Star Wars – Doctor Aphra 012 (2017)

It’s no secret Dr. Chelli Aphra has a keen mind, sharp reflexes and a perniciously clever way of thwarting imminent demise with absolutely no concern for anyone who may, or may not, be in the way.

Or does she?

There are some truly puzzling motives to parse in the latest issue of Star Wars: Doctor Aphra and not all of them involve self-centered greed and malice toward all.

In fact, writer Kieron Gillen has added more depth to Aphra throughout the penultimate chapter of “The Enormous Profit” storyline in the monthly series.

In what could have been a statically scripted jaunt that sees Aphra attempting to avoid being noticed by Darth Vader, Gillen has given readers an opportunity to rethink their take on the galaxy’s most infamous archeologist.

For those not up to speed, here’s where we are: the Immortal Rur is loose, laying waste to all who bid to acquire him. Vader is onboard and Aphra and Black Krrsantan are looking to make tracks.

To do so involves a Faustian bargain with Triple Zero and BT-1, one that Aphra makes and one that will definitely have repercussions.

If anything, this issue — penciled by Kev Walker, inked by Marc Deering, colored by Antonio Fabela, lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna and edited by Heather Antos and Jordan D. White — is the first so far where who is master and who is servant is going to have serious ramifications.

Lethal ramifications.