Tales #9: Vader vs. Maul

**preacher** · 10-11-2001

Maul vs. Vader. Pretty cool. It turned out the way I knew it would. The story was very interesting too. The last statement Vader made for some reason really made feel for the guy. I would elaborate more but I don't want to spoil anything. Give it a read to see the contrast in character between Maul and Vader.

**bigbarada** · 10-25-2001

I was very disappointed with the super-hyped Vader vs. Maul duel in SW Tales #9. Without giving away who won (someone else can do that) I must say I felt Darth Maul was poorly represented.

To begin with I'm rooting for Vader, but in order for his victory/defeat to seem legit then both characters should act at least similar to their movie counterparts. Maul never backed off or hesitated in Ep1, so why does he do it here? Maul never talked in Ep1, so why does he suddenly develop diarrhea of the mouth in this book? Barely a panel goes by during the fight that he's not spouting off some taunt.

On a positive note, I was very happy with the art. Rick Leonardi has long been one of my favorites, ever since his Spider-Man days (he designed the short-lived black costume); although he does seem to be showing his age a little with his art in this book. His storytelling and composition are still top notch but the accuracy of the characters and equipment is a little wanting.
As for the story itself, it's contrived by default but not nearly as contrived as I expected. It even introduces a cool new Dark Side power.

Overall, though, very disappointing. Too bad, it could have been the coolest story of the year.

**bigbarada** · 10-25-2001

Sorry, preacher, I didn't notice your thread when I wrote mine about Tales #9. Didn't mean to steal your thunder.

I too felt a little sorry for Vader, it seemed that his confidence in the Emperor was badly shaken.

**Bel-Cam Jos** · 10-25-2001

No need to apologize, BB, for it is I, Bel-Cam Jos, Moderator of this Section, who has saved you from embarassment! Or, just merged yours with this thread.

**PloKoon2385** · 10-26-2001

I thought it was awesome! I predicted Vader was going to win. I am not saying if he did or not. But it took me a long time to come up with that conclusion. I looked at it this way: Vader is the chosen one, lots o midichlorians! Maul is strong in the Force, very good combatant, but stupid and not very clever. Vader is smart and keen. Maul is overpowering and fast. Vader is slow and thinks about his moves. Maul relies on instinct. Vader destroyed all of the Jedi, or most of them. Maul could have, but was destroyed by a Padawan. Vader killed that Padawan. Maul is pure evil and loves to destroy. Vader seems more reserved and does his Masters wishes, not just to destroy. Maul is deeply devoted to Palpatine, so is Vader (until son distracted him.) Vader has a weak soul, Maul is rock hard hatred. And it goes on and on. So, as you can see, it took me quite a long while to decide who would win. I dont know what you would've guessed, but I see them as pretty equal. So who do you think would win?

**bigbarada** · 10-30-2001

I pick Vader for all the reasons you listed Plo Koon 2385. He is much smarter and cunning than Darth Maul. He is also capable of operating solo, without his master, something we never really saw Maul do too well. The only real argument I've seen for people picking Maul is based on the fighting moves he displayed in Ep1. But who says Vader would allow Maul to get close enough to use his ballet moves?

BTW, I still owe you a drawing of your namesake, Plo Koon 2385 (well, without the 2385). Don't worry I haven't forgotten.

**PloKoon2385** · 10-31-2001

Thanks! It would be really cool if you drew Plo Koon. And, you are right, Maul can't really think for himself, though I'd never tell him.

**Jargo** · 11-02-2001

Well, the artwork is spiffy to a degree. The story IMO was weak and lacked any power and punch. There was no tension and the premise of the story seemed weakest of all. Plus it name checked that bloody Bane character! GRRRR! Palpatine came off as weak and incompetent. Vader seemed like a big kittycat. maul was just as lame as in the movie which was very disappointing. To be honest I didn't expect to enjoy this concoction and I wasn't really surprised at how it turned out, I just bought it to keep my tales collection up to date. I actually prefered the

lipops tale. That was more entertaining for the fact that it introduced Maul to Palpatine and tried to make sense of a little backstory that actually had something ralating to the films.

**bigbarada** · 11-03-2001

I guess we all know now how Maul got his rotten teeth: too many

lipops!

**mrhat** · 11-03-2001

Yeah, predidlyictable, i bought it today, so i could see "the fight to end all" But isnt it interesting that ani was like 9-10 in TPM and Darth Maul was 20 something, wouldnt Maul be like realllly old, if he came back?

Anyway, that last comic was sad, the 4 superheroes, SAD, they were never developed into a good rebel team.

was that new, or an older undeveloped comic?

SAD SAD SAD

I also got the latest Toyfare there.