Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 – Broken Law

An ex-bounty hunter turned police officer has his hands full as he tries to transition into his new role. Will he ever out-run his bounty hunter days?

Creative Team

Benjamin Percy (Writer), Madibek Musabekov (Artist), Luis Guerrero (Colorist),
VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer), Derrick Chew (Cover Artist),
AKA, Bjorn Barends, Dan Panosian, Elena Casagrande & Bryan Valenza (Variant Cover Artists)

Carlos Lao (Designer), Mikey J. Basso (Assistant Editor), Mark Paniccia (Editor),
C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Broken Law

Issue one of Shadow of Maul not only starts a new comic book limited series, but it is also a prelude to the new Disney+ show (Maul-Shadow Lord) airing in April 2026. This debut issue is written by Benjamin Percy and an amazing creative team! Benjamin is no stranger to Star Wars titles and brings his talents to yet another.

Issue one takes you to the planet Janix, where an ex-bounty hunter turned police officer (Brander Lawson) is working a case. But there is more to this case that everyone seems to want to overlook. So much so that Brander gets assigned a whole team just to keep him on the straight and narrow. Begging the question, has Brander stuck his nose into something that he shouldn’t? Or does Brander’s reputation as a bounty hunter precede him, and the department is trying to tame him?

Brander is going to be an interesting character! This is just the first issue, and I like him already! He gives off this no-nonsense, play by my own set of rules vibe. Which starts from the very first couple of pages. As an ex-bounty hunter, you can absolutely sense that he has no patience or respect for someone of “authority”.

As this story unfolds, you get to witness various law enforcement-type situations. Interrogations, good cop/bad cop, shoot-outs, dirty cops, and the good old “bait and switch”. If you enjoy watching shows like Chicago PD or even Law & Order, you will enjoy this first issue!

Now you may be asking yourself, “Where is Maul?” And you would be justified! Our title character makes his debut for this series in the final three pages. Strangely enough, he is trying to secure a ship to… Janix. It is unknown what trouble lurks ahead for the people of Janix, but with Maul on his way, things do not look promising…

The Writing

I am a fan of Benjamin Percy’s work; therefore, I am not surprised by how GOOD this issue is. The amazing dialogue and narration guide the reader through the story effortlessly. Reading this felt like a television drama coming off the pages. There hasn’t been a Benjamin Percy book that I haven’t enjoyed. The no-nonsense mixed with dry humor is so satisfying!

The Artwork

Madibek Musabekov and Luis Guerrero did such a good job with the art for this first issue. The pencil work is very smooth and defined, which creates a great presentation of the story. The coloration is amazing as well. One of the pages that is so captivating to look at is the major appearance of Maul towards the end! Dual lightsaber in hand and a hooded cloak draped over him while in a combat stance. Pure Star Wars aura!

My Thoughts

This first issue of Shadow of Maul gives so much story development, but also leaves so many doors left open for curiosity. Which really hooks you into this story. I look forward to seeing what trouble Brander gets himself into as well, and the intentions of Maul on Janix. Maul fans from Episode I to the Clone Wars need to get in their speeder and head to your local comic shop, and add this series to your pull list! Then thank me later in the comments!

Grade: 10/10

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