Darth Vader. While some suggest that Vader will forever be the victor in any conflict between the two, they're wrong.
While Darth Vader is often heralded as the ultimate Sith, especially in mainstream Star Wars lore, Maul is the only one truly deserving of that title. Although the voice of Maul, Sam Witwer, has suggested in an interview with IGN that Vader would be difficult for Maul to take on, his character growth and trajectory tell a different story.
In Star Wars Tales #9, written by Ron Marz and illustrated by Chris Brunner, a misleading picture of how a future conflict between the Sith Lords would play out is painted. While Vader did come out on top in their fateful duel, many factors provide valid caveats to the assumption that Vader would win by default again.
Maul vs. Vader: The Duel That Never Was
Star Wars Tales #9 Explained
In Star Wars Tales #9, a non-canonical Dark Horse comic, Maul is resurrected to fight Darth Vader, with a significant twist in their battle. Maul, who had long been thought dead, is brought back to life by Sith heretics hoping to replace Vader as the Emperor’s top apprentice. The story provides an exciting backdrop, depicting a duel between these two Dark Lords on a planet filled with dark side energy. Vader is presented with the opportunity to prove himself worthy of Palpatine’s favor by defeating Maul, and the clash results in an intense and explosive battle.
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Despite Maul’s overwhelming skills, Vader ultimately triumphs, but only through a sacrificial act. In a surprising move, he impales himself with his own lightsaber, driving it through his body and into Maul's chest. This self-inflicted injury, combined with Vader's deep-seated hatred, fuels his victory. While this act showcases Vader’s power, it’s a far cry from a clean win. Maul's shock at Vader's desperation demonstrates that this force ghost is a far cry from the all-powerful Sith lord we've seen, and the journey the character has been on since the Phantom Menace.
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What's most important to keep in mind is that this story was written long before Maul's revival in the animated universe, and all the intricacies writers like Dave Filoni and actors like Sam Witwer brought to the Sith lord. Not only is Maul the most devoted to the true Sith dogma, but he has weaponized his hatred in ways that have the potential to make him much stronger in the dark side's power. Given Maul's developments after his resurrection, his relentless conviction, and the growth in his capabilities over the years, he would easily best Vader.
Why Vader’s Victory Is Misleading
Maul Bows Down To No One
While Vader's victory over Maul might seem impressive, his deeper weaknesses are often overlooked, as his connection to the light side holds him back. For example, Darth Vader's tragic loyalty to his master leads him to abandon his pursuit of Kenobi, setting aside his hatred. Maul, on the other hand, is entirely consumed by the dark side. While his hatred for Kenobi led to his demise in Star Wars Rebels, he never took his eye off the prize. This makes Maul far more focused and dangerous in combat, as he is not burdened by the emotional conflicts that plague Vader.
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Another key factor in the difference between these two Sith Lords is their relationship with power and independence. While Vader was submissive towards Palpatine as his master, Maul ultimately rejected being underneath the Emperor's boot. He broke free from Sidious’s control, choosing instead to embrace the teachings of the Sith on his . Like a true Sith, he craves that power for himself, and his unrelenting quest to attain it further proves his superiority to the former Jedi. This defiance solidifies Maul's position as a more powerful and dangerous force in the galaxy than Vader ever was.
Vader was always fighting for someone else's cause, while Maul sought power and autonomy, which makes him a purer Sith than Vader ever was.
Maul’s rise to power on Mandalore further demonstrates his superiority over Vader. By aligning himself with the Death Watch and eventually defeating Pre Vizsla to claim leadership, Maul proves he is not just a fighter but a tactician. Vader was always fighting for someone else's cause, while Maul sought power and autonomy, which makes him a purer Sith than Vader ever was. Maul's unyielding hatred, powerful independent ego, and lack of any moral conflict set him apart as a truly formidable force, unlike anything Vader has faced before.
The Paradox Of The Dark Side Power
Collaboration Would Be Powerful, But Impossible
Star Wars' two most powerful Sith lords share more in common than many realize. They are both students of the same master, powerful Sith darkside s, and they both share a hatred for Obi-Wan that's so strong that it kept them from dying out of sheer spite. If they were to recognize their shared burdens and unite over them, the two could easily take over the galaxy in the way Vader aspired to do with his son. However, the Sith's critical weakness is the burning desire for power, and given Maul's intoxication with it, collaboration isn't an option.
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The nature of the dark side itself would never allow such a collaboration to reach its full potential. The dark side thrives on ambition, jealousy, and a constant drive for personal power, making it impossible for any ambitious Sith lord to work together. Given that Maul is much more brutal than Vader and the growth in his connection to the dark side, he's more likely to leave Vader even more disfigured should they cross paths again. The dark side’s corrosive nature ensures that the relationship between these two will always be one of conflict, never cooperation.
Maul Deserves His Redemption Arc
A New Era For The Only True Sith Lord
Darth Maul’s journey after the Phantom Menace highlights his true commitment to the Sith cause. While Vader's eventual redemption came at the end of his life, Maul never faltered in his pursuit of vengeance and domination. His deep connection to the dark side, mastery of lightsaber combat, and ability to manipulate his emotions to gain power make him a true embodiment of the Sith. Maul’s story deserves to be fully explored in a way that honors his complex character and highlights his unique place within the dark side of the Force.
A proper showcase of Maul’s potential, outside the shadow of his former master, could bring proper recognition to his significance within the Sith pantheon.
Maul’s saga is one of tragedy and perseverance, as he is constantly overlooked or underestimated. With the Maul: Shadow Legends series, there is hope that Star Wars will finally give Maul the redemption he truly deserves. A proper showcase of Maul’s potential, outside the shadow of his former master, could bring proper recognition to his significance within the Sith pantheon. By embracing Maul as the true Sith Lord he was always meant to be, Star Wars can offer fans a satisfying continuation of his legacy.
Star Wars Tales #9, written by Ron Marz and illustrated by Chris Brunner, is available at your local comic shop now.
Source: IGN
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Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
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Darth Maul
Palpatine's apprentice, Darth Maul was nothing more than a tool to winnow down the ranks of the Jedi ahead of Darth Sidious' true plans. Discarded after he was defeated by Obi-Wan Kenobi on Naboo, Darth Maul swore revenge against all those he blamed for his past struggles - Jedi and Sith alike. Maul tended to operate within the shadows, running various syndicates, and even established himself as a true rival for Palpatine on at least one occasion. He was eventually killed by Obi-Wan in a duel on Tatooine.
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Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Pé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine's right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
