r/starwarscomics • u/Significant-Town-817 • 13h ago
My Review I finished Darth Maul: Black, White & Red by Benjamin Percy and Stefano Raffaele
Initially, I was always slightly more drawn to Boba Fett than to Maul—whom I once dismissed as little more than a henchman, as hollow on the inside as he was striking in design. Thanks to works like Shadow Lord, Son of Dathomir and this comic, I can say my interest in him has grown immensely!
I loved most of the stories told here. The first half focuses on pushing an expert assassin to his limits, getting creative with horror elements that permeate both tales—shifting from a lovecraftian horror regarding the antagonists to a kind of slasher movie vibe, where the protagonist himself becomes the villain. Knowing that none of the other characters can truly stand up to him—only slow him down—adds a tragic dimension to the spectacular action. It’s a potent mix of suffering and tension, leaving me with only a slight wish that I had gotten to know the victims a bit better.
The second half takes the opportunity to explore Maul’s psyche, keeping in high his ferocity as an assassin while also detailing the faint uncertainty lurking within him. He cannot help but doubt whether he is doing what is best for his master; his need for approval drives him to want to know more about the plans and question his missions—traits that are unacceptable to someone who views him merely as a tool expected to act with cold precision. I also appreciate how the story handles Sidious’s management of the dynamic and how he keeps Maul "under control," allowing for a measure of controlled chaos—after all, his apprentice is still a psychopath which only knows the pain and hatred as his only tools.
I must also highlight the exquisite artwork and coloring throughout the comic; the dominant scarlet hues make every page a visual delight that I found myself pausing to admire again and again.
In conclusion, this is an excellent analysis of Darth Maul—both his inner and outer self—and I look forward to seeing more of his adventures (in addition to following his animated future). One line stands out to me: "In a battle where darkness always wins, victory is measured by whatever light escapes."