Star Wars: Shadow of Maul (2026) #1 is the first issue of a five-issue limited comic miniseries published by Marvel Comics. It was released on March 4, 2026, serving as a pulpy, crime-noir style prequel that sets the stage for the upcoming Disney+ animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (premiering April 6, 2026, with Sam Witwer reprising his role as Maul).
Key Details
- Writer: Benjamin Percy (known for his previous Maul story in Star Wars: Darth Maul – Black, White & Red)
- Artist: Madibek Musabekov (with colors by Luis Guerrero)
- Series: Star Wars: Shadow of Maul (2026–present, canon miniseries)
- Page Count: 28 pages
- Rating: T+
- Timeline: Set in the early Imperial era (around or after 19 BBY), shortly after Revenge of the Sith, focusing on the criminal underworld on the planet Janix — a neon-lit, lawless world outside full Imperial control.
- Plot Summary (from official solicit): Welcome to Janix, a neon-lit, shadow-soaked maze of a planet that lies beyond the reach of the Empire. Captain Brander Lawson is doing his best to navigate the law in a lawless territory. He’s joined by his partner, a droid nicknamed Two Boots, as they face off against scheming crime bosses… and as the looming threat of the shadow lord, Maul, nears.This issue introduces (or features early appearances of) key characters from the animated series, including Captain Brander Lawson (voiced by Wagner Moura in the show) and the droid Two Boots (voiced by Richard Ayoade). It builds the gritty, underworld atmosphere of Janix while teasing Maul’s growing influence and plans to rebuild his criminal syndicate.
Why It Matters
This comic acts as a direct tie-in/prequel to Maul – Shadow Lord, expanding the world and characters ahead of the show’s debut. Fans have been excited about more Maul content in 2026, with this issue delivering a crime-focused story that ramps up anticipation for the animated series’ revenge-driven plot.
