



Welcome to the second edition of The Archives , a place of knowledge and wisdom. For those new to The Archives, it is a blog series where I take a single comic book from the official Star Wars canon and give an in-depth look at the comic issue. You will learn where in the timeline the comic book takes place, some of my favorite highlights from the comic, and what connections it has to other Star Wars stories. Last time, I discussed SON OF DATHOMIR 1. This week I'll take you on a journey through the second part of the SON OF DATHOMIR series. There will be major spoilers to follow.

SON OF DATHOMIR 2 is written by Jeremy Barlow , penciled by Juan Frigeri , inked by Mauro Vargas , with cover art by Chris Scalf. This four part mini-series serves as an official continuation of the television series STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. This comic book was adapted from A TALE OF TWO APPRENTICES, which is an episode from the show that was scripted by Aïda Mashaka Croal and Matt Michnovetz. Had the show not been cancelled, this would have aired in what would have been the show's sixth season.

When exactly does SON OF DATHOMIR 2 take place?

SON OF DATHOMIR 2 basically takes place right after the ending of the previous issue. Like the entire mini-series in general, it is set after the Darth Maul season five story arc from STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS.

In the beginning of this comic, Maul is on the run and regrouping from the Battle of Zanbar. He now seeks guidance from Mother Talzin. It is important to note that this series takes place after the episode THE DISAPPEARED, PART II (from THE CLONE WARS: LOST MISSIONS). We see Mother Talzin disappear into green mist at the end of that episode. Many fans incorrectly assumed that was her ultimate demise. It was not, and we see her now in communication with Maul after his defeat on Zanbar.

What are some highlights from SON OF DATHOMIR 2?

There are a couple key moments that I find very intriguing in this comic book. The first being Count Dooku's battle against the Nightbrothers. These Zabrak warriors are no pushovers, but Darth Tyranus is a Sith Lord. Though I am glad we got to see this fight, I can only imagine how visually stunning it would have been to see it on the small screen.

The second major highlight from this issue is the capture of General Grievous and Count Dooku. Maul's Shadow Collective manages to capture two of the biggest figures in the Separatist Alliance.

Are there any connection to other Star Wars stories?

There are several connections to other Star Wars stories sprinkled throughout SON OF DATHOMIR 2. We get our first canon look at the planet Ord Mantell, which was first mentioned in the film THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. The planet's city looks like it could very well fit into the visuals of the Prequel Trilogy, and I love it!

"Well, the bounty hunter we ran into on Ord Mantell changed my mind." - Han Solo (EPISODE V)

Another piece of connective tissue found in the comic is how Mother Talzin communicates with Maul. She uses the same technique seen in the season three episode of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS entitled MASSACRE . In the television series she uses it as a way to talk with and torture Count Dooku. In SON OF DATHOMIR 2, she doesn't use it as a form of torture, but instead just a form of communication.

Lastly, two characters from STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS make an appearance in SON OF DATHOMIR 2. Brother Viscus (seen in season three) and Ziton Moj (seen in season five) both appear in issue #2.

Search the archives next week for a look into SON OF DATHOMIR 3. May the Force be with you.

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