Doctor Aphra #12 Review

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Aphra’s quest for profit becomes a quest for survival in Doctor Aphra #12.

This article contains plot details for Doctor Aphra #12.

Doctor Aphra #12

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

 

Aphra’s problems compound in Doctor Aphra #12. What began as an auction of a rare Jedi artifact became a quest for survival. Aphra previously activated the Rur crystal she recovered from the Citadel of Rur with her father. Then, her droids, Triple Zero and BT-1, sabotaged the crystal as a bargaining chip. When Rur escaped his confines, he attacked Aphra’s guests. However, Triple Zero and BT-1 weren’t done yet. They invited Darth Vader to the auction as an additional bargaining chip for their freedom. Aphra must make the best of this situation if she wants to salvage any profit or her life.

Triple Zero’s Bargain

If there is one word to describe Triple Zero, then it is “psychopath.” It is no secret to Aphra’s readers that Triple Zero and BT-1 crave murder, death, and the torture of sentient beings. In fact, it is their feelings of deprivation that created this situation. They felt stifled. Therefore, Triple Zero took advantage of an unintended opening in one of Aphra’s commands. First, he sabotaged Aphra’s demonstration of the Rur crystal, and this permitted Rur’s possession of a dangerous droid.

Next, Triple Zero contacted Darth Vader and the Empire. Presumably, Triple Zero revealed that Aphra was alive. However, that isn’t the case. Instead of revealing Aphra’s existence, Triple Zero tempted Darth Vader with knowledge of the ancient essence of Rur. He left Aphra’s name out of it for the moment. That is exactly what he has on Aphra. That is the blackmail. If she doesn’t accede to his demands, he will reveal her to Darth Vader. His plan works. Aphra liberates both Triple and Zero from her control.

Triple Zero’s exit is creepy. He compliments Aphra for not being disrespectful and rarely boring. He bids her farewell by saying “until we meet again.” She asks for goodbye, but he isn’t willing to give it. Then the droids leave.

Tempting Darth Vader

Triple Zero’s plan was quite clever. After all, Darth Vader cannot resist hunting down any Jedi presence. Right or wrong, when Vader kills Jedi, he achieves a measure of revenge. Unlike Darth Maul, who harbors an almost fanatical hatred of the Jedi, Vader’s hatred is somewhat self-inflicted. Although he places some blame on himself for his life and predicament, hunting Jedi, in any form, is a manner of enacting repeated revenge.

Therefore, Triple Zero knew his other master well. Vader couldn’t resist seeking the Rur crystal. It was a near perfect lure. When the ancient Jedi master (in droid form) and Darth Vader, Sith Lord, finally meet, they introduce themselves. Rur, naturally, declares his immortal essence and his status as Jedi Knight. Darth Vader notes that he killed the Jedi. Having met and exchanged introductions, they are prepared for combat in the next issue of Aphra.

Krrsantan’s Departure

In Doctor Aphra Annual #1, readers learned of Krrsantan’s history with the Xonti brothers. Included in that issue were the Xonti’s modifications to Krrsantan and his training. Furthermore, the Annual reframed Krrsantan’s desire for revenge as a sort of debt. Krrsantan believes he owes the Xonti brothers in some grim fashion for altering his life. This is a debt he must repay.

In Doctor Aphra #12, he finally has his chance. The Imperial presence on the station cornered the Xonti. Aided by Aphra’s guile, Krrsantan captured the Xonti brothers. Where the droids were thoughtful in their departure, Krrsantan is emotionless in contrast. He stuck with Aphra for two reasons. First, she owed him money, and second, she pledged to assist him in tracking down the Xonti brothers. That second task is complete. The debt now seems overlooked.

Concluding Thoughts on Doctor Aphra #12

The Enormous Profit, the current story arc, continues to shine. Kieron Gillen writes Aphra with the right volume of complexity. On the surface, Aphra is in it for the money. However, she is more and cares about more than that. For instance, when she comes across one of the Deans of the Shadow University on the upper level of the station, she identifies with the academic. In fact, she declares to the ambushing gangsters they won’t get another.

Aphra’s biggest moment of introspection comes after Krrsantan captures the Xonti brothers. Aphra realizes the Shadow University’s ship is still there. The Dean told her it contains priceless artifacts, and clearly feared the risk of losing the history. Aphra experiences a moral crisis. She still has the opportunity to be a good person and possibly get rich in the process. She wants Krrsantan to talk her out of it. This is of no concern to Krrsanant and he leaves without another word.

Kev Walker, Marc Deering, and Antonio Fabela combined for some amazing art. Particularly noteworthy are the panels featuring Aphra after freeing the droids. She is backlit by a star. Much of the detail is obscured by darkness and shadow. However, Triple Zero’s eyes shine in the darkness, and Aphra’s attitude and emotions leap off the page even though her face is frequently obscured.

Doctor Aphra #12 sees the disassembly of Aphra’s merry band of rogues and conspirators. The good doctor is on her own now. Issue twelve is an issue of changes and challenges for Aphra. While she struggles with her conscience, she must find an escape from not only the gangsters and Rur, but now Darth Vader and the Empire. You call this archaeology?