Annie Banks is a Rotten Tomatoes–approved critic, and CBR editor and writer specializing in anime, comics, and superheroes. Their work has also appeared in Collider and The Mary Sue, where they covered pop culture, fandoms, and entertainment trends. A lifelong fan whose love for storytelling began with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Annie blends critical insight with genuine passion for geek culture, from sci-fi to K-pop.
One of the greatest Star Wars villains is making their comeback, but with a catch.
"One of the most feared villains of the galaxy far, far away returns next year in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, a new animated series set after the events of the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. In March, Marvel Comics will pave the way for the Disney+ series with STAR WARS: SHADOW OF MAUL, a five-issue prequel series written by Marvel superstar Benjamin Percy, who wrote the Sith Lord in last year’s Star Wars: Darth Maul – Black, White & Red series, and drawn by Madibek Musabekov, known for his acclaimed work on the recent Star Wars: Jedi Knights series," an official press release from Marvel Comics reads, confirming that Darth Maul is indeed back... in a way.
The press release did offer some insight as to what eager Star Wars fans can expect from the prequel series, which will explore untold stories about the Sith Lord and his villainous quest for power in a galaxy far, far away. "Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord will reveal Maul’s plan to rebuild his criminal syndicate on Janix, a planet untouched by the Empire. STAR WARS: SHADOW OF MAUL introduces this new setting and cast, including Captain Brander Lawson and his partner, a droid nicknamed Two Boots, as they investigate shadowy dealings on Janix."
With the planet Janix sitting right outside the Empire's clutches, Captain Brander Lawson must navigate uncharted land on his own, while accompanied by his droid companion while Darth Maul's presence looms on the horizon. Star Wars: Shadow of Maul teases an even greater look into one of Star Wars' most beloved antagonists while introducing an entirely new story for print.
What Has The Star Wars: Shadow Of Maul Team Said About The Comic So Far?
Image via Lucasfilm“I've said it before: I'm a giant Star Wars nerd,” Percy said when stoking more excitement about the arrival of Star Wars: Shadow of Maul. “My previous experience writing in a galaxy far, far away—Darth Maul - Black, White, and Red, Boba Fett - Black, White, and Red—was an absolute delight. But those were one-shots. Flirtations with the franchise. With Shadow of Maul, I'm able to share a more expansive story about one of my favorite characters, while also exploring a fresh angle on the Star Wars universe."
Percy continued to explain what exactly the vision for Star Wars: Shadow of Maul. “This is a sci-fi story, but it's also a crime story...It's a story about cops, criminal syndicates, a neon-lit, shadow-alleyed city that hides many sins and secrets. I'm teamed up with an artist who's already a Star Wars veteran and legend: Madibek Musabeckov. His art is gritty and grounded and perfectly matches the noir tone. We've been in close contact with Lucasfilm—reading scripts and watching episodes of this fantastic new animated series—and our story will serve as a prelude to what viewers will see play out on the screen.”
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul releases anywhere comics are sold on March 3, 2026. Pre-orders are now available through Marvel Comics.
Image via LucasfilmCreated by George Lucas
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