Summary
Contains a preview forDarth Maul: Black, White & Red #4!
Darth Maul’sfight against Qui-Gon Jinn inStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menacehas long been one of my favorite combat sequences in the franchise. John Williams' Duel of the Fates score heightens the action, while Qui-Gon and Maul spar off as two differing personalities. They’re not simply on different sides of the Force;Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #4reveals the titular villain’s personality on a deeper level in regards to one key component.
While Darth Maul’s cinematic term was brief until his return inThe Clone Wars, his past and training have been revealed in extended canon media.Darth Maul: Black, White & Redhas shown the training and missions the titular Sith received from his master, Darth Sidious.
Maul has been shown to be dangerous, yet largely impatient when it comes to his tasks. He rushes in toward conflict, and while he was unknown by the Jedi for some time, he made himself known in a big way. His rash attack style led to his initial demise against Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Darth Maul Redefines His Double-Bladed Lightsaber by Proving EXACTLY What He Can Do Without It
Darth Maul’s newest mission for Palpatine in Black, White & Red proves he never needed his doubled-bladed lightsaber to be an effective Sith warrior.
Darth Maul’s Additional Weaknesses Revealed by Marvel
Black, White & Red Highlights Darth Sidious' Master Methodologies
Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #4features the story “Peace and Quiet,” which has the creative team of Greg Pak, Luca Pizzari, Will Sliney, Jay Leisten, Roberto Poggi, and Andres Mossa. A preview featuring the story reveals Maul’s tendency to do more than he is told, leaving more victims in his bloodlust. While rage and ferocity are trademarks of the Sith, Sidious chides him for his lack of strategic thinking in the situation. Ultimately, Maul is punished, sentenced to long-term meditation by his master, widening the gap between theSith apprentice and Qui-Gon Jinn. The synopsis for the issue is as follows:
During their duel of the fates, Qui-Gon sits and meditates, before being killed by Darth Maul. This moment, while strange, highlights a major difference between the combatants. As the Jedi meditates, Maul paces, eyeing his foe like an animalistic predator. He is not one to instinctively play a long game or be patient. It becomes extra clear in this story that he is also not one to meditate. I always loved the contrast between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan,and Darth Maul, but the moment has never felt as defining as now with this additional characteristic. Maul truly hates meditation and may have seen Qui-Gon’s decision to do so mid-battle as a major insult.
Qui-Gon Adds Insult to Injury Against Darth Maul
Ultimately, Maul is punished, sentenced to long-term meditation by his master.
Darth Sidious perceived Maul’s weakness early on and punished him by forcing him to sit still and reflect. This likely had a different effect on the Sith apprentice than the future Emperor anticipated. Instead of developing strategic thinking and calm dominance by tapping into his hate through meditation, Maul found an activity that went against his instincts as a combatant. He thrives on battle and overpowering his foes, the satisfaction of his hunt, and the completion of missions. By facing the Sith calmly and without fear, I believe Qui-Gon symbolically spits inthe face of Darth Maulbefore his tragic end, making him even more of a legend.
Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #4will be available July 31 from Marvel.
