Star Wars: Shadow of Maul – Friends in Low Places

Lawson has lost the majority of his new squad, which leads to a lot of questions that need to be answered. This, in turn, leads to a surprising turn of events for Lawson as he is working to obtain those same answers.

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

Friends in Low Places

This issue is flooded with mystery and explosive action! Readers are along for a mystery-filled adventure as Lawson works to uncover why he is on multiple “hit lists.” While he isn’t surprised that hits have been placed on him because of his prior work experience. It still begs the question as to who and why he is being targeted.

The explosive action within this issue is just that, explosive! Lawson is being investigated for the loss of his newly formed team within the department. I agree that the scope of the situation is disreputable. As well as the members of the team (introduced to in earlier issues). After only having this new squad for a few days, it is quite skeptical that they have already been taken out. Causing an explosive reaction between Lawson and internal affairs!

The final pages of this issue will leave readers in utter dismay! Questionable team-ups and stomach-turning interrogation tactics are on display. Readers need to focus on the fact that this mini-series takes place before the hit Disney+ show Maul: Shadow Lord. It is within this issue that some events within the show start to make sense. As well as making readers who have watched the show connect dots that they previously did not notice.

The Writing

Benjamin Percy brings yet another amazing Star Wars story to the fans! The levels of drama and mystery within this issue will hook readers into wanting more. There are some comedic undertones as well within the narrative from Lawson, which had me snickering while reading. The script for this issue is mapped out so methodically to have readers worried about a certain event, forgetting that there is two folds to this story. Amazing work! I can’t wait for the final two issues!

The Artwork

Madibek Musabekov and Luis Guerrero continue their astonishing art for this series! These two do an amazing job capturing the true essence of Star Wars, its architecture, galaxies, ships, and people. The pencil work is so clean, while the coloration really brings it home with dark tones and shading to elevate the narrative and setting of the planet Janix. Truly a beautiful piece!

Joe Caramanga provides the lettering for this issue, and I am always in awe of his work. Lettering is a craft, just like art and writing. You could have a good issue with just two of the three… But this issue gets all three categories checked off! Narration and dialogue are easy to read and understand, especially with added coloration to narration bubbles to distinguish who is speaking. As always, Joe does an amazing job!

Variant Covers

Final Thoughts

Issue three of this five-part story is a wonderful stepping stone to the series conclusion in the next two issues. This story provides an informational backstory to events that take place in the TV Series Maul: Shadow Lord. Everything about this series makes it worth collecting. The script is on point, the art magnifies the script, and the lettering makes this easy to follow along. I do want to stress again that this series is a prequel to the TV series. Readers are given a deeper backstory than what is given within the show. Do not miss out, get this series now!

Grade: 10/10

Links

Comic Book Reviews & Entertainment News: Nerd Initiative
Previous Shadow of Maul Review: Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #2 – Game Tactics
Travis’ NI Portfolio: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven

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