Is It Good? Star Wars: Darth Maul – Son of Dathomir #4

Dark Horse’s Star Wars Farewell Tour continues this month with the final issue of Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir. Is it good?

Star Wars: Darth Maul – Son of Dathomir #4 (Dark Horse Comics)

After being betrayed by his mercenary allies, Darth Maul quickly turns on Dooku (AGAIN) and locks him up in a cell (AGAIN). This seemed a bit contrived at first, but Maul soon reveals a very good reason why the truce with his rival was flipped so hastily.

“…and you can’t use our Netflix password anymore, either!”

After arriving on Dathomir, Dooku’s life essence is used to bring Mother Talzin’s form fully back into the physical realm. Unfortunately for the Zabrak warlord, Grievous and the Emperor are en route to put a stop to the proceedings.

As you might have guessed, this leads to an explosive confrontation between the various dark factions of the post-Clone Wars era Star Wars Universe. By the end of the story, we’re given some solid answers on how things lead into Episode III… and given a lot more questions, as well.

“Why do I keep stabbing other Siths in the back when I know this will happen?!”

Is It Good?

Just like I’ve said before while reviewing this series, I really shouldn’t like this issue. Not only were we cheated out of the awesome Grievous vs. Maul showdown everyone wants (AGAIN), but the conclusion was far too open ended. It just doesn’t make sense that a pissed off Maul would slink into the background for all these years, especially with a remaining power base of loyal soldiers (some did stay) and what he saw happen to Mother Talzin.

But just like before, the execution of this issue’s somewhat weak plot was so good that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. Not only is Juan Frigeri’s art fantastic, but writer Jeremy Barlow does a great job choreographing the final battl. He also delivers series’ strongest dialogue by far near the end of the issue, giving us a chilling reminder of just how ruthless the dark side of the galaxy truly is.

Son of Dathomir has no business being a great story. The actions and decisions by many of the main characters (along with the lack of solid resolution) should be incredibly frustrating…but the excellent pacing and gorgeously kinetic artwork make it too much fun to dislike. Maybe I’m just being sentimental about Star Wars leaving Dark Horse, but it’s worth noting that they took a fairly weak story outline from the television show and turned it into another great tale for the franchise.

Well done again, Dark Horse.