NINETOES VS MAUL: SHADOW LORD

Ninetoes was excited about the new show, but then he heard it would be animated. Did that tickle of excitement return?

In the criminal underworld of Janix, Maul enacts a plan to consolidate his power. (Episode 1)

Maul seeks to enlighten his new prisoners while Lawson pursues him.

Directed by Steward Lee, Brad Rau, and Saul Ruiz

Written by Matt Michnovetz and Amanda Rose Munoz

Starring Sam Witwer, Ben Diskin, and Brandon Blum

Hey there, television lovers. It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today, I am looking at the first two episodes of Star Wars: Maul: Shadow Lord. I have coffee in my system, and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

Okay, I love Star Wars in all of its aspects. I was there, boots on the ground in 1977 when it premiered as just “STAR WARS”, no episodes, just a fantastic science fiction/fantasy movie. In the past almost fifty years, I have watched it grow to have something for just about everyone in movies, shows, comic books, and books.

Then I heard rumors that Disney was working on a show about my favorite Sith Lord, Darth Maul. To say I was excited is an understatement. Then I heard it was going to be animated, and my excitement dimmed a bit. Watching a Star Wars animated feature is hit and miss as far as the graphic quality goes. The story may be sound, but the graphics are…lacking. Be that as it may, I have decided to give Maul: Shadow Lord a shot…

…and I am beyond glad I did!

This is no mere animated television show. This is a television event!

First, the graphics. They are absolutely stunning and come to life like you are watching a painting come to life before you. The colors explode off the screen. The motion is absolutely flawless. The facial movements match the script with absolute perfection. The action is choreographed to match the sound effects as if it were a movie theater production.

Second, the story. This is a Star Wars crime drama, and I am totally down for it. This is the dark, seedy underbelly of the Star Wars universe. You deal with the various mob factions: The Crimson Dawn, The Pykes, etc, and then you throw in the Shadow Collective (run by Maul, with some Mandalorians in his employ), and it is a fight to the top. Throw in the police, who want to keep the Empire out of the situation and are doing their very best to do so while taking on the Mobs. This goes hand in hand with the main story that Maul wants revenge on those who have wronged him.

Third, the voice acting. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE who has given their talents to this project is sublime, with Sam Witwer leading the charge as Maul. His cadence and delivery are everything I wanted from the Maul character. I could say that so-and-so is better than the others, but they are all fantastic!

Lastly, the music. This is movie theater quality music. It adds to the overall experience to let you know that you are watching a Star Wars show. What made my heart leap for joy was when Maul first appeared, the choral music from The Phantom Menace played, and I KNEW who it was and it was deserving of the fanfare!

This show is a Star Wars fan’s dream! I highly encourage you to watch it! You will not be disappointed, I know I wasn’t!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.