Darth Maul (2017) 5
Darth Maul #5 represents the concluding chapter of the canon comic book limited series, entitled Star Wars: Darth Maul. Marvel Comics released this issue, penned by Cullen Bunn with illustrations by Luke Ross, on July 19, 2017.
The narrative of Star Wars: Darth Maul found its continuation later in Age of Republic - Darth Maul 1. This Age of Republic installment, which follows the events of Darth Maul #5, was authored by Jody Houser. It solidified Maul's intense desire to kill Jedi following the demise of Eldra Kaitis.
Publisher's Synopsis
Darth Maul has taken Jedi Padawan Eldra Katiss [sic] captive…and his intentions are deadly. However, she will not surrender without resistance. A confrontation ensues!
Plot Summary
The Pursuit Persists
Xev Xrexus, positioned on the observation platform of her space station, learns that the mission to eliminate Eldra Kaitis has resulted in the widespread elimination of her clientele. After confirming that the payments of those killed have been processed, Xev comments that a bit of bloodshed is acceptable. On the surface of the moon of Drazkel, Kaitis engages Darth Maul in lightsaber combat. Maul delights in the battle, deeming the extensive anticipation for unleashing his aggression worthwhile. He leverages his physical power to overwhelm Kaitis, easily displacing her with a forceful kick.
In the meantime, Cad Bane, Aurra Sing, and Vorhdeilo stealthily move toward a pair of hunter-operated spacecraft—a Weequay Corona-class armed frigate and a Trandoshan prisoner ship. Sing points out that the Trandoshan craft can launch faster, but the Weequay frigate likely holds more valuable cargo. Bane hurls a pair of smoke bombs at the Trandoshan guards, using the resulting cover to eliminate them with gunfire. This diversion draws the attention of the Weequay guards, allowing Sing to ambush them. As Sing seizes control of the Weequay frigate, Vorhdeilo brings one of the guards onto the ship to consume. Bane uses his rocket boots to board the stolen ship with the others and instructs Sing to destroy the remaining grounded ships before retrieving Maul.
The Duel Reaches its Peak
Kaitis employs the Force to hurl a barrage of rocks at Maul, preventing him from delivering a fatal blow. Taken aback, Maul then receives a cut across his chest from the Padawan. Acknowledging that he underestimated his adversary, he declares that this is the confrontation he has been anticipating. As the duel progresses, he discerns that Kaitis, while mainly defending, is also poised to strike—similarly to a Sith. Kaitis asserts to Maul that she will not permit him to slaughter her, but even if he succeeds, it will not provide the satisfaction he seeks because she is not a true Jedi, merely a student. Battling among large rock formations, the Padawan performs a backflip onto one, but Maul swiftly follows and kicks her away once more. Kaitis retaliates by Force pushing Maul against another formation, launching her lightsaber so that it becomes embedded in the rock above his head. Maul ridicules her inaccurate aim, but Kaitis reveals that she was not targeting him, and at that moment, the entire structure collapses upon him.
The Padawan proceeds to retrieve her deactivated lightsaber, but at that instant, Maul bursts from the debris and impales her with his own blade. A tear descends Kaitis' face, and as she expires, Maul informs her that she was mistaken about her identity—she is indeed a Jedi. Maul destroys her lightsaber and acknowledges his accomplishment. As he returns to meet the bounty hunters, he encounters the blinded FE-B3 who pleads for assistance. He responds by bisecting the droid. His probe droids notify him that the bounty hunters have not abandoned him, to his astonishment, but he determines to return home independently after compensating them.
Resolving Outstanding Issues
High above the moon, Xev requests additional wine from her attendants, but receives no response. Maul informs her that they have all been eliminated, and a surprised Xev inquires if she can bargain for her life, to which Maul replies that money holds no value for him. Xev asks if he is seeking vengeance for Kaitis, which enrages Maul, but she continues, stating that revenge is the specialty of his kind, revealing that she knows his true nature. Xev identifies Maul as a Sith, and he raises his lightsaber to strike her down.
Back on Coruscant, Darth Sidious questions Maul if his bloodlust has been satisfied by the Padawan's death. Taken aback, Maul asks how his master knew, and Sidious replies that he orchestrated the events, questioning Maul if he genuinely believed he could uncover a secret unknown to his master. Maul concedes that he failed the loyalty test, but Sidious asserts that Sith are inherently defiant and that Maul has embraced the true nature of their Order. Sidious asks Maul if he is content, and Maul states that he is not, to which Sidious approves. Maul is left to contemplate his actions, realizing that Kaitis' death has not fulfilled him but has only intensified his hatred and emptiness.
Media
Editions
- UPC 759606083725; July 19 , 2017 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00511; Cover A; Rafael Albuquerque 00521; Cover B; Diego Olortegui 00531; Cover C; Rachel Dodson, Terry Dodson 00541; Cover D; David López 00551; Cover E; Kaare Andrews 00561; Cover F; Julian Totino Tedesco