Max meets Jedi Master Mace Windu again in Marvel’s Star Wars: Mace Windu #2.
The STAR WARS: MACE WINDU 2024 comic miniseries started strong and continues to maintain this high with Issue 2. When we last left Mace, he was journeying deep into the ice caves of the moon of Ro Mira with the smuggler with a questionable moral compass, Azita Cruuz. Azita has the formula for Coaxium Ultra, a super-charged version of coaxium, the hyperfuel first introduced in SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY.
She broadcasts the formula to the whole galaxy to sell to the highest bidder, but now everyone is after her. Mace wants to claim the coaxium for the Republic. Firstly, he must ensure his and the woman’s survival if they hope to leave the moon.
A NEW SIDE OF A JEDI MASTER?
Usually, I am a massive critic of Mace Windu. I feel that a lot of his actions in Episode III inadvertently led to the fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Empire. But this younger Mace has a more reserved and ethical air to him. He even tells Azita that a Jedi only kills when there is no other option and dwelling on the past is pointless. Especially as what has happened is indelible and unchangeable. This screams JEDI louder than I’ve ever heard in a while, so much so that I started to root for this softer Mace.
Mace Windu’s goody-two-shoes demeanor contrasts with Azita, who is not above killing and hurting people to achieve her goals. She questions why Mace is a Jedi, especially after learning he did not choose this path. It makes me think about how all of the Jedi didn’t grow up wanting to be Jedi. They were taken as infants from their families and don’t have a choice in what lies in their destiny—food for thought.
VERDICT
I loved the dynamic between these two unlikely beings. The art of the ice was glorious and enchanting and made me feel as if I were in the ice caverns myself. The story also paced incredibly well, and the bore worms did not….bore me. As far as the giant monsters cliche trope goes, they were an interesting specimen. How Mace dealt with them was nothing short of incredible.
I also retract my distaste for making Azita black just to be the same as Mace. There is clearly a bigger connection between the two that I did not see coming. In hindsight, I should have seen it, but the revelation does have racist connotations of its own, but be that what you will. Star Wars always did play fast and loose with race parallels.
I am excited to see how this tale ends, and my faith in Windu is being restored gradually.
Star Wars: Mace Windu #2 is published by Marvel Comics and is available to buy now.
Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
