Comic Review: Doctor Aphra (2020) #36

Dark Droids is as the name implies: dark. The darkness through every series that is joining in with this crossover event is hugely evident, creating a dark shadow over the entire galaxy that promises that this event, the repercussions, are all going to be something quite special. Every issue just adds to this conviction. Doctor Aphra has been no different, perhaps less dark, and more exploratory, it has had a few shocking twists that I’m sure will be felt in the series for a long time. This issue we can expect… well that’s just the thing, we really don’t know what to expect and it is what I’m loving about this event. We know the menace is growing, we know it is after Vader, but how will that affect this series. Behind this unpredictability is Alyssa Wong who has been presenting us Aphra for years now and you can tell they are having such fun with this dark and sinister crossover. Joining them as always is Minkyu Jung and new Aphra artist, Jethro Morales. Let’s see what they have in store for us.

Aphra started the Dark Droids crossover with less darkness, more intrigue – matching the character of Aphra perfectly. This issue, Wong brings the series in line with the horror quality that is to be found in all the Star Wars series. There’s mystery galore, few answers and bloodshed. Although last issue was coming to the event from a different angle, I’m glad to see it come in line with everything else. Aphra has always worked best as a dark horror series and Wong knows how to write it so well. The scenes between quiet and action in this comic are exceptional, perfectly timed to really bring the effect home that the ‘quiet’ times are leading to their own action, that it won’t stay quiet for long. This back and forth I could read all day and Wong really brings a cinematic quality to this issue.

Of course, no issue could bring such atmosphere and quality without the hard work of its artists. Jung and Morales do an incredible job of creating the action scenes before shifting to the quieter ones. The use of black backgrounds in these quiet moments with the Rebellion really help to emphasis the dark shadow looming over everything, to create the quiet visually as well as with the writing.

The comic opens with Leia and a recording playing. Just this opening page brings the writing, the artwork, the atmosphere all together so well. You can tell instantly that this issue has had a shift from the last. The spread of the droids can be heard – we as the reader know what is happening -but it’s fascinating to see the startled reactions of the characters we all know. I was curious as to why Wong had started out with Leia (although appreciative of seeing the stunning illustrations from Jung and Morales) and then came the very happy answer: Tolvan. If you have read any of my other reviews, you will know that I adore Tolvan. The interaction between her and Aphra always felt so real, never forced, and was a great relationship to watch grow – well – erm, can I say it grew?! Wong brings her back and shows us just how well she is doing. She is a shining light in the Rebellion, a natural leader who can do the impossible. All of this, most importantly, without Aphra. She doesn’t need Aphra in order to achieve all she has, and I think that’s important for this character. For when Aphra gets involved, well, it never goes well.

Not only do we see Tolvan, but Wong treats us to a flashback of the duo when they were together. We never saw too much of this in the previous Aphra series and Wong doesn’t give us much here, but those moments, they are just so great to see and have our characters revisit. It helps a new reader to understand the past but also is Wong reminding us of is that Tolvan is not yet over Aphra. It might not matter for the Dark Droids event, but for the series, this is important. Aphra is rather all over the place: Tolvan, Tagge, Sana. Who knows which way she will decide to go (I’ve given up trying at this point!). The fact that Tolvan still thinks of her, is still having fond memories means that this race is still anyone’s.

And while we’re on about options, or bad ones, Teviy. There is lots to unpick with the quieter moments with Tolvan however, all of this is intermittent with Aphra and Lucky having to face off against a droid onslaught. This movement back and forth with the story works great and we see that Aphra is rather ruthless. Teviy, who Aphra had been with last issue and then proceeded to steal from Aphra, finds herself back with the Doctor facing off the droids. Aphra in one kick, sends her tumbling to her death. I’m not going to lie, even for Aphra I found this so cold! Does it show that Aphra is back or she’s still in an emotional turmoil after everything that has happened previously? I guess only time will tell.

The Tolvan side of the issue is where the story starts and where it ends. The Rebellion want to know what has happened to The Silver Arrow; a ship that has been lost with no reason why. Of course, Tolvan and her crew find it. The approach to the ship, the comm silence, the sense of impending doom, it’s all here and it’s great to read. From the writing to the artwork, we know what is wrong, we know what has happened, yet what we don’t know is if Tolvan and her team are strong enough, resourceful enough, smart enough to outwit these droids and escape with their lives. The reason this event is working so well is that we may know a lot of characters who must survive, those who will show up in Return of the Jedi, yet there are also a lot of characters we don’t know the fates of. Aphra contains a higher proportion of the latter and that means that as readers, we’re a lot more on edge; Wong is known for their surprises.

Crossover over events, they’re a great way to get new readers, even new readers who may read Star Wars but not necessarily a certain series. However, what can happen is that the crossover event feels forced, like certain series are being forced into the event with there been no real need. Dark Droids is different. There doesn’t feel like there is any force to any of the series and you can tell just from the incredible writing and atmosphere that is been shown. This issue is no different. This is incredible writing, incredible art and an incredible story that really brings the cinematic vision of Star Wars to the page. Wong is the master of atmosphere; they know how to manipulate it so well and this issue is a prime example. Throw in a fan favourite like Tolvan and you have many readers (me included) very happy. How I don’t know but anything with the Dark Droids title is just getting better and better, Aphra included.