Aphra and Luke discover the Queen of the Screaming Citadel has a deadly secret.
This article discusses the plot of Star Wars #31.
Star Wars #31
Writer: Jason Aaron | Artist: Salvador Larroca | Colorist: Edgar Delgado | Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles | Cover: Marco Checchetto | Assistant Editor: Heather Antos | Editor: Jordan D. White
When Star Wars goes in for gothic horror, it goes in hard. Star Wars #31 is part two of the cross-over event with Doctor Aphra. In the previous installment of this story, Aphra conned Luke into joining her for a trip to Ktath’atn. There, Aphra hoped Luke would charm the Queen and grant them a favor. Aphra wants the Queen to activate the crystal containing the archived personality of a long dead Jedi Master. As for Luke, he hopes this Jedi can complete his training. However, neither expected the danger the Queen presents.
Chilled Monkey Brains?
During an audience with hopeful favor seekers, the Queen settled on Luke after he lashed out with the Force. Now, the following day, she wants him to prove his abilities again prior to granting any favors. The dessert trays lay in front of them at the dinner table. The Queen commands Luke to lift the covers with the Force. To make matters more challenging, the Queen’s assassin, Vespinax, holds a knife to his throat while he makes the attempt.
Finally, the tray, cover and all, flies off the table. Whether Luke used the Force, his hand, or what was underneath caused them to be thrown is unclear. It isn’t too important, because underneath the cover, Abersyn Symbiotes lurk. These very creatures were the subject of Aphra’s research at the beginning of the Doctor Aphra series. It was important then that they were sterilized. Aphra eventually explains these creatures can take over all brain and motor functions. Horrifying indeed.
In some ways, this scene is reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. What was for dessert in that movie was a mystery and ultimately disgusting to the average viewer. It is no secret Indiana Jones inspires elements of Doctor Aphra all the way back to her introduction in Darth Vader #3. However, if this is another homage, it is more subtle that usual.
The Symbiotes
It is unclear whether these creatures control the Queen and her minions or present another threat. In Screaming Citadel #1, the Queen and her minions sucked some sort of energy and life force out of the residents of the town surrounding the citadel. Whether that has anything to do with the symbiotes remains a mystery for now.
Earlier in the issue, Aphra dropped the news on Luke that the Queen keeps whatever she finds fascinating. That meant she intended to keep Luke. The young Jedi objected at the time, but Aphra assured him she would get out of it. Now it is apparent the Queen planned on keeping them both. The symbiotes were her method for doing so. Therefore, the symbiotes might simply have been a control mechanism for the Queen.
Other Abominations
As if the Queen and her minions’ life sucking methods and the symbiotes weren’t enough, the Queen has another nasty surprise. Having narrowly made their escape from dinner, Luke and Aphra flee down the passages of the citadel. Unfortunately, the way is not clear. The Queen released “the Menagerie.” Further contributing to the gothic horror theme of the series, all manner of abominations comprises the Menagerie. Two-headed Ithorians, three-armed Gungans, and other mutilated and mutated beasts stand in Luke and Aphra’s way. How they will escape from them is a cliffhanger for the next issue.
Rebels to the Rescue
Han, Leia, and Sana discovered Luke’s absence in Screaming Citadel #1. They believe Aphra kidnapped him. Therefore, they plan a rescue. Sana’s history with Aphra was previoulsy unknown to Han and Leia. However, Han insists on knowing more. Despite telling him to mind his own business, Sana puts the puzzle pieces together for Han. She connects the Queen’s favors with Aphra’s inquiries and Luke’s disappearance.
Chewbacca is left behind to his dismay. In Screaming Citadel #1, the Queen’s guards refused Black Krrsantan entry to the citadel. Now, Han insists Chewbacca remain behind. The reason is that it is too risky to bring a Wookiee. The exact reason for this is not stated. The guards passed this off as an allergy issue for the Queen. But, in this issue, one of the Queen’s guards seeks out Krrsantan, who was placed in quarantine.
R2-D2 and C-3PO are still missing. In their place, Luke has another astromech named R5-S4. He left him behind. Han consoled Chewbacca with a joke similar to one Anakin made in Attack of the Clones. Han told Chewbacca not to worry, because, afterall, they Essfour with them, and he was the next best thing. Deliberately or not, this sounded like Anakin reassuring Padme that even though it was their first solo mission, they had Artoo with them.
Conclusion
The Screaming Citadel story arc is unique in Star Wars. Marvel has incorporated many gothic horror elements. The life stealing nature of the Queen and her minions are one example. Another is the appearance of the guards. They look like technologically advanced versions of classic suits of armor. In addition, the Queen’s palace could have been furnished by the same interior decorator that handled Dracula’s palace.
The symbiotes definitely add another dimension to the horror vibe. Their presence is somewhat reminiscent of Alien and Aliens. Their ability to control the minds and motor functions of their victims is another classic science fiction/horror story element. Add the mad scientist creations of the Menagerie, and the monster element of this story arc is covered.
While many of the horror elements are not new, their combination in Star Wars is fresh. Star Wars has had palaces. Jabba’s palace on Tatooine comes to mind. However, none of them looked so ancient and medieval as the Screaming Citadel. The environment blended with Jedi and droids bring a refreshing look to both Star Wars and the gothic horror tale.
Favorite Panel of Star Wars #31
Salvador Larroca provides the art for Star Wars #31, the second installment of The Screaming Citadel. His style is remarkably different than Marco Checchetto’s (who provided the cover art). Edgar Delgado is the colorist. Larroca’s art combined with Delgado’s coloring work results in some phenomenal panels. Checchetto’s art for the Queen in Screaming Citadel #1 was more menacing. However, Larroca’s art makes her look less menacing, but no less creepy. The contract between the two styles provide an excellent example of how the imagination and style of the artist often results in a unique, but just as effective, interpretation of the subject.
As mentioned earlier, Delgado’s collaboration with Larroca had fantastic results. As an example, Luke and Aphra featured in many panels together. They were all good. However, one panel had a close up of Luke. The combination of Larroca and Delgado’s talents created a depiction of Luke that is perhaps the closest thing to a young Mark Hamill circa 1977 to grace a comic book page. For that reason, it is the favorite panel of Star Wars #31.
Dennis Keithly is a graduate of the University of Missouri, North Texas attorney, husband, father of two, and co-host of Starships, Sabers, and Scoundrels. In addition to Star Wars, Dennis is a fan of science fiction, fantasy, and super heroes in general. When not engaged in fictional universes, Dennis is reading a good book or watching the NHL, football, or studying the NFL draft.