Doctor Aphra (2020) #20
ETERNITY
The race is on for Ascendant tech!
Rogue archeologist Doctor Aphra and smuggler Sana Starros have been tasked with collecting ancient Ascendant tech by Domina Tagge.
As Kho Phon Farrus makes their way to Bar’leth University in search of the fabled Ascendant tech called the Spark Eternal, their school
chum Aphra and Starros find themselves on the same path.Now it seems there’s more to their old professor and university than meets the eye, as she holds the secrets to the coveted Spark….
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Artist: Minkyu Jung
Colourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Vc Joe Caramagna
Cover artist: W. Scott Forbes
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: May 18, 2022
UPC: 75960609724101911
The race for the Spark Eternal has finally reached it’s endpoint in this blistering issue from Alyssa Wong. Deep in the bowels of Bar’Leth University Aphra and Sana race to confront their old friend-turned-nemesis Kho Phon Farris as they reach the zenith of their quest to collect the ancient Sith-aping technology with the last piece within their grasp which is said to make the owner all powerful.
Very much the second half to the climax started in issue 19, this issue is all confrontation as both parties meet at the end goal. Kho has been an interesting and unique villain so far in that it’s clear from the history presented in this and past issues that they were very much created by Aphra herself. These days Aphra’s morality plays hopscotch over the line, usually landing in the most self-serving point, it’s apparent that in her student days, when she befriended Kho, that her moral compass was firmly set in the awful to non-existent. Using every chance to manipulate and take advantage of naïve Kho she created a being so dejected, isolated and powerless that they have taken it upon themselves to seize power by any means necessary. As always; it’s Aphra’s fault.
The ancient technology presented in these issues is genuinely new to Star Wars and has, if explored further, the potential to really shake up and influence future releases. The idea that anyone can have the powers of a Sith lord is a frightening prospect and could open a multitude of exciting doors. I have to applaud Wong for bringing Doctor Aphra back to what made it so special and fresh initially. I enjoyed Gillen’s run but felt that Spurrier misunderstood the appeal of the character and took it away from being Star Wars‘ answer to Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider. The fact that Wong has her uncovering tantalising bits of lore again, no matter who she double crosses is a joy to behold. She even managed to maintain the integrity of the series through War of the Bounty Hunters, which can’t be said for all the writers involved in the crossover event.
The art by Minkyu Jung is colourful and vibrant, striking a perfect balance between the more cartoonish art of her debut solo issues and the more mature and dark stylings of her later stories. Between Wong and Jung there’s been a real consistency to the series and I hope this winning team continues to tell us of Aphra’s misdeeds for as long as possible.
I will say that I wish we had a little more Sana in this issue as their relationship has been the beating heart of Wong’s run but I understand this is Kho’s and Chelli’s show right now. I just can’t silence my inner Aphra and Sana shipper. I’m also a little perplexed as to why this issue and the few before it are bearing the Crimson Reign banner as this has almost nothing to do with the current crossover storyline. Maybe we’re building to that but with only a few issues left I’m failing to see how.
The issue is action packed and builds to a delicious and game-changing final scene that really builds my hopes up for the next issue. They just have to stick the landing and this could go down as one of the better Aphra arcs.
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