For a prequel, The Phantom Menace did little to suss out the origin or back story of the most electric of new characters introduced to audiences in 1999 — Darth Maul. From his terrifying facial tattoos and horns to the threatening double-bladed saber he wielded, fans were in part excited for the new chapter of Star Wars because of this mysterious Sith. So when he was quickly dispatched by apprentice Jedi Obi-Wan, many were left feeling disappointed, a condition that is common to the Star Wars fan. Remember what happened to fellow bad-a Boba Fett? (Death plunge into a Sarlacc Pit for a cheap comic bit. Disgusting).
The Expanded Universe gave us a few bits of Maul over the years — a Dark Horse Star Wars Infinity issue where Maul makes a miraculous return to take on Kenobi in the deserts of Tatooine being my favorite — but little has been done to really dive deeply into the ball of hate that drives this most-angry of Sith apprentices. Until now.
Star Wars: Darth Maul #1 is the first of five issues that should supply answers to many of the unknown questions raised by The Phantom Menace.
The issue sets up the overarching storyline, but starts with a great display of Maul’s inner dialogue while demonstrating his blood-lust. Hunting Rathtars with only a battle axe, he proves himself both cunning and brave. (Remember Rathtars? Han and Chewie were transporting these tentacled balls of razor-sharp teeth when they met Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens) Upon returning to Coruscant, he stalks a pair of young Jedi, who sense his cold, dark presence without being able to see him. In so doing, Maul risks being discovered and infuriates his master, the also unknown Darth Sidious.
After being put into his place, Maul is sent to handle a matter off planet (more pesky antics at the hands of the incompetent Neimoidians). What Maul discovers there he keeps secret and embarks on his own mission that may yield him the greatest prize of his existence—an apprentice of his own.
Writer Cullen Bunn does a very good job setting the tone for a serious mini-series. It was rewarding to read the inner-thoughts in Maul’s head as he passed through the story, all the hate-filled and Jedi-loathing goodness that I suspected were tumbling around between those nasty-looking skull horns. While it is too early to predict the outcome of the story, the set-up was very satisfying and seems to promise a dark, somewhat serious examination of Darth Maul’s experiences prior to being introduced to Qui-Gon Jinn on the burning sands of Tatooine.
The artwork and panels of the issue are very cinematic. The action is well represented and kinetic. My favorite part of the art was during Maul’s stalking of the Jedi. The panels jump around, adding a sense of confusion, but flash back to Maul every so often. They feel very hunt-like and threatening.
While I didn’t care for the small droid story at the end of the issue, I was very pleased to have picked of Darth Maul #1. I’ll wait eagerly for the next four issues. Hopefully, the bisected end that awaits Maul will at least have a satisfying lead-up.