When fans discuss the best parts of the Star Wars prequels, Darth Maul is often cited as a highlight. The Zabrak from Dathomir made an impression with his tattooed skin, smooth martial arts moves, and double-bladed lightsaber in The Phantom Menace. And there was also that whole business with killing Qui-Gon Jinn and getting cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Though it certainly seemed like the end of the character, he survived.
So, if you've ever found yourself saying, "Man, I wish I could enjoy more stories about Darth Maul," then you're in luck. To kick off a new series to help you explore your favorite characters, organizations, and more in Legends and the current Star Wars universe canon, we're taking a mostly spoiler-free look at how you can get your Maul fix. So if you want more of Darth Maul, put on your horns and check out these stories...
Assuming you've watched The Phantom Menace (do it, don't listen to those who decry the first of the prequel films), your next stop should be viewing the return of Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. After surviving his debilitating injury, he's found by his brother, Savage Opress, and he starts to exact his revenge upon Obi-Wan and attempts to rise to power. His journey from left for dead outcast back to regaining status as a powerful dark side user is fascinating, and it all starts with the Season 4 episode, "Brothers." Maul pops in and out of the series in Season 5, and every one of his episodes is a winner.
One of the last Star Wars comics published by Dark Horse Comics was Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir. The four-part series by writer Jeremy Barlow and artist Juan Frigeri was based on unproduced scripts for The Clone Wars. The comic picked up Maul's story after his last appearance in the animated series (that was the Season 5 episode "The Lawless") and was one of the first stories published in the current canon after Disney and Lucasfilm announced the Expanded Universe would become Legends.
Darth Maul isn't the kind of character you can keep down. He's resilient and focused, sometimes to his detriment. He returned to the story in the Star Wars Rebels Season 2 finale, "Twilight of the Apprentice." Now known as just Maul (opening the door for many "formerly known as Darth jabs"), the once Sith Lord kicked off a new chain of events in order to acquire information he longed for. To say more would be to go into spoiler territory, but you should know Maul encounters an old acquaintance.
Take a dip into the pool of Legends to get various stories about Maul's activities before Episode I. Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves gives some insight into the dynamic between Darth Sidious and his apprentice and showcases more of Darth Maul's deadly fighting abilities. Maul goes on a mission to stop a Neimoidian traitor from divulging information about Sidious' plan to place a blockade above Naboo.
Sticking with Legends territory, another tale worth checking out is Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: Darth Maul series. Written by Ron Marz with art by Jan Duursema, the story brings the paths of the crime syndicate the Black Sun and Maul together – a little foreshadowing for future tales. Darth Sidious orders Maul to go after the far-reaching and powerful organization. The four-part arc is action-heavy and shows off the powerhouse that is Maul. Besides showcasing his physical strength, the events also give you more of an idea of Maul's cunning.
Back to the current, canon universe, Marvel Comics is publishing a five-part miniseries titled Darth Maul from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Luke Ross; four issues are available as of right now. It's also set in the time just before The Phantom Menace, before Maul has encountered a Jedi. This look into his past reveals a man ready to unleash his hatred and wrath upon the Jedi because of what he's been taught by Darth Sidious. He's full of unbridled rage, and it's interesting to compare him at this stage of his life versus what we see in Star Wars Rebels. Ross' art alone is worth the price of admission.
To wrap up our guide to the best of Maul, let's look at one of the most impressive collectibles on the market right now. Sideshow Collectibles has a sixth-scale statue available for pre-order . Maul's in his attire from the infamous duel on Naboo -- and still has his original legs intact!
Amy Ratcliffe is a writer for IGN. She likes Star Wars a little. You can follow her on on Twitter at @amy_geek.
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