Few characters from theStar WarsLegends continuity command as much enduring affection and fan speculation asMara Jade(Skywalker). Her unique journey from Emperor’s Hand to Jedi Master and Luke Skywalker’s wife has made her an icon. Fans have long hoped for her reintroduction into the official canon, and recent developments in Marvel Comics’Star Wars: Legacy of Vaderseries are fueling this exciting possibility.
The buzz centers around Tava Ren, a mysterious new female leader of the Knights of Ren set to debut inStar Wars: Legacy of Vader#8.This ongoing series, written by Charles Soule with art by Luke Ross (and Stefano Raffaele contributing to later issues, including Tava Ren’s design), delves into Kylo Ren’s turbulent journey betweenStar Wars: The Last JediandStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Tava Ren’s striking appearance, particularly her visible long red hair on a variant cover preview,has immediately drawn comparisons to the beloved Legends character, sparking intense discussion among theStar Warsfaithful.
Star Wars: Legacy Of Vader, Written By Charles Soule With Art By Luke Ross
Tava Ren’s upcoming introduction as the new female leader of the Knights of Ren is a significant event. While her face is obscured by a mask, adhering to the Knights' aesthetic, her presence signals a fresh challenge for Kylo Ren.Her role as a prominent figure within the dark-side-aligned group draws immediate ties to certain aspects of Mara Jade’s Legends history.
What truly garners attention, however, isTava Ren’s distinctive long, flowing red hair, prominently displayed on the cover art forLegacy of Vader#8. This vibrant feature, combined with the fact thatshe uniquely wields her own red lightsaber, which is a rarity among the Knights as Kylo Ren is the only other member seen with a Sith blade, sets her apart and makes her an immediate focal point for fan theories.
These specific details, particularly her long red hair and her affiliation with a dark side organization, strongly echothe defining characteristics of Mara Jade.In Legends, Mara was famously known for her fiery red hair and her initial role as the Emperor’s Hand,a highly trained Force-sensitive operative carrying out Palpatine’s clandestine missions. This parallel is too striking for many to ignore.
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Mara Jade’s Legends backstory established her as a strong and complex character.She was orphaned and indoctrinated by Emperor Palpatine, serving as his personal assassin and spy.Her early life was steeped in the dark side, honing her skills in combat, espionage, and limited Force abilities, making her a dangerous opponent before her eventual change of heart.
Her most celebrated arc involved her dramatic transformation from Palpatine’s loyal agent,driven by a post-mortem command to kill Luke Skywalker, to becoming a pivotal ally, Jedi Knight, and ultimately Luke’s wife.This journey from dark to light, from assassin to hero, is considered a classic storyline among fans, as it was a nuanced character arc rarely seen in theStar Warsuniverse at the time.
The enduring popularity of Mara Jade has led to persistent calls for her reintroduction into the officialStar Warscanon.Even Timothy Zahn,Mara Jade’s creator, has expressed interest and pitched ideas for her return, though Lucasfilm has not yet debuted a canonical version. The potential for Tava Ren to be that version, or at least a strong homage, would be a monumental moment for the fandom.
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Bringing Mara Jade Into Current Canon Would Be A Wildly Popular Move
TheStar Wars: Legacy of Vaderseries is strategically set in the unexplored period betweenThe Last JediandThe Rise of Skywalker, a time ripe for character development and revelation for Kylo Ren. As the newly self-proclaimed Supreme Leader, Kylo’s intense preoccupation with his grandfather, Darth Vader, and his own dark legacy drives his actions. This internal struggle and external quest to solidify his powerprovide a fertile ground for new characters that are potentially tied to the Force or the galaxy’s hidden histories.
Kylo Ren’s exploration of his lineage,his attempts to “kill the past,“and his struggles with the pull of the light and dark sides could inadvertently lead him to figures who challenge his understanding of the Force or his place within the First Order.Introducing a character like Tava Ren, who is both a new leader among the Knights and a powerful Force-user with a red lightsaber, positions her as a significant player in Kylo’s unfolding destiny.
The deliberate hints, particularly the red hair and her unique position, strongly suggest thatLegacy of Vaderis teasing a direct introduction for or at least a spiritual successor to Mara Jade.
The mystery surrounding Tava Ren’s identity, whether she is a completely new character, a former Knight returning, or something more, is central to the speculation.The deliberate hints, particularly the red hair and her unique position, strongly suggest thatLegacy of Vaderis teasing a direct introduction for or at least a spiritual successor to Mara Jade.This would offer a fascinating way to acknowledge a beloved Legends character within the currentStar Warsframework.
AsStar Wars: Legacy of Vadercontinues to unfold, the true identity of Tava Ren and her impact on Kylo Ren’s story will be revealed. Whether she is indeeda canonical iteration of Mara Jadeor a new character designed to evoke her legacy, her presence promises to add intriguing layers to the Knights of Ren and the broaderStar Warssaga. The possibility ofMara Jade’sessence returning, even subtly through Kylo Ren’s journey, offers a tantalizing prospect for fans hoping to see an iconic figure once more play a role in a galaxy far, far away.
