Published: April 12, 2023
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Artist: Minkyu Jung
Colourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Rachael Stott
The synopsis;
SHATTER! THE CONCLUSION OF THE BATTLE FOR THE SPARK ETERNAL! As DOCTOR APHRA fights for her life, she faces a dire question: Even IF she triumphs over the Spark, will there be enough left of Aphra to piece herself back together?
The review;
Well… the finale of Hidden Empire happened, and what a glorious ending it was. Aphra/The Spark was there, fighting against Vader and Palpatine until Aphra ran off. In my review for that, I put down that Alyssa Wong has a lot of questions to answer, answers that I’m hoping we’ll find out in this issue! They have done a fantastic storyline and I can’t wait to see how it is concluded. Joining them is (as always) the talented Minkyu Jung, who’s artwork is always a joy to see. So, without further due, let’s dive in.
Right from the first page, Wong makes it very clear where and when we are. For readers of Hidden Empire, we find ourselves straight back with Vader and Aphra and the duel between them. From this very first page, the first thing that struck me was the artwork, my gosh, Jung absolutely hits it out of the park immediately. the part that really stands out is Vader, he has never looked better. The look, the motions, the sheer menace of him comes through the pages again and again. As you delve further into the comic, it seems every time Vader is on the page Jung goes the extra mile. This whole issue is the final showdown, there is a vast amount of action that Jung captures perfectly. The intensity comes out of each and every panel. Even the little details, like the sword crossing panels towards the end of the issue look so impressive. You can tell Jung has put his heart and soul into this and the payoff is simply wonderful. For an issue that is relying a lot on the visuals, Jung picks his moment perfectly to show us just how incredible his artwork is.
This very much feels like a half comic, and I mean that as a complement. Charles Soule (writer of Hidden Empire) and Wong have worked closely together to tie this story up. If you want to know exactly what happens to the Spark, you need to read Hidden Empire. If you want to know about Aphra, well of course, you read this issue. We see the battle, the struggle from Aphra’s point of view here, but with how the story was divided up, there is a lot here that readers wouldn’t have even suspected from reading Hidden Empire. The two issues complement each other very well, it’s a reason these cross over events have worked so well. We see the team with Sana and Tolvan realising just how much power the Emperor has brought with him to the station. The comments between them as they realise just how powerful Qi’ra is, how much that the Emperor needs to fear and deal with her. Wong reinforces everything that Soule has been showing us and the respect the crew show Qi’ra is a lovely nod to the events happening around them.
But it is just nods as Wong is very clear on the story that they have to tell. This is about Aphra, and they never lose sight of that fact, which really helps this issue to stand on its own two feet. What we think we know about the Spark and how it is dealt with is nothing like what actually happens. It is far more complicated and requires Aphra’s friends getting involved. I say friends, Wong teases – oh how they love to tease us – with Sana and Tolvan. This love triangle is most certainly rearing its head again, particularly with what Aphra says just before the conclusion. It keeps us guessing, and although it is so frustrating (Wong I hope you’re reading), it does keep you guessing where Aphra’s heart truly lies. The depth in this issue is much deserved than what was in Hidden Empire, which seemed far too quick and easy for a plot we have been following for a whole arc. Wong gives us that justice, that finalisation to the storyline.
The other part that Wong has continually done very well with are the murderous droids. Wong utilises the pair perfectly every time, to bring humour and death. They are never overused, making a brief appearance before disappearing and letting the story resume. I never realised how much I adore this pair and I’m hoping some repairs are in order before we see these two again.
Everything has been set-up and led to this moment. This is the payoff for an intense storyline that has seen Aphra captured, creating a storyline that focuses on her friends, lovers and enemies. It’s the sort of break the series needed, to let others shine that really deserve to. It has also seen the return of fan favourites, like the droids and Tolvan (who better be staying put!). To say important and monumental for the series would be an understatement and this conclusion to the current state of affairs does the character and the series justice. It is full of action and suspense, of lightsaber fights and blaster battles and loss and lo-… well if Wong isn’t going to write it then neither am I! Wong has done a tremendous job of this story arc that has united fans of both old Aphra, and new Doctor Aphra and I can’t wait to see where they take us next. A stunning conclusion to a stunning arc.
Availability;
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020) is an ongoing series available from Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via the Marvel App, ComiXology and all good comic book stores.
