WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: Doctor Aphra: Chaos Agent #1
Star Wars' ownLuke Skywalkerhas taken on a surprising new role, working beside Dr. Chelli Aphra as a protector of archaeological antiquities in an echo of Indiana Jones. George Lucas was the mastermind creator behind theStar WarsandIndiana Jonesfranchises, developing both iconic heroes around the same time. Now, in a brand-new series from Marvel Comics, Luke Skywalker embodies the spirit of everyone’s favorite fedora-wearing archeology professor (who just happens to look awfully similar to Han Solo).
InStar Wars:Doctor Aphra: Chaos Agent #1, written by Cherish Chen with art by Gabriel Guzman, Luke and the titular Doctor Aphra come across a powerful gauntlet that is rumored to be able to allow anyone to harness the Force, regardless of Force-sensitivity.
Luke adamantly insists that such a dangerous artifact must be secured or destroyed, rather than left to bounce around the galaxy in unknown hands. His sentiment draws an immediate parallel to Indiana’s famous quote fromIndiana Jones and the Last Crusadewhile attempting to recover the Cross of Coronado from a greedy antiques collector:“It belongs in a museum!”
The Importance Of Preservation Over Profit Guides Luke’s Actions
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra: Chaos Agent#1, Written By Cherish Chen With Art By Gabriel Guzman
Luke’s opinion on what to do with the gauntletis not just a coincidence, but a poignant reference to Lucas’ other famous franchise. His primary concern isn’t about wielding its power or even understanding its full capabilities, but rather about the danger it poses to the galaxy if left unchecked.Luke’s stance mirrors Indiana’s convictions about historical preservation, as he often seeks to safeguard relics from falling into the wrong hands.Most famously, Indiana has a heated argument with a US Army officer about the destructive power of the Ark of the Covenant in the final moments ofRaiders of the Lost Ark.
Just as Indiana witnessed the catastrophic power of the Ark of the Covenant firsthand, Luke accidentally wields the gauntlet and is immediately “attacked” by the artifact. Though Aphra eventually saves Luke with her quick thinking,Luke becomes more determined than everto keep such a destructive item under lock and key. In this very early New Republic era,Luke now understands the broader implications of ancient power and the responsibility that comes with it.His wisdom extends beyond the Force, encompassing an understanding of galactic history and the need to protect its most dangerous secrets.
Luke Does Not Underestimate The Dangers of Uncontrolled Power
Like Indiana Jones, The Safety Of Others Comes Before Anything Else
Luke’s philosophical differences with Aphra, an archaeologist who prioritizes discovery and profit over ethical historical preservation, underscores the tension between the two. While Aphra sees the gauntlet as an exciting find, a source of fortune, and her ticket to escaping the laundry list of criminal charges she faces, Luke sees a threat. His way of thinking is in direct contradiction withAphra’s adventurous and more-often-than-not morally ambiguous nature, aligning him more with the forces of order and protection,like a true Jedi Knight.
While Aphra sees the gauntlet as an exciting find, a source of fortune, and her ticket to escaping the laundry list of criminal charges she faces, Luke sees a threat.
Considering his firm stance and unwillingness to bend to Aphra’s unscrupulous suggestions,Luke becomes very much like Indiana Jones; a man who has gone to great lengths to preserve historical artifacts since he was a young boy, frequently putting himself in perilous situations.Luke Skywalker’sdesire to secure or destroy the powerful gauntlet, rather than allowing it to remain a threat, establishes him as a protector of galactic history, prioritizing safety over discovery.
