Published: January 5, 2022
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Penciler: Minkyu Jung
Coulourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Jos Caramagna
Graphic Designer: Carlos Lao
Cover Artist: Sara Pichelli & Nolan Woodard
The Synopsis:
EVOCATIONS!
DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS stumble upon a STRANGE RITUAL…And STRANGER ENEMY! Will they fall victim to a practitioner of an ANCIENT CULT?
The Review:
Almost two months without an issue of Doctor Aphra. I can’t lie, I have felt that time between issues! This current arc following the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event has been some of the best penned by Wong. Her use of the character and of those around her has been superb, bringing new life, new intrigue, and new adventures for the doctor. This issue promises more of all of this, so let’s see what it has to offer.
This story is almost a story of three parts. There is the beginning that looks at the Tagge’s, then there’s the Aphra part and finally, there is Lucky and Ariole. Yet for this last pair, although mentioned in the briefing, although their images are in the briefing, they are nowhere to be found. To be fair to Wong, she never overuses these two characters, dripping through the bits and pieces we need to know about them as the story with Aphra progresses. It frees Wong to focus on the characters that we want to know about, namely Aphra.
The first part of the story focuses on Ronen and Domina Tagge. It is frustratingly short as I could read whole issues focused on this family, particularly Domina. She has become one of my favourite characters, Wong has written her perfectly, her cold, ruthless nature prevalent in every panel that she can be seen in. Stood next to Ronen, the politics of the family come through wonderfully, to see the pieces that both characters are moving about to try and check mate the other. This is what has really brought Doctor Aphra to a whole new level for the series and the character. Having it linking to the very first story arcs with bringing Ronen back has me very intrigued. Jung illustrates him with an almost Joker type smile to him, giving the impression that the character has become slightly unhinged. I wanted so much more from this part of the story, almost feeling like Wong is teasing us with just enough to whet our appetites.
The main thrust of the story is with Aphra and Sana. I enjoy the character of Sana and yet the last few issues, Wong seems to be pushing this character further out of the spotlight. Sana is always there for Aphra, always there to help her in her time of need, however she is quickly forgotten by Aphra as she surges forwards for the next thing in the mystery of the Ascendent. This is not to suggest that Wong is doing this accidentally, more that there is a growing feeling that Sana will soon have enough of Aphra treating her like this. Aphra keeps claiming she is trying to change (she does so in this very issue), but when her sights are set on something powerful and priceless, these promises very quickly take a back seat. This, of course, is very true to the character of Aphra. Wong shows us Aphra as she always is, determined, talkative and willing to say anything to ensure she comes out on top.
What perhaps is the most surprising part of the issue, is the mysterious, cloaked figure being revealed as Aphra’s arch nemesis: Kho Phon Farrus. Who you say? Even I had to do a quick google search thinking I had amnesia! I was expecting someone we already knew, and I can’t help but be a little disappointed by that. Thankfully, Wong has designed a character who seems intriguing. This is someone who has to feel important, that has to feel like she is someone. The fact that as a reader we don’t know her is crucial to ensure that we know she is a wannabe, a nobody who is putting all her energy into being someone. To carry fake weapons and alluded power she doesn’t have is fascinating. In a galaxy like this, to want to be a force user must be such a draw for so many and Wong shows us what lengths some of them go to. Will she become the arch nemesis she so desires to be, or will she die the nobody and be forgotten?
To help her feel like she has power, Farrus uses Ascendant tools and weapons. Although the Tagge family bring me back again and again to this series, the close second is this exploration of a different culture. We know precious little of the Ascendant, what we do know Wong has dribbled out to us through the last few comics. Yet the more that we learn about them, the more I want to know more about them. Their weapons, their ideas seem unique in Star Wars and I do hope that Wong is able to delve into this culture a little more.
The artwork by Jung is, as always, such a pleasure to read through. The action, the politics, the discussions, all of it flows beautifully. This comic sees a lot of character facial work, getting over the expressions of the characters. Particularly with the interactions between the two Tagge’s, Jung absolutely hits the nail on the head. You can see the lack of interest or the unhindered mind of Ronen.
Aphra is caught in a massive web that involves treachery, family feuds and Crimson Dawn. The doctor may think she is only trying to get pieces of ancient technology, but the truth is she is a small piece, who’s actions are going to affect a vast number of groups and individuals. In this comic, Wong really gets that feeling across, making the story feel extremely grand. Although there are really only two scenes in this entire comic, a lot is happening with our characters and setting up them up ready for what is going to be an explosive few issues. Wong continues to show why Aphra is such a fan favourite, I just hope we don’t have to wait another extended few weeks for the next issue!
Availability:
Doctor Aphra (2020) is an ongoing series available from Marvel. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via the Marvel App and all good comic book stores.
