Comic Review: Darth Maul: Black, White and Red #4 (of 4)

The issues for Darth Maul: Black, White and Red have been simply incredible. Each issue has been different, bringing a unique aspect to the character as well as the wider galaxy. The standard that the first three comics have brought is exceptionally high and I have to say, I was super excited for issue four… until I realised it was issue four. Issue four – the final issue! Somehow, somewhere, we have already come to the end of the miniseries. It seems insane. It’s the same problem I had with Darth Vader: Black, White and Red, they are both too short. When the quality of the writing and the quality of the artwork is this good, it leaves readers wanting more – a lot more. Before I wallow to much in my sorrow, we do still have this issue left.

My last review said that the bar from part two had really been set high, issue three met it! The expectation for this issue is even higher! So, who has the unbelievable task of trying to reach the bar? Greg Pak is tackling the writing aspect. Pak will not be a stranger to Star Wars comic fans, having written many comics, most notably the current Darth Vader series – someone who clearly understands the ways of the Sith. Joining him are artists Luca Pizzari and Will Sliney. Pizzari has dipped his toe into Star Wars during War of the Bounty Hunters. When you look at his backlog, Red Skull, Black Knight, Conan, it’s not hard to imagine why he might be so well suited for this comic style. Sliney is no stranger to Star Wars and his style always impresses. I’m really looking forward to how they both brings Pak’s story to life. I don’t usually mention covers too much; I mean there are usually so many variants it would take a while. However, E.M. Gist’s cover of Maul in the snow, blade drawn, is simply exquisite! Talk about taking your breath away! If it doesn’t entice you to read the issue, I don’t know what will! But let’s get back onto track with the story itself.

We then journey to Ah Re Won. Nothing particularly notable about the planet except that it is trying to liven things up for the tourists. We get to meet inhabitants, tourists, the mayor. Not that any of these characters really matter. Alma, an older lady who provides rooms for tourists, is certainly the most interesting and I have a feeling her story would be very intriguing if Pak ever felt the desire to tell us more. The others all have one thing in common, they are extremely annoying! Halfway through the issue I was starting to think myself crazy that I was hoping something would happen to them all (good thing we’re reading a Darth Maul series!). Why are they annoying? They are trying to disturb the peace of the location. They keep making noises, keep having disrespect for the nature that is found at the place and are just generally not very nice people. It works for this issue for a couple of reasons. The first is that they treat the town like some treat our own planet. It is very relatable to how you see some people have a disregard for a place. Investors buying quiet spaces to build up noisy arcades, flashing lights and destroy the natural surrounding while they’re doing it (you might be noticing that Pak has hit a chord with me!). It’s very relatable to our world in this way, one with anger – you want these people to get what they deserve.

There is also a second way that it is very relatable. This one takes a very different approach, rather that of anger, more of humour. As Maul keeps just trying to get peace and quiet so he can meditate, he is interrupted again and again. All he wants is time to himself (under the instruction of his master) and it doesn’t matter who he kills, there is always someone or something creating more noise. I have a seven-year-old daughter and looking at Maul’s expressions throughout this comic, I couldn’t help but laugh and relate. It was like my daughter and I sometimes. All you want is twenty minutes and then something, every minute, must be dealt with. Pak really captures this beautifully and creates another layer to this story.

The artwork in this story is incredible. Sliney and Pizzari do a fantastic job of capturing the action and the flow of the story. As I’ve just said, the expressions on Maul’s face are priceless. The action scenes are brilliantly drawn but it is these quiet moments (or not so quiet as the case maybe), that really give this comic a bit of an edge, something a little bit different to what has come before. The use of red this issue is used incredibly sparingly yet this also helps to create some wonderful effects. Maul’s tattoos really stand out when he is moving, and I like that use of colour to focus the reader.

All in all, this is a great story that lots of people will be able to relate to – for one reason or another. It is very different to the other three stories in this series and so it should be. It shows why this style of series works so well, how much wonderful talent it showcases. Pak does a brilliant job of creating a multi-layered story in a very short amount of space. Pizzari and Sliney do an amazing job of bringing that story to life. While it all fits in with the theme of the series, it is uniquely different to what has already been done. A fitting end for a fantastic series, one that I really wish wouldn’t end.