Shadow of Maul #2 is the second issue of the miniseries that ties in with the ongoing animated series, Maul – Shadow Lord. Let’s dive in!
Lawson is the main character
We have only received two of the five issues, but I am starting to think that most of this miniseries revolves around Lawson and Two-Boots. So far, the story has been about how this police couple tries to keep all the local crime worlds under control.
I really like that this issue briefly mentions what could happen in the underworld when one crime lord gets to overpower the rest. As bizarre as it is, having multiple of them keeps everything in balance and contained. At least enough for the Galactic Empire not to intervene.
Because of the environment and lighting of Janix, every time I see Lawson and Two-Boots doing surveillance, tracking a shady character, or trying to capture someone, I think of the Daredevil Netflix/Disney series. It’s dark, intense, and doesn’t rely on pure action to be interesting.
Maul has obviously appeared a few times, but it’s been mostly at the end of the issues as some type of foreshadowing of what’s coming to Janix. Understandably, I expect them to save the best for the upcoming episodes of Maul – Shadow Lord.
Background for Deemis and Vario’s rivalry
The first two episodes of Maul – Shadow Lord introduced us to Vario and Deemis, two crime lords who operate Janix. They have a truce, but it’s evident that neither of them trusts the other. It’s implied that the two have a story of rivalry, but we don’t get more details about it.
This issue shows an event that is perfect to set up a rivalry between two criminals. I won’t be too specific to avoid spoilers, but I’ll just say it’s over a ridiculous amount of money. A quarter of what Cassian Andor stole on Aldhani, to be precise.
Twenty million Imperial Credits could easily make any crime lord the top dog of Janix when the Hutt Cartel is not among their competition, especially when the Empire has no presence on the planet.
It was a brief moment, but I’m sure this rivalry will come up again in the upcoming issues.
Comparing the aesthetic of the comics to the TV Show
One of the things that many of us noted on the first episodes of Maul – Shadow Lord, is the vibrant and beautiful animation of the show. This is arguably the best animated series (canon) Star Wars has released, at least when it comes to visuals.
I can’t help but compare the comic with the series, and so far, I am very pleased about how the comic looks compared to the show. There’s a lot of contrast between colors, the lighting (or lack of it) is very easy to distinguish across scenes, the expressions of the characters match what we saw on the show and the overall aesthetic/vibe of Janix is captured perfectly.
Easter eggs
Coffee please
We see Lawson asking for a coffee in the middle of a dark alley. While the word “caf” has been around for more than 10 years, it has been rarely used in Star Wars media. Police and coffee are often put together in movies and series, so it is almost logical for him to ask for that drink.
I have seen that ship before
The unnamed smuggler arrives in a ship that looks different every time it appears, making it difficult to figure out the actual model. But when it is departing, it looks like the Trailblazer, the ship used by Kay Vess in Star Wars Outlaws.
Final Thoughts
I am really liking the dynamic between Lawson and Two-Boots. One is the fearless cop who pushes his luck too often, and the other is the loyal companion who is constantly thinking about the consequences of their questionable actions but always backs his partner nonetheless.
The comic matches the tone of the show; it’s dark, interesting, and more mature. With interesting characters and complex dynamics between them, while still feeling “very Star Wars”.
Maul has yet to have a meaningful appearance. Under normal circumstances, this would be a problem, but since the show is already on emission, I can get to see him every Monday.
The climax of this issue can barely be called that, but at least it provided a few answers regarding Vario and Deemis. I hope to see more action or meaningful events in future issues, being on par with the show is impossible, but I’d still like for this series to stand out by its own qualities.
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul (2026) #2
| PUBLISHER: | Marvel |
| RELEASED: | April 8, 2026 |
| ISSUE: | #2 of 5 |
| PAGES: | 32 |
| WRITER: | Benjamin Percy |
| PENCILER: | Madibek Musabekov |
| INKER: | Madibek Musabekov |
| COLORIST: | Luis Guerrero |
| LETTERER: | VC’s Joe Caramagna |
| COVER: | Derrick Chew |
Strengths
Sets up the rivalry seen in the show
Excellent visual contrast and coloring
Defines Lawson and Two-Boots dynamic
Weaknesses
Very low highs
Maul barely appears
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Plot summary (spoilers)
While spying on Deemis, Captain Lawson figures out that something important requires Deemis’ presence, a strange event given that he is surrounded by important and powerful people.
After using a recon droid, Lawson and Two-Boots learn that someone is making a deal with Deemis over twenty million Imperial Credits. This obscene amount of money would completely change the power balance of the planet, not to mention the intervention of the Galactic Empire.
Lawson tracks down the droid who met with Deemis. After an intense pursuit, he and Two-Boots take it down and extract the data drive to learn when to expect the exchange between Deemis and this mysterious dealer.
Deemis is later at the Janix Spaceport, close to finishing the deal, when Deemis is asked for the droid. Since he didn’t capture it, he feels attacked and starts threatening the guy. Vario arrives with his droids, trying to offer a better deal for the Imperial credits.
The two start arguing with each other, and the dealer gets fed up with this, leaving the place with the two local dealers empty-handed.
Meanwhile, Maul lands at the metal yards where some of his grunts are already waiting. To remove his tracks, Maul asks them to melt the ship.
