For nearly half a century, Star Wars fans have known the Force as having two sides: the light and the dark. But a new comic series is shaking up that familiar terminology, thanks to the enigmatic Knights of Ren and their leader, Kylo Ren.
In Marvel's Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren, written by Charles Soule, the Knights of Ren refer to the light side as "The Shine" and the dark side as "The Shadow." The series also introduces a third term, "Radiant," used to describe a potential Force user. This fresh vocabulary adds a new layer to the mythology, offering a glimpse into how the Knights of Ren perceive the cosmic energy that binds the galaxy.
The comic bridges the gap between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, exploring a period of Kylo Ren's journey that the films largely skipped. The Knights of Ren, who were introduced with a striking visual presence but given little screen time, finally get their due. Fans who were disappointed by their underuse in the sequel trilogy will appreciate this deeper dive into their lore and their unique perspective on the Force.
This isn't the first time Star Wars has reimagined the Force's nomenclature. In Star Wars Rebels, the mysterious creature Bendu described the light side as "Ashla" and the dark side as "Bogan." More recently, The Acolyte—the unfairly canceled series—introduced "the thread," a term used by a coven of witches who saw the Force as a unifying connection rather than a duality. And with Ahsoka Season 2 expected to explore the Force's origins through the Mortis Gods, Lucasfilm is clearly committed to expanding the franchise's spiritual mythology.
These evolving names reflect a broader trend in Star Wars storytelling: moving beyond the simple binary of good versus evil. The Knights of Ren's terminology suggests a more nuanced, perhaps even pragmatic, understanding of the Force—one that could have implications for future stories.
For those eager to dive into this new chapter, Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren is available now at comic book retailers and digital platforms. It's a must-read for anyone fascinated by the dark side's inner workings.
As Star Wars continues to explore the Force's many facets, fans can also look forward to other exciting developments, such as Kirk's new look in the Star Trek Magic: The Gathering set and the long-awaited Halloweentown 5 at Disney+. The galaxy far, far away is just one of many universes expanding its horizons.
