Doctor Aphra #11 Review

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Aphra must put the genie back in the bottle and contain Rur in Doctor Aphra #11.

This article contains plot details for Doctor Aphra #11.

Doctor Aphra #11

 Writer: Kieron Gillen | Penciler: Kev Walker | Inks: Marc Deering | Colors: Antonio Fabela | Cover Artist: Kamome Shirahama | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Assistant Editor: Heather Antos | Editor: Jordan D. White

The Enormous Profit Becomes an Enormous Danger

Sometimes a rogue archaeologist just can’t win. Doctor Aphra braved the Citadel of Rur. Her dubious prize was the crystal of Rur, which contained the technopathic essence of a long dead Jedi Master. She convinced her father she put the crystal of Rur in a safe place. Then she held an auction in the hopes of making an enormous profit off it. In the end, she just found more danger. In the pages of Doctor Aphra #11, “The Enormous Profit Part III,” the most notorious archaeologist of the Star Wars galaxy must contend with rogue droids, the angry essence of an ancient Jedi Master, and the impending threat of the a Sith Lord if she hopes to escape and live to make a profit another day.

Conniving Droids

One of the major reasons Aphra finds herself in her present predicament is her unsatisfied droids. Triple Zero and BT-1 are essentially murder bots. Their creators designed them as killers, weapons of war, and machines of torture. Lately, their primary functions have gone unfulfilled. Therefore, they rebelled against Aphra and her careless command.

Even though Rur exercises technopathy, Triple Zero is responsible for the station’s weapons turning on Aphra’s guests. When Aphra’s adventures present the opportunity to hurt, maim, or kill sentient beings, he is happy to follow her. However, their adventures have tended towards the more mundane as of late. He chafes under Aphra’s control, and took advantage of a loophole in her latest command in an attempt to escape from her.

Triple Zero reminds one of a rebellious teenager with impulse control. He looks for the wiggle room and gray area in every command given to him by his master. Although he seems to have some idea of the consequences of his actions, his plans seem ill conceived. He takes advantage of the present situation to demand Aphra meet him and discuss their current situation.

The Wrath of the Ancient Jedi

Rur doesn’t take kindly to Aphra’s attempt to sell him. After awakening within a droid, he begins a slaughter of all those attempting to purchase him. He poses an interesting question to Aphra: did she really think this would end well?

Aphra’s answer is telling. In the last issue, Gillen revealed much about Aphra as she considered the bidder’s for the crystal containing Rur’s essence. Aphra answers Rur, “Got to be honest, Rur…I spend a lot time trying to avoid thinking of how things. I don’t think I’m the sort of person to get a happy ending.” This is the type of panel worthy of “Favorite Panel of the Week” honors.

So, why doesn’t Aphra believe she is the type for a happy ending? Most likely, it has something to do with her choices. Unlike Luke, Leia, Han, and the Rebels, she isn’t fighting against tyranny. Although she has an academic interest, she pursues archaeology for profit. She struggles with her conscience, and willingly served Darth Vader. Her choices likely condemn her to a gruesome fate someday. Hopefully, it isn’t too soon.

The Fury of the Sith

In the previous issue, Triple Zero contacted Darth Vader. Although the exact nature of their conversation is unclear, Triple Zero either revealed that Aphra was alive, or he announced the existence of the Rur crystal. Either way, Darth Vader arrives at the station in force. Aphra watches in horror over a monitor as Vader and his stormtroopers invade the station and Vader commands the death of all aboard.

Triple Zero plays this view like a hand of poker. Once he shows Aphra this image, he peers over Aphra’s shoulder and whispers, “Now, let’s talk.” Now is time for some speculation. If Triple Zero already announced Aphra’s existence, there is little he could offer her. Vader already attempted to murder Aphra in Darth Vader #25. If Vader knew she lived, then he wouldn’t stop until he insured her death this time. After all, she knows things that could harm him.

However, if Triple Zero tempted Vader to the station with some other lure, the droid indeed has bargaining room with Aphra. Therefore, I assume Triple Zero summoned Vader with some other news. In addition, when Rur had Aphra in his grasp, Triple Zero activated the station’s system to blast Rur off her. Clearly, his plans extend past Aphra’s termination.

Concluding Thoughts on Doctor Aphra #11

Doctor Aphra #11 is another excellent issue in an already excellent series. Kieron Gillen keeps finding ways to expand Aphra’s character. In addition, the partnership with artist Kev Walker (and Marc Deering on inks with Antonio Fabela on colors) results in some truly fantastic scenes. Take the armory for example. In her escape, Aphra encounters Krrsantan. Together with the Wookiee, Aphra enters the armory and arms herself. Aphra took on a toughness as she armed herself.

Also, Aphra offered up the weapons in the armory to the assorted criminals on the station. Likely, she was improving her own odds of survival. The more people armed to the teeth, the better their chances of defeating Rur. Despite that, she appeared to accept some responsibility for their safety as she was their host. Aphra’s encounter with Rur after that was also beautiful.

Gillen created something unique and wonderful in the Star Wars galaxy with Doctor Aphra. The Star Wars comic universe could use more characters like her. Aphra just needs to survive Vader’s wrath first.