Published Jun 15, 2026, 10:38 AM EDT
John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
The following contains major spoilers for Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #4, on sale now from Marvel Comics.
The Star Wars franchise just got a brand-new podracer, and he is absolutely the deadliest of all time.
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #4 (by Benjamin Percy, Madibek Musabekov, Luis Guerrero, and VC's Joe Caramagna) brings readers back to the world of Janix, where the epic podracing circuit known as the Star Gauntlet is underway. While lawman Brander Lawson is busy trying to get to the bottom of a shadowy conspiracy that cuts to the very heart of the event, Darth Maul is preparing to step into the race for himself, even if winning isn't exactly his highest priority.
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #4
- Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
- Art by MADIBEK MUSABEKOV
- Colors by LUIS GUERRERO
- Letters by VC's JOE CARAMAGNA
- Design by CARLOS LAO
- Main cover art by DERRICK CHEW
- Variant covers by AKA and RICKIE YAGAWA & TAMRA BONVILLAIN
The official solicit synopsis for Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #4 from Marvel Comics reads, "BLOOD GAMBLE! The STAR GAUNTLET — a deadly podrace that takes place in the streets of JANIX — draws thousands of spectators and gamblers from all over the galaxy. Fortunes are won and lost… and so are lives! In the midst of all this chaos, LAWSON uncovers a gambling conspiracy and casino heist that puts him on an unavoidable collision course with MAUL himself!"
Podracing's Significance in Star Wars, Explained
Podracing has been a part of the Star Wars universe ever since the pulse-pounding sport was introduced in 1999's Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. The classic prequel movie saw a young Anakin Skywalker partake in the Boonta Eve Classic, one of the most illustrious races the world of Tatooine has to offer.
In the years since, podracing has become its own minor phenomenon, largely thanks to the release of Star Wars Episode I: Racer, which was released the day before the movie made its way into theaters. The game gave players the chance to customize their own podracer and hit the track at blistering speed, although it would be nearly three decades before fans got a proper follow-up to the original.
In February, fans got their first look at Star Wars: Galactic Racer from developer Fuse Games and publisher Secret Mode, a brand-new podracing game that players have been waiting for in eager anticipation. Set against the backdrop of the Outer Rim, Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a frantic and frenetic experience that calls back to one of the most beloved eras in the entire franchise, albeit with its own updated stylings.
While podracing might be Darth Maul's latest venture, the year so far has been full of exciting developments for the iconic Star Wars villain. Not only has Maul taken center stage in his very own animated series, Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord, but he has led the charge to reclaim his former glory as one of the greatest crime lords in the entire Galaxy in the pages of Star Wars: Shadow of Maul.
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #4 from Marvel Comics is on sale now.
Comic Star Wars: Revelations
English (US) · 