The next issue of Marvel Comics' Star Wars: Doctor Aphra introduces a terrifying, potentially game-changing piece of Sith technology to the Star Wars universe.

Marvel has provided CBR with an official preview for Doctor Aphra #19, which is slated to hit comic shops this coming Wednesday, March 23 as part of the Crimson Reign event. The issue comes from writer Alyssa Wong, artist Minkyu Jung, colorist Rachelle Rosenberg and letterer Joe Caramagna. It features main cover art by W. Scott Forbes.

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In Doctor Aphra #19, rogue archeologist Dr. Chelli Lona Aphra and smuggler Sana Starros have been tasked with collecting antient tech used by The Ascendant, a cult aligned with the dark side of the Force. However, Aphra and Sana's old frenemy Kho Phon Farru is also hunting Ascendant tech -- including the Spark Eternal.

The preview opens with Kho in the archeology department of the University of Bar'leth. Kho quickly ascends the stairs and confronts Iglan'tine Nos, a sava (i.e. teacher) at the school who is described as being "Chair of Occult Archaeological Studies." Kho says they're not going to kill Sava Nos. Rather, they're "here for the Heart."

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Meanwhile, Aphra and Sana are heading towards their alma mater as fast as the Volt Cobra will take them (which apparently isn't very fast). Aphra is bound and determined to prevent Kho from getting their hands on the Spark Eternal. When asked by Sana just what the Spark Eternal is, the good doctor explains, "The Spark was The Ascendant's final masterpiece: a piece of tech that granted them impossible powers and allowed them to transcend the limits of flesh and machine."

Sana asks if the Spark Eternal can turn someone into a god. Aphra says it can turn them into something worse: a Sith.

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STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #19

  • ALYSSA WONG (W) • MINKYU JUNG (A)
  • Cover by W. SCOTT FORBES
  • Variant Cover by BABS TARR
  • LUCASFILM 50TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT COVER BY CHRIS SPROUSE
  • ETERNALLY YOURS!
  • The trap has been set! DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS are ready to steal the ASCENDANT’S GREATEST TREASURE!
  • But their search for the SPARK ETERNAL will lead them somewhere they never expected...
  • ...back to the place where Aphra’s archaeological adventures began!
  • 32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99
  • Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd.

Created by Wong and Jung, Kho Phon Farrus first appeared in last year's Doctor Aphra #16. An archaeologist and apparent alumnus of the University of Bar'leth, they were obsessed with the dark side of the Force and occult rituals associated with it. Aphra, who has a history with Kho, describes them as being the inverse of her own father, Korin Aphra, who was similarly obsessed with researching the Jedi.

Written by Alyssa Wong and illustrated by Minkyu Jung with colors by Rachelle Rosenberg and letters by VC's Joe Caramagna, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #19 goes on sale March 23 from Marvel Comics.

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Source: Marvel Comics