WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #4

A dark shadow has fallen over one of the Star Wars saga's most iconic and peaceful planets. In the latest comic release, Naboo, a world synonymous with grace and democracy, finds itself under an unprecedented and tyrannical rule that mocks the enduring legacy of Pé Amidala. What’s worse is that Naboo’s defilement comes from a descendent of Pé herself.

In Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #4, written by Charles Soule with art by Stefano Raffaele, Kylo Ren audaciously declares himself the sovereign ruler of Naboo after interpreting Vader’s connection with the planet in his own twisted way. He chillingly announces, “I am your King,” to the people of Naboo, shattering centuries of peaceful, elected governance.

This brazen act not only has the potential to usher in a new era of oppression for the planet (should Kylo succeed), but also fundamentally disrespects the democratic ideals championed by Naboo’s former Queen and senator Pé Amidala, threatening to erase her profound legacy and the very spirit of Naboo.

Pé Amidala’s Enduring Legacy Is Directly Undermined By Her Grandson’s Authoritarian Takeover

Star Wars: The Legacy Of Vader, Written By Charles Soule With Art By Stefano Raffaele

Kylo Ren’s declaration of himself as Naboo’s self-appointed king delivers a direct blow to the memory and legacy of his grandmother, Pé Amidala. Pé, who rose from Queen of Naboo to a respected Senator, dedicated her life to upholding democratic values, fighting against corruption, and championing the rights of the common people. Her story is intrinsically linked to Naboo's freedom and its resistance against oppressive forces, particularly the Trade Federation's blockade. Kylo Ren’s tyrannical takeover, which seeks to extinguish the very democratic flame Pé ignited, is a cynical attempt to erase her enduring impact.

By moving to impose himself as an absolute monarch, Kylo systematically dismantles the principles Pé lived and died for: self-determination, peace, and the power of a united populace. This act is not just about political control; it’s about a symbolic erasure, an attempt to rewrite Naboo's history and sever its ties to a past defined by courage and liberty. The very idea of a self-declared, authoritarian “king” on Naboo is an insult to the memory of its true queens and the democratic ideals they so fiercely protected, serving as a chilling reminder of how easily hard-won freedoms can be overthrown by unchecked power.

Kylo Ren's Declaration Shows A Completed Disregard For Naboo's Peaceful Heritage

In Seeking To "Kill The Past," Kylo Ren Disrespects Not Only His Grandparents, But His Entire Family

Kylo Ren’s power grab for his own distorted reasons is a violent ideological conquest. For generations, Naboo has stood as a beacon of democratic principles within the Galactic Republic, and later, the New Republic. Its rulers were chosen by their people, embodying a commitment to peace, diplomacy, and the welfare of their citizens. Kylo Ren’s authoritarian move is in stark opposition to this tradition. He doesn't seek election or popular mandate; he demands fealty, a departure from the planet's history of graceful transitions of power and representative governance.

For generations, Naboo has stood as a beacon of democratic principles within the Galactic Republic, and later, the New Republic.

This act of raw, unadulterated force fundamentally corrupts the essence of Naboo, attempting to strip away its sovereignty to replace it with the iron fist of the First Order. Kylo Ren’s logic and resulting actions reflect a deep-seated contempt for established order and the will of the people, aiming to impose his vision of absolute control over a world that has always valued self-determination. This move to seize power underscores the First Order's brutal philosophy, a stark contrast to the elegant and peaceful diplomacy that has historically defined Naboo.

Kylo Ren’s shocking declaration as the “King of Naboo” is more than a simple plot point; it’s a thematic earthquake that shakes the foundations of a beloved Star Wars world and illustrates more than ever that he does not understand, respect, or care about the people and traditions that created him. By usurping power and discarding centuries of democratic tradition, Kylo not only seeks to subjugate Naboo but also aims a direct, painful blow at the enduring legacy of his own grandmother, Pe Amidala, whose fight for freedom now faces its ultimate test.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #4 is available now.