the miniseries that continues Kylo Ren’s story after Episode VIII and Legacy of Vader.
Pryde vs Hux
The story begins immediately with General Hux trying to force Admiral Pryde to follow his orders after their enemies manage to put up a fight. Only after the Supreme Leader arrives are they able to pull back and regroup.
Regardless of the situation, both are constantly going at each other’s throats. Always pointing at mistakes without assuming their respective blame. It reminds me of the rivalry that Kylo Ren and Hux had back when Snoke was still alive.
Both are very ambitious and probably capable (to a certain degree), but their desire for personal glory ends up helping their enemies.
This can be seen happening in multiple eras of Star Wars. A massive power with intentions to take over the galaxy is hurt by the constant internal conflict of its most powerful figures.
The problem with creating an empire filled with ambitious individuals is that they can’t put their interests aside for the benefit of the bigger picture.
As a result, the empire cannibalizes itself and eventually loses to a smaller, less powerful but completely united force.
It happened with the Dark Council in the Old Republic era; it happened with Marchion Ro’s Tempest Runners in the High Republic era; then within the ISB when the Galactic Empire took over, and now with Hux and Pryde during the First Order’s existence.
There are many more examples; this was just to mention how the same pattern repeats itself regardless of time period. As long as power is the price, huge empires will continue to suffer from this disease.
Yet another pair of incompetent villains
For some time, Star Wars portrayed The Galactic Empire and First Order as these massive powers where the two people at the top of the power ladder are almost unstoppable beings while everyone else is nothing but incompetent.
While I actually think that many real-world countries could fit this description, I’m a bit bothered by being surprised when someone who isn’t Darth Vader or Palpatine is an actual threat.
Star Wars Rebels helped with this issue by introducing Thrawn to the official canon, and more recently, Andor contributed with Dedra Meero.
For better or worse, they’re all still part of the Galactic Civil War era. Meaning that we’re yet to see someone that is remotely close to them in the sequel trilogy era.
Hux and Pryde are just another pair of high-ranking officers who are, so far, just as forgettable as Snoke. However, I expect that to change in the upcoming issues.
A very peculiar style
Each comic book artist has their own style. Every character they create must resemble the original version of said character while also having the essence of the artist. This gives every comic series something that makes it visually distinguishable from the rest.
For this series, I have mixed feelings about it. General Hux and Admiral Pryde look fantastic, but Kylo looks absolutely horrendous.
There are some instances where he doesn’t even look human. I can only think that this is a way to make Kylo Ren stand out from the rest, though that seems a bit unnecessary,
Aside from that specific choice, everything looks fantastic. The colors are vibrant, and the characters’ expressions are fantastic. It’s too soon to judge the story, but considering what happened in the previous story, The Legacy of Vader, I think it can lead to very interesting places.
Final thoughts
I think The Fall of Kylo Ren will also show us the fall of General Hux, from one of the top commanders in the First Order to a bitter spy who does it just for the sake of seeing Kylo Ren fail.
The last part of this issue shows us how Kylo Ren probably plays a big role in Hux’s betrayal, so it’s going to be very interesting how he is pushed to make that decision.
The Fall of Kylo Ren has a lot of potential, though I have concerns due to its duration. Especially because having 26 pages instead of 32 is very noticeable.
In other stories, that would be when the story is around the climax, but with The Fall of Kylo Ren it’s just over. I guess the rest of the story will determine if this is a good change or not.
Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren #1
Format
Comics
Publisher:
Marvel
RELEASED:
August 12, 2026
ISSUE:
#1 of 5
LENGTH:
26 pages
WRITER:
Charles Soule
COVER:
Will Sliney
For:
Fans of Kylo Ren
Similar:
Legacy of Vader
Strengths
Lots of action
Promises to answer a big question
Great coloring
Weaknesses
Shorter compared to other comics
Kylo Ren’s appearance is odd
Ratings
Final Verdict
3.6
Average of the first 5 Categories
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Plot summary (spoilers)
Kylo Ren returns “home” after the events that took place in The Legacy of Vader. To his surprise, the First Order fleet is being defeated by the people of Hetzal Prime. Hetzal Prime is mainly an agricultural world, meaning that most of its people are farmers, which makes this defeat an embarrassment.
Kylo Ren acknowledges that his absence has created discord among the ranks, from Stormtroopers to Generals. Specifically, General Hux and Admiral Pryde, who have tried to undermine each other for quite some time. Ren makes it very clear that they have to cooperate or risk suffering his wrath.
A new attack on Hetzal Prime takes place shortly after, this time led by the Supreme Leader himself. Despite Hetzal Prime being an agricultural world, they are prepared to defend their home against anyone.
General Hux trusts that this time, his Dreadnought will be able to pierce the defenses. However, the Dreadnought malfunctions and is unable to fire. They have to change plans, so Pryde suggests a risky plan that could work if executed properly. Since firing the Dreadnought is no longer an option, Ren authorizes Pryde’s plan.
The First Order manages to capture Hetzal Prime, a vital asset that will allow them to feed the army. As a result of this success, Ren promotes Pryde to Allegiant General. His new position grants him power over all military operations and units. He will answer only to Kylo Ren himself.
In a private meeting later that day, Kylo Ren and Pryde discuss the success of Pryde’s plan. To be precise, the Dreadnought’s sabotage and the precision of his squadron. With a single movement, they captured Hetzal Primer while also eliminating any divisions among the ranks. Or at least, that’s what they believe…
The refugees of Hetzal are now aboard what’s left of their fleet, homeless, sending messages in case there is anyone out there who can still help them. They received a signal from The Resistance, or whatever remains of it after the Battle of Crait.
