Warning: SPOILERS for Doctor Aphra #24!The mysterious and majestic allure of the Force is one of the hallmarks of the Sith seek to use it to conquer the galaxy, but now there is a third party that intends to usurp the Force as the most powerful weapon in the galaxy.
Doctor Aphra has unearthed a plot that will allow anyone to use technology that can mimic the effects of the Force. The dark side cult called the Ascendant long ago sought to replicate the power of the Sith and the Jedi, creating an AI called the "Spark Eternal." While the Sith destroyed the Ascendant cult for this affront, Aphra has recently been unearthing their forgotten tech, and in her most recent adventure has found herself possessed by the Spark and forced to do its bidding.
In Doctor Aphra #24, by Alyssa Wong, Minkyu Jung, and Rachelle Rosenberg, a Spark-possessed Doctor Aphra learns about the true nature of the Spark Eternal. The Spark Eternal isn't just ordinary technology, it is an AI that "unifies our bodies and tech on an intuitive level." No longer would there be a need to think about pulling a blaster trigger or piloting a starfighter, it would become "as easy as breathing." This is especially concerning since the Ascendant also created gauntlets which mimic Force telekinesis, a Thought Dowser capable of mind control, and lightsaber-destroying whips. Dozens of characters in the Star Wars universe have wielded the power of the Force at one time or another, but their strength and abilities with it were limited by their willpower and connection to the Force. The unification of the galaxy with technology through the Spark Eternal would enable everyone to have Force-level intuition at all times.
The Ascendant Found a Way to Replace the Force
The Force is the gatekeeper of power in the Star Wars universe, and it has always been so. Wielders of the light side of the Force have always sought the teachings of the Force to spread peace and justice throughout the galaxy while s of the dark side have historically used the Force to take power, using it destructively rather than for defense. By replacing the Force with an AI, Star Wars is giving the entire galaxy the same power that has been fought over for thousands of centuries, but with no restrictions even on basic competence.
If the Spark Eternal gets what it wants, the Ascendant's technology will supplant the Force in Star Wars' galaxy. Of course, Doctor Aphra's allies are working to stop that happening, but there's no way to put this genie back in the bottle forever - with the Spark Eternal, Star Wars has confirmed that it's possible for technology to overcome the Force in its universe, making it only a matter of time until someone makes this epochal leap.
Doctor Aphra #24 is available now from Marvel Comics.
