Doctor Aphra #34: Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon, Part III: Rage of Krrsantan by Simon Spurrier

"Doctor Aphra #34: Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon, Part III: Rage of Krrsantan" written by Simon Spurrier, illustrated by Wilton Santos, Cris Bolson, Andrea Broccardo, Marc Deering, Walden Wong, Chris O'Halloran, and Stephane Paitreau

     This was an exciting issue that gave us much more backstory and understanding of the horrific events befalling Aphra's mama. In an interesting and odd side note, her mother called in Imperials, notifying them about the pirates in the process, to come pick up Chelli and take her back to her father. So now I'm wondering what kind of relationship Chelli's parents had with the Empire, sounds cozy which doesn't exactly fit with what we know about her father at least...mystic archaeologist and all that he was. Anyway, back to my overall impression--not all that much happens but the story does move forward by leaps and bounds and when we think Aphra has finally made the decision to be moral and good...we find out that she's up to her old tricks and hasn't changed one bit. ...and I love her for it!

     We start back on Arbiflux, nineteen years prior, with Aphra having a reflective look back at her time with her mother. She realizes that her mother wasn't a hypocrite in teaching her all the lessons she did while doing the opposite with Aphra--she just loved the girl so much that she didn't want anything to happen to her. Then we see Arbiflux now and it has truly grown up as a giant city has emerged beyond her old homestead and a Star Destroyer is being constructed above. See below for the comparison.

     Vulaada has truly been learning from Aphra as she asks, "Why couldn't we just stay with the Rebellion? They were nice! They woulda been easy to scam!"!! Goodness, I can't believe Aphra has rubbed off so much on the young girl. Kinda scary! Later in the comic, we see Vulaada pull another very Aphra move--she is definitely not a dummie.  

     Turns out they're not as safe on Arbiflux as Aphra had hoped they would be as the Empire tracks them there and sends in three bounty hunters: a Herglic with a Corellian Hound, a super battle droid with a fur cloak, and...Black Krrsantan!! Of course, we already knew he was going to show up courtesy of this issue's subtitle, but it was still super exciting to see him and a bit nerve wracking! Will he end up on the side of Aphra?? Or is he truly in league with the bounty hunters/mercenaries?? You'll have to read to find out.

     There is a quote toward the end of the issue from a Rebel protocol droid in regards to why the bosses don't know about the plans for the Farkiller that parallels quite well with what we see of the Rebellion in Rogue One. It was actually fairly disturbing. I won't tell you how we get to hear from this Rebel droid, but I will provide the quote, "Having earned that trust, one feels one has license to make--difficult decisions." Sounds like something Draven would say in reference to the plan to kill Galen Erso! *shiver*

     I left a lot unsaid so I'll just leave you with this ever present Aphra-centric question...Will she make it out alive this time?!? I'm loving this arc so far! And the addition of Vulaada and Gurtyl is the cherry on top of the delicious sundae.