Star Wars: Shadow of Maul – A Prequel to the Upcoming Animated Series

Fans anticipating the Disney+ animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord can now delve deeper into the world and characters with the five-issue comic series, Star Wars: Shadow of Maul. Released by Marvel Comics, this series serves as a direct prequel, setting the stage for Maul’s plans to rebuild his criminal syndicate.

Introducing Janix and New Characters

The story unfolds on Janix, a planet deliberately left untouched by the Galactic Empire, becoming a haven for the underworld. Star Wars: Shadow of Maul introduces Captain Brander Lawson and his droid partner, nicknamed Two Boots, as they investigate the shadowy dealings taking place on this neon-lit, lawless world. Penguin Random House describes Janix as a “shadow-soaked maze” beyond the Empire’s reach.

Creative Team and Release Details

The comic series is written by Benjamin Percy, who previously penned the Sith Lord in Star Wars: Darth Maul – Black, White & Red, and features artwork by Madibek Musabekov, known for his work on Star Wars: Jedi Knights. Marvel.com announced the series in December 2025. The first issue was released on March 4, 2026, with subsequent issues planned to follow. The collected edition of the five-issue series is scheduled for release on December 1, 2026.

Connecting to Maul – Shadow Lord

Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is set after the events of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and will reveal Maul’s efforts to re-establish his criminal empire. The comic series provides context for the animated show, offering a glimpse into the setting of Janix and hinting at potential conflicts between Lawson and Maul. The animated series will premiere on April 6, releasing two episodes each Monday, culminating on Star Wars Day, May 4.

Artistic Style and Tone

The comic’s art, a collaboration between Musabekov, Luis Guerrero, and Joe Caramagna, establishes a moody and atmospheric tone. The visual style draws comparisons to Gotham City, with Janix depicted as a sprawling, shadowy metropolis. Wookieepedia notes the artistic team effectively sets the mood, creating a distinct visual identity for Janix.