Doctor Aphra (2020) #21 - Comic Review

After collecting the various artifacts of the cult known as the Ascendant, Aphra, Sana, Kho Phon Farrus, and their old teacher Sava Nos converge on a location known to hold the Spark Eternal. Doctor Aphra (2020) #21 finds the titular character now possessed by the power of the Spark and wreaking havoc on her friends and enemies to take possession of the Ascendant artifacts. With seemingly no way to reach Aphra, Sana and Kho reluctantly team up in order to survive to fight another day. At the same time, on Canto Bight we find the hapless partners of Ariole Yu and Just Lucky discussing the proposition that was given to them by Crimson Dawn. Do they trust the charismatic Qi’ra or is she going to lead them astray with the same dark aspirations that every other ruling party seems to have?

Writer Alyssa Wong continues once again to outdo themselves with Doctor Aphra (2020) #21. As the series continues to build to a seemingly epic and emotional climax, this issue picks up the intensity and multiplies it immensely. Wong’s impeccable writing with this issue pushes everyone in the general Aphra revolving universe to make decisions they never expected to make, some of which lead to small yet wonderful character development. And of course it wouldn’t be a Doctor Aphra comic review by myself if I didn’t mention that, however small their part in this particular issue, Kho Phon Farrus absolutely steals every scene they’re involved in. Thanks again to Wong for creating one of my all time favorite Star Wars characters.

Doctor Aphra (2020) #21 isn’t all praise for Wong, though, as we have an equally impressive artistic group that help make this issue the masterpiece that it is. Between artist Minkyu Jung, color Artist Rachelle Rosenberg, and letterer VC’s Joe Caramagna, this issue is a thing of absolute beauty. The way Jung draws the Spark Eternal version of Aphra is just jaw-dropping and menacing as all hell. It’s wild to see one of the most endearing characters in Star Wars look so intimidating and scary. Also hats off to Rosenberg as well as the colors are spectacular; hands down the visually best part of an already incredible issue.

The main cover art for Doctor Aphra (2020) #21 is an absolutely gorgeous piece of Aphra post Spark Eternal takeover done by W. Scott Forbes. The first variant cover is another excellent Lucasfilm 50th Anniversary cover from Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Neeraj Menon featuring Boba Fett and Fennec Shand in front of Boba’s Tatooine throne from The Book of Boba Fett. The second variant cover is the Pride variant by Kei Zama and Rachelle Rosenberg which is a beautiful and adorable cover of Aphra and Sana.

Doctor Aphra (2020) #21 continues the trend of blowing away any expectations that I already have with this series, and pushes the story into more cool and intense places than I ever saw coming. It’s a total masterpiece that demands to be read by any and all Star Wars fans out there. So stop your game of Sabacc and rush on down to your local comic shop to pick up your copy today!