Darth Maul #4 (of 4) [Also available in photo cover.] Story: Ron Marz Art: Jan Duursema Inking: Rick Magyar Coloring: Dave McCaig Lettering: Steve Dutro Cover: Drew Struzan Released: 12/06/2000 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (07/17/2005) SUMMARY: In the Black Sun fortress on Ralltiir, Darth Maul kills off all the personal bodyguards of the vigos, then the vigos themselves. Black Sun Master Alexi "Lex" Garyn uses the distraction to try and escape, but Maul soon catches up with him and kills him and his Dathomir Nightsister bodyguard as well, accomplishing his misison for Darth Sidious.

[art cover] [photo cover]

THE STORY

I was surprised with this issue. After a couple of disappointing issues, I thought this one was better. It's a satisfying conclusion for the type of story it is. It's just basically Maul killing off people, but that's all he does. That's the only kind of story you can really tell, I guess. It's not about morality or values. Darth Maul is a killing machine of pure rage.

I loved the fight with the Dathomir witch Mighella. It's interesting to see two Force-sensitive beings who use the Dark Side in different ways. Of course Mighella recognizes Maul for what he is, just as she finds out that her powers are nothing against a Sith. And the way Maul kills Lex by drowning him really shows how merciless he is.

All in all, it's a good conclusion to an average story.

THE ART

More fighting! Duursema goes all out in this one. I love the fight with the Gamorrean guard on page 4, the one with the two Barabels on page 5, and like I mentioned before the fight with Mighella on pages 12 to 16. Like I mentioned before, Duursema is really good at depicting fight scenes, and Darth Maul is martial arts poses. The first page, a full page close-up of Maul, is incredible and worthy to be printed as a poster.

I also have to mention the amazing work Rick Magyar did with the inking through the whole series. He really enhances the best parts of of Duursema's work. He must have used a lot of ink with all the black in Darth Maul's tattoos and clothing. The colors by McCaig are equally amazing, adding a lot of mood in some scenes like in the caves. And the different shades of red in Darth Maul's face and yellow in the eyes is just cool.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, a good series thanks mostly to the great artwork.

Rating: 7 / 10 Recommended