Doctor Aphra (2020) #18 - Comic Review

After their first encounter with Kho Phon Farrus, Doctor Aphra (2020) #18 finds Aphra and Sana Starros following their trail of blood, bodies, and ritual murder. Farrus is after artifacts from The Ascendant, an ancient cult that created dangerous items to mimic Force abilities. Unfortunately, the two rogues seem to be just one step behind Farrus the whole time. Fortunately, though, they realize that Farrus is going after artifact dealers and Aphra just so happens to know one that she might be able to convince to help set a trap! At the same time we find Just Lucky thinking back on his past life with Ariole, struggling to find his partner after their escape from the Crimson Dawn flagship during War of the Bounty Hunters, and trying to figure out what his next step has to be in the galaxy!

Writer Alyssa Wong continues the incredibly fun, and occasionally very dark, storyline of Kho Phon Farrus in Doctor Aphra (2020) #18! Wong gives us a bit of backstory this time to Farrus and their connection to Aphra and Sana, which is fantastic, but most of the issue feels more like a montage piecing together quick pieces of the two of them chasing down Farrus, as opposed to diving deep into the adventure itself. It’s not a bad technique if the purpose is to cut to the chase of this plotline, but I would have liked more exploration of the literal chase of Farrus. However, once the plot settles down a little and is allowed to be played out more in real time the story gets very good. Seeing more of Farrus discussing their life and what they’re doing going after these artifacts was a fun insight to the character and Aphra teasing Sana that she should remember Farrus from their past was a perfect moment. Overall it’s a fun issue with a lot of neat character moments, especially the ones involving Just Lucky or Kho Phon Farrus, and continues the trend of Alyssa Wong’s incredible work with this series!

The visual artistic team for Doctor Aphra (2020) #18 consists of artist Minkyu Jung, color artist Rachelle Rosenberg, and letterer VC’s Joe Caramagna. The three of them work so well together with Wong’s stories that I hope they stay together on this run forever. The character designs and action are so well done with Farrus once again ruling the issue for me with the stunning visual representation of the character and the way they move during fight sequences. Once again the highlight of the issue, aside from Farrus, is Rosenberg’s stunning colors, especially during the action of the second half with the gorgeous green backgrounds!

The main cover of Doctor Aphra (2020) #18 comes from artists Sara Pichelli and Nolan Woodard depicting Aphra and Sana in danger of some nasty boxes about to be thrown on top of them. The first variant cover comes from the reoccurring team of Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Neeraj Menon, back again with another Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary cover, this time being a Galaxy’s Edge piece featuring fan favorite Hondo Ohnaka and a couple other park friendly faces. The second variant cover was done by Ema Lupacchino and Rachelle Rosenberg and shows Aphra having a nice time at the local bar!

Doctor Aphra (2020) #18 continues the fantastic story arc exploring the artifacts of The Ascendant and Kho Phon Farrus who’s out to collect them in an attempt to become a Sith! It’s a great fun issue full of nice character moments and exciting action that definitely makes it worth checking out. So hop on your speeder bike and zoom on down to your local comic shop to pick up a copy today!