Hi everybody!

*hugs!*

Long time no blog!

I've been riddling and figuring out what kind of console to purchase and which games I can play on it, and wondering what I should do with the KOTOR game I just bought (which is too high-tech for my laptop)...so please pardon the delay.

I'm pleased to announce that I've just acquired a copy of the Darth Maul TPB, and it was so incredibly enjoyable that I've been savoring it and turning the story around in my mind. It's a great plot in which Lord Maul is sent on an errand to throw Black Sun into disarray. The artistry on the very first page is wonderful! It is a picture of him meditating; for his martial arts skills will be put to the test immediately thereafter (he is pitted against a number of armed droids). After surviving this test, Sidious says he has a task for Maul. I just LOVE Maul's response: He gets on his knees, bows before his Master, and says: "Lord Sidious, I am yours to command."

Sith, though he is, I totally respect the way he gives complete deference to his superior. This gave me pause, and I began to wonder about Maul's background. Was he always this obedient? If so, he must've made his parents very proud. Why did his parents turn him over to Palpatine? Were they under the impression that Maul would be groomed for an upstanding political position? (BTW, I've ordered a copy of Darth Maul Shadow Hunter and perhaps the answers to these questions will be revealed in that book. )

This TPB taught me that Maul is more than just a great fighter...he's also a cunning strategist. He slyly weasels his way into the vicinity of Vigo Darnada, and then slaughters him and his whole crew, with the exception of a sole survivor.

As the story proceeds, Lord Maul overcomes a multitude of trained killers from all corners of the universe, and finally confronts Lex and his bodyguard,*** Mighella. Mighella gives Maul a run for his money, as she is also trained in the ways of the darkside; for she is a Nightsister, and has the power of force lightning!

I won't give away the ending, but I WILL tell you that Lord Maul sustains an injury. I highly recommend this comic for everyone who's fanatical about this exquisitely tatooed Zabrak. I must admit: he is my favorite Sith!

Thanks for sticking around until the end; I appreciate your interest!

(And just a small side rant: These days a number of my TPBs seem to be falling apart! Has this ever happened to any of you? What do you suggest I do: tape, glue, or other? Thanks for your suggestions!)

*extra hugs!*

Very truly yours,
-jeditee



***It is interesting to note that both Vigo Darnada and Lex kept females for their personal bodyguards. Darnada had a Twi'lek named Sinya, and Lex had Mighella, the Nightsister. I don't completely understand the reasoning behind this. As a female myself, I'll be the first to point out that we have speed, endurance, agility, and intelligence on our side. But men have the aforementioned qualities in addition to brute strength.