Commentary — ‘Star Wars: Tales Of The Underworld’ Channels Marvel’s Madripoor
by Frank Martin
It’s interesting to see how completely separate stories influence each other. Of course, there are big influences such as plot and character, but there are smaller ones as well, such as those involving setting and tone. An interesting one involves the criminal underworlds of both the Marvel and Star Wars universes. For the most part, each universe explores their respective underworlds differently. But there is undoubtedly some crossover in their aesthetic, and specifically when it comes to Marvel’s Madripoor, which possibly influenced Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld.
The short series was broken up into two sections. Half of the episodes focused on the mercenary Cad Bane (Corey Burton). The others dealt with Asajj Ventress (Nika Futterman), a dark Force user who must use the galaxy’s underworld to keep off of the Empire’s radar. While in hiding, Ventress visits an unnamed planet where criminals go to enjoy themselves and conduct business. It’s a common trope within the Star Wars universe, but the lights, music, and atmosphere feel oddly reminiscent of how Madripoor is depicted by Marvel.
Both of these universes couldn’t be farther from one another. Star Wars takes place in a galaxy far away, completely detached from human history and affairs of Earth. Marvel is very much rooted in real history with real places. Of course, Madripoor is a fictional nation rife by criminality, so this allows it to lean into the fantastical with its style. It depicts criminals living a flashy lifestyle outside the rule of law. Tales of the Underworld embodies something similar with its unnamed city. It might not be Madripoor in name, but the influence is undoubtedly there, just as it’s possible Madripoor was influenced by previous criminal elements in the Star Wars Universe. It just goes to show how these unconnected franchises can play off each other in subtle ways.
Star Wars: Tales Of The Underworld is now streaming on Disney+.
