Published: March 24, 2020
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Penciler: Minkyu Jung
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colour Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramgna
Cover Artist: Joshua ‘Sway’ Swaby
The synopsis;
OLD WOUNDS
• After a narrow escape, APHRA and SANA’s investigation takes them to the site of an ancient battlefield!
• But VUKORAH and the UNBROKEN CLAN are hot on their heels!
• What answers await them amid the devastation?
The review;
Another two months between issues. It seems a long time to wait for in a series and I wonder if this is doing Doctor Aphra a bit of a disservice. We’ve been very use to this title and its predecessor coming out monthly. A two-month gap feels too long. Struggling to remember the plot, the characters and actually taking some time to remember where in the story we are. These are not things that you want any comic to be fighting against. That said, I am really looking forward to diving into the third part of ‘The Engine Job’. Last issue saw Lady Proxima back and threads of Lucky’s life really fleshed out, making this character very interesting and compelling…
Well, if you have a two-month gap, you might as well come back in style. The first thing that grabs the attention is the artwork by Minkyu Jung and the colour from Rachelle Rosenberg. I don’t usually focus so much on colourists yet Rosenberg seems to really hit her stride in every Doctor Aphra issue, showing just how much of a talent she is. The planet that the main part of the story is set is Dol’har Hyde. The planet is gorgeous and between Jung and Rosenberg they really capture the atmosphere and the colour of this planet. The detail that Jung brings is wonderful and right away there is a feel to this place that just begs more exploration. Throughout the entire issue, the artwork just keeps getting better and better, from action shots to the inside of ships, to the races.
Last issue we saw the links being made between this series and Ethan Sack’s Bounty Hunter series. Incredible enough but Wong goes even further in this issue. The name drop of Nihil instantly grabbed my attention as I’m such a fan of The High Republic series. But Wong isn’t simply name dropping, the Nihil are at the centre of the action here and I couldn’t be happier. Could this be the reason for the scheduling delays, so fans know what it is all about? Maybe, and if so, credit to Marvel for lining it up so well. If you haven’t read any of The High Republic series (why not, it’s some of the best Star Wars to be released) then your enjoyment of the issue will not be impeded anyway. Wong is able to give the cliff notes very well so any newcomers to the Nihil won’t lose out on the story. However, if you are keeping up with the other series, then there are several easter eggs here as well as a much better understanding of what is going on. The discussions around hyperdrives and other key terminology all fit into place. I won’t say anymore, as I don’t wish to spoil anything for anyone, but the pay off in this issue is simply wonderful. It makes so much sense for these things to show up in this series and shows just how closely everything is tying into The High Republic series.
For the majority of this issue there is no real threat to Aphra and Sana, except the forces of nature. It is very noticeable in a very good way. Without threats from the Imperial or (with Aphra) anyone holding a blaster, the two get to be explorers, we as the readers just as excited as Aphra with the find. It is a different pace to the story and one I’m really liking. With such a visually appealing planet, with a find that is equally appealing, Wong realises there is no need for the drama right away, that the reader is happy to join the characters on their exploration. Because of this much calmer time, Sana is able to ask questions that are in the back of reader’s minds. Two droids are mentioned (and the answer, well that’s interesting) and the subject of Tolvan is brought up (although never answered, also interesting!). Although this series has been a new start for Aphra, I like that Wong doesn’t completely ignore these characters. They might not feature directly in Aphra’s life (yet), but they are still loved by fans and even a name drop is very welcome (Some answers would also be nice!).
This isn’t only Aphra’s story now, but also Lucky’s. His part in this issue is very much placed on the back burner, which with how Aphra’s is playing out, receives no complaints from me. Yet the humour that Wong brings through this character, who is doing very serious work, is very well done. The song that Lucky is humming along made me smile several times over. There is clearly a lot more that will happen with Lucky. Wong has been very good at controlling the pace in this series, using it to her benefit. I have no doubt Lucky will soon get a lot more attention soon.
An unfortunate delay to the series or a planned release to coincide with The High Republic? I might be over romanticising it, but I’m going to believe the latter. This issue is stunning from start to finish. The subject matter that is being dealt with will please fans who have already started on The High Republic series, as well as bringing fans from the series to this issue. To add to this great mix is the stunning visuals that grab your attention from the very first panel and don’t let up until the end. Last issue I said I love the connections that Wong was making in this series to the wider galaxy, never in my wildest dreams did I think she’d go even further. I just hope we don’t have to keep waiting so long for the next comic!
Availability:
Doctor Aphra (2020) is an ongoing series available from Marvel. This issue is available via the Marvel App and all good comic bookstores. This issue retails at $3.99.
