2026 promises to be a great year for fans of Darth Maul. In March, Lucasfilm is debuting the newest animated Star Wars series, Maul: Shadow Lord. Set shortly after the end of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Shadow Lord reveals how Maul rebuilds his criminal organization and carves out a niche for himself in the era of the Empire.
But if you want the full story, you'll have to turn to Marvel Comics. Marvel will soon release a prequel story called Star Wars: Shadow of Maul, one that stars Maul and several other key characters from the animated series. This limited series is written by Benjamin Percy (Wolverine) and illustrated by Madibek Musabekov (Star Wars: Jedi Knights).
IGN had the chance to speak with Percy via email to learn more about how Star Wars: Shadow of Maul sets up the animated series. Check out an exclusive preview of the first issue in the slideshow gallery below, and then read on to learn more:
Neither creator is a stranger to the Star Wars franchise at this point. Musabekov is coming off a run on Marvel's Star Wars: Jedi Knights series, which was set before the events of Episode I. Percy, meanwhile, has written Darth Maul twice before, in Star Wars: Darth Maul - Black, White & Red and Star Wars: Boba Fett - Black, White & Red. As he reveals, those books were a helpful trial run before really diving into the fascinating protagonist that is Maul.
"I’m very glad I got the opportunity to write both Darth Maul: Black, White & Red and Boba Fett: Black, White & Red before taking on this project. Because they were fun as hell," Percy tells IGN. "But also because those one-shots were like flirtations with the Star Wars galaxy – a way of testing out writing for a galaxy far, far away and figuring out the standards of Lucasfilm. They are running a massive operation—a singular continuity that reaches across film, tv, novels, and comic books. They’re encyclopedias of lore. There’s a lot of zooms, calls, and emails between me, the Marvel editors, and the Lucasfilm folks, so it’s good to already have lines of communication open and a level of trust established."
Percy adds, "And the Maul one-shot was not just a way to test-drive the character; it was a way to push boundaries. I took a horror approach to that story, which isn’t your standard lens for Star Wars. This mini-series takes a tonal leap as well, since Shadow of Maul is very much a crime story, a police procedural."
As for Musabekov, Percy says, "I got really, really lucky, partnering with Madibek. He’s not just great with action and character—he has a true, deep love for and knowledge of Star Wars. And every detail he manifests on the page feels exactly right for that universe. I can’t wait for you to see what he’s been up to."
Shadow of Maul is designed to tie very directly into the animated series. Not only does it focus on Maul himself, this series also hinges on two characters who will shortly become his nemeses - police detective Brander Lawson and his droid partner Two-Boots.
"The prequel ties directly into the series," Percy says. "It’s meant to establish the characters, the world, and the trouble that detonates wonderfully in episode one. You can read the comic book on its own and get a thrill. You can also read the comic book alongside the series and understand how they’re speaking to each other."
Percy offers some added insight into Captain Lawson, revealing him to be an ex-bounty hunter who now struggles to maintain law and order on the chaotic world of Janix.
"I mentioned earlier that this is a police procedural, a gritty, grounded crime book," Percy says. "The stage is Janix, a shadow-soaked, neon-lit city controlled by crime syndicates. Lawson used to be a bounty hunter. Now he’s a cop and a single dad doing the best he can in a lawless territory. He a good man who pushes limits and breaks rules. And he’s joined by his partner, a droid named Two-Boots, who is loyal, warm, and a bit of a stickler."
Percy also teases that the Janix setting should immediately appeal to fans of projects like Star Wars: Andor, as this world carries a similarly dark and gritty vibe.
"Oh, man. I absolutely love the world of Janix," Percy says. "My two favorite Star Wars stories are Andor and Rogue One. And that’s because they’re grounded in realism. We’re taking a similar approach here. And this city is more than a stage—it’s a character in itself. Steam hisses from vents, billowing the air. Neon burnishes the night. Trash dirties the gutters. Lawson pops his collar and shoulders forward through the rain-drenched crowds. It’s all very noir."
What about Maul himself? What is the character's mental state following the end of the Clone Wars and his defeat on Mandalore? Does he smell opportunity in the air, or is he wary of the Empire and catching the attention of his former master? Percy can't reveal much, but he does tease that Maul has a very specific goal in travelling to Janix.
"Hmm. I’m not sure I’m allowed to say much about that. I’ll keep it vague and say he’s got an ax (or, er, a double-sided light saber) to grind—and some folks on Janix are in his crosshairs."
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 will be released on March 4, 2026, a month before the animated series debuts on Disney+. You can preorder the book at your local comic shop.
Which Star Wars project are you most excited for in 2026?
The Mandalorian and GroguAhsoka Season 2Maul: Shadow LordStar Wars: Visions Presents - The Ninth JediGalactic RacerMarvel's New ComicsReign of the Empire: Edge of the AbyssOther (let us know in the comments)For more on Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, check out our breakdown of all the major characters in the first trailer.
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