The end of the arc could either go in big action and craziness or it could be a big expository piece. Spurrier goes for the exposition and it works well enough to show just how much manipulation has been going on since Mylvane. I do like seeing the way there are plans within plans to deal with the Emperor and that many on the inside know that he's bad for their continued survival, but at the same time by this point they have to know there's little chance of succeeding with a coup. He'd survived so much already. It's amusing to see what Pitina came up with and how convoluted it was but it's all worth it for the last page or two as Aphra's own gambit now must unfold as she's back within Vader's grasp and that's a dangerous place to be. Read Full Review

Overall it was a solid arc and a good penultimate story for the long running series, if it is coming to a close like all the signs point towards. This issue has a hell of a cliffhangar and I can't think of a more fitting way for the series to end. The shortened issue count worked well for this arc and I'm glad the next arc will be sticking with it. I'm going to miss this series when it's over but it's had a good run and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next, both for publishing and for the charcaters themselves. Read Full Review

Aphra proves once again why she's not only one of the most resourceful, but also most charismatic, new Star Wars characters in recent years, conveying both a phony sense of surprise and genuine emotional vulnerability, which will hopefully clear the slate as we head into a new arc, which will see her collide with one of the most terrifying sci-fi villains of all time. Read Full Review