2026 will usher in the next era for Darth Maul, with the iconic villain set to return in the new Star Wars animated series, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord. Now, Marvel has announced that alongside the upcoming series, the Sith Lord will also be getting a new prequel.
Coming to a galaxy near you on March 4, 2026, is Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1, written by Benjamin Percy and illustrated by Madibek Musabekov. This issue launches a five-issue prequel series that will pave the way for Disney+’s animated series set after the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Both creators are well-versed in the Star Wars comic realm, with Percy having written the Sith Lord in last year’s Star Wars: Darth Maul – Black, White & Red series, and Musabekov known for his acclaimed work on the recent Star Wars: Jedi Knights series.
How Star Wars: Shadow of Maul Sets the Stage for the New Animated Series
STAR WARS: SHADOW OF MAUL #1 VARIANT COVER BY BJÖRN BARENDS
The upcoming animated show, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, will reveal Maul’s plan to rebuild his criminal syndicate on Janix, a planet untouched by the Empire. One of the main focuses of the Star Wars: Shadow of Maul series will be introducing the new setting and cast, setting up Maul’s plans ahead of the animated series.
The official synopsis for the issue teases: “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!”
Writer Benjamin Percy Shares His Plans for Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1
Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 Headshot Variant Cover by AKA
In addition to sharing the release details and a preview of Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1, Marvel’s press release for the new series also featured statements from writer Benjamin Percy:
“I’ve said it before: I’m a giant Star Wars nerd. My previous experience writing in a galaxy far, far away—STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL – BLACK, WHITE & RED—was an absolute delight. But those were one-shots. Flirtations with the franchise. With SHADOW OF MAUL, I’m able to share a more expansive story about one of my favorite characters, while also exploring a fresh angle on the Star Wars universe.”
Percy continued by saying:
“This is a sci-fi story, but it’s also a crime story. It’s a story about cops, criminal syndicates, a neon-lit, shadow-alleyed city that hides many sins and secrets. I’m teamed up with an artist who’s already a Star Wars veteran and legend: Madibek Musabeckov. His art is gritty and grounded and perfectly matches the noir tone. We’ve been in close contact with Lucasfilm—reading scripts and watching episodes of this fantastic new animated series—and our story will serve as a prelude to what viewers will see play out on the screen.”
Based on these statements and the preview, it’s obvious that Darth Maul and Star Wars fans have a lot to look forward to in 2026.
STAR WARS: SHADOW OF MAUL #1 is available March 4, 2026, from Marvel Comics!