Shadow of Maul #5 is the fifth and final issue of the miniseries that ties in with the now-concluded animated Season 1 of the Maul – Shadow Lord series.
If you have missed any of the previous issue reviews, catch up:
Lawson is the main character
Shadow of Maul has made it very clear that Janix is filled with corrupt officials. Just in this series, Lawson has already faced 5 colleagues who were paid by a criminal syndicate to get rid of him. Fortunately, their attempts have failed thanks to Lawson’s luck and/or skill.
What I find funny is that every bad thing seems to always be tied to Deemis or Vario. These two guys have monopolized criminal activity in Janix, and yet, Lawson and other honest officials can’t touch them.
Despite working in such a place, Lawson has managed to survive for years and even earn a reputation. Even if half the department is compromised, that hasn’t stopped Lawson from hunting criminals.
Since this happens before the animated series, the events aren’t particularly interesting. However, they provide context that allows us to understand the dynamic between characters and how crime works here.
This series has felt more like a cop show where Lawson is the main character, while having other relevant people appear as guests every now and then. Don’t get me wrong, I like Lawson, but to say that this comic series is about Maul feels unfair.
Finally, some lightsaber action
I’ve been wanting to see Maul unleash his lightsaber abilities since the first issue, but it didn’t happen until now. As you’d expect, Maul’s attacks are brutal. The way in which everything is set up isn’t the most original thing, but it’s still fun.
He and his followers are hiding, but local crime lords have become aware of their presence. As expected, a small group of Pau’ans is sent by Deemis to hunt the cause of his latest inconveniences.
It goes exactly as you’d expect. A small massacre where an unlucky guy ends up in two pieces. Even though it was satisfying, I’m still bummed about the fact that we had to wait four and a half issues to see that.
Easter eggs
A long way from Utapau
Pau’ans are some of the most intimidating humanoid species in Star Wars. Despite this, they haven’t appeared as much as I’d like. Aside from Episode III, they don’t have many appearances.
The only Pau’ans I remember are the Grand Inquisitor and Senator Daho Sejan. It was very cool to see them again, even if they serve as cannon fodder for Maul.
Those weapons look familiar
Of all the weapons in this issue, those used by the Pau’ans are what caught my attention. These are DC-15A blaster rifles, commonly used by standard Clone Troopers during the Clone Wars.
Final thoughts
I have mixed feelings towards this issue. It’s a fun story that works regardless of Maul’s involvement. We get to know a lot more about Lawson’s life in and out of work, the problematic state of Janix, and how the criminal underworld operates in a world where the Galactic Empire has no presence.
This also applies to all previous issues. I had fun reading each one, but every time, I’m expecting something too exciting to happen. It’s probably my own expectations that hurt how I enjoyed this series.
With the animated show being where the best stuff happens, maybe it was unrealistic to expect something too crazy. Shadow of Maul’s last pages are a perfect summary of the entire series: That’s it?
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul (2026) #5
Format
Comics
ERA:
Publisher:
Marvel
RELEASED:
July 8, 2026
ISSUE:
#5 of 5
LENGTH:
32 pages
WRITER:
Benjamin Percy
COVER:
Derrick Chew
For:
Fans of Darth Maul
Similar:
Darth Maul
Son of Dathomir
Strengths
Strong world-building for the planet Janix
Brings back Pau’ans
Answers an important question
Weaknesses
Ends just as the narrative momentum builds
Repeats what the previous issues already did
Ratings
Final Verdict
3.2
Average of the 5 Categories
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Plot summary (spoilers)
Lawson is now after Ruhl, the man from Internal Investigations who’s been after him since his first appearance. After following him for some time, Lawson learns that Ruhl is working not for one, or two, but three different groups. Deemis, Vario, and a mercenary group led by Benejin Bloor.
As part of their “arrangement”, Bloor makes Ruhl help them in the next job. Their target? Whoever has been causing trouble recently.
Needless to say, Maul is well aware of their attack. Almost immediately after arriving, Bloor and his group are engaged by Maul. All of them die powerless against the monster wielding the red lightsaber. This includes Ruhl.
By the time Lawson and Two-Boots arrive, it’s too late. Whoever killed the Pau’ans and Ruhl is long gone.
