Janix is a planet ridden with crime. It is up to Captain Lawson to keep the criminal syndicates at bay. But will his actions justify the means? What is Maul’s purpose on Janix…?
Creative Team
Benjamin Percy (Writer), Madibek Musabekov (Artist), Luis Guerrero (Colorist),
VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer), Derrick Chew (Cover Artist)
Carlos Lao (Designer), Mikey J. Basso (Assistant Editor), Mark Paniccia (Editor),
C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Game Tactics
Issue two of Star Wars: Shadow of Maul is a continuation from issue one. You can catch up by reading my review of issue one in the links section below. Another item to note is that this mini-series is a prelude to the newly released animated series on Disney+, Maul: Shadow Lord.
This issue opens up to Captain Lawson and his droid partner, Two-Boots, on a stake out of a notorious crime boss on Janix. This stake out reveals much needed information to Captain Lawson. So much information that he has no choice but to act on it.
The crime boss that is being watch is Nico Deemis, who is a rather large alien species. The crime in which he is about to commit will bring disorder to the entire crime syndicate as well as Janix itself. Which is the sole reason that Captain Lawson has no other options but to respond and stop this from taking place.
As the crime is about to take place, things take an alternative route for Nico Deemis. Another crime boss, Vario, arrives to attempt to take over the situation. Nico Deemis is not pleased by this but ultimately shows optimism in the idea of collaborating with Vario.
The end of this issue brings our title character back into the fold. At the end of issue one, Maul was making his way with his team, The Shadow Collective, to the planet Janix. Although it is still unclear the reasons for Maul going to Janix, the end of this issue finally puts him there. Maul and The Shadow Collective are on a mission, and that mission is still yet to be revealed.
The Writing
Benjamin Percy is an outstanding writer, especially for Star Wars. This series really captures the true essence of Star Wars while giving it a noir texture to it as well. The dynamic plot building mixed in with Star Wars dialogue makes Star Wars fans feel at home while reading. While this is a mini-series dedicated to Maul, Benjamin does an amazing job at telling a different story that ultimately will tie into Maul. I enjoy the fact that Maul is left for the end of the issue. In that capacity it foreshadows that Maul will get a bigger presence very soon!
The Artwork
Madibek Musabekov and Luis Guerrero truly do an amazing job of capturing the lore of Star Wars within the art. The attention to details within buildings, ships and tech used within this issue speaks volumes to what fans are used to seeing within the films. The coloration and texture displayed add even more to the noir theme of this story. Ultimately one of the better Star Wars arts I’ve laid eyes on!
VC’s Joe Caramagna yet again proves why he is one of the best letterers in the game. Being able to letter another new title from this week, Amazing Spider-Man #26, to working on this issue is astronomical! Two very different themed stories and lettering that sticks with the different themes. Sticking with Star Wars, the lettering stays on point with common Star Wars text styles. One example is the text style of Two-Boots, a droid. Completely different from the text used for Maul when he speaks. Amazing!
Covers
My Thoughts
This issue continues to bring the story of crime on Janix to life. Especially touching on the struggles that Captain Lawson is continuing to face. One of the driving factors for this book is the teases of Maul at the end of the book. Making readers beg for more from this title character. Dripping with Star Wars lore, this mini-series is not going to be one for Star Wars fans to pass up. Especially since it directly preludes the new animated Disney+ series. With that said, this mini-series provides you with back story details that you may not understand if you have already started the Disney+ show. But do not let that sway you, this is a great start to a great collaboration between comics and television!
Grade: 10/10!
Links
Comic Book Reviews & More: Nerd Initiative
Previous Maul Review: Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 – Broken Law
My Nerd Initiative Articles: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
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