Doctor Aphra (2020) #26
FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
As a Spark-possessed Doctor Aphra sought Ascendant tech aboard the ”Vermillion”, flagship of Crimson Dawn, the true Aphra found herself trapped within her own memories. In this mental prison, Aphra encountered Miril, the creator of the Spark Eternal.
While the Spark acquired Miril’s Sith-killing Null Blade, Sana Starros and her team of Aphra associates recruited the two murderous droids BT-1 and 0-0-0 and reached the ”Vermillion”.
In an effort to divide the team, the Spark tempted Kho Phon Farrus with power but instead sprung their trap. Aphra’s allies have finally cornered the Spark, but the fight has omly just begun….
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Artist: Minkyu Jung
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover artist: W. Scott Forbes
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: November 16, 2022
As the friends of Chelli Aphra spring their trap aboard the Vermillion in the opening panels of Doctor Aphra #26, the power of the Spark Eternal instantly becomes evident. Controlling the famed archaeologist, it not only heals her after having a chandelier dropped on her, but now alert to the attack her Spark-fuelled power is instantly evident. Taking control of Kho’s gloves as she tried to grab the unexpectedly heavy Ascendant Sword, Kho can’t stop blasts coming from her palms, the power of the Spark able to control ascendant tech after merely touching it. The Spark makes it clear that Aphra is ‘happy’ where she is, and we head inside the Spark to Bar’leth and Miril’s memory in the Spark where Chelli is being emotionally blackmailed into staying inside the memory, and while appreciative of the offer to stay she’s figured a way out – ‘kill’ ther memory of Miril.
Back in the ‘now’ 000 and BT see Aphra’s Spark controlled body and attack, giving the rest of them the distraction to take their chance as Magna Tolvan shocks Aphra, swearing to not leave without her and appearing inside the Miril memory where they reunite, kiss and revert back to their own ‘realities’ as the Spark attacks again. The droids move in again, but the Spark takes them over, bringing them to her side.
With her calling gloves, Kho and Spark/Aphra clash again, but this time the Spark whispers something to Kho, which sees her abandon the team to stay with Crimson Dawn. As the episode rolls out we learn more of the Sparks plans. How Miril was weak, how the information held within the droids could collapse the Sith, how the plans of Crimson Dawn would be explosive. Speaking of explosive, we end with Aphra/Spark destroying the ship Sana, Magna and co are on before leaping to hyperspace and issue 27….
Another superb issue, this title is really singing now. With this lengthy Spark Eternal storyline, Alyssa Wong builds and builds the tension as we head towards the Hidden Empire crossover issues. The art from Minkyu Jung is vivid and pacey and as a package lavished by the colours of Rachelle Rosenberg this title is becoming more and more essential by the month for a variety of reasons but none more than the simple truth that the stories of Doctor Aphra are more and more integral to the wider Star Wars story than we could have ever imagined.
