Published: May 26, 2020
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Penciler: Ray-Anthony Height
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colour Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Joshua ‘Sway’ Swaby & Guru-eFX
The synopsis;
PRELUDE TO WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: “”THE INVITATION”” DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS find themselves cornered by VUKORAH and the UNBROKEN CLAN! Can they pull off a daring escape–even if that means surrendering the NIHIL HYPERDRIVE? And what sets them on a collision course with one of the most deadly BOUNTY HUNTERS in the galaxy?
The review;
The last few issues of Doctor Aphra have been a delight to read, with connections to both Bounty Hunters and The High Republic coming thick and fast. This issue is all about setting up our heroine for the huge ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ crossover, with each comic series having a prelude issue to get our characters where they need to be. With Wong already doing such an excellent job of crossing over with several series, I’m eager to see what she can do with this story, particularly when it’s illustrated by returning artist Ray-Anthony Height…
The comic begins with a need reporter outside where we left our heroine in issue nine. It was useful to have the quick recap within the story of what was happening but more importantly, with this issue forming part of the crossover event, this was a quick and efficient method to catch up those who haven’t read the rest of the series. From there, this issue seems to be little of a prelude but more of a conclusion of the current story arc. I’m not saying this is a bad thing, for having followed the series so far, it’s good to see loose ends tied up before moving forward to ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’.
My favourite part of the entire issue (with the exception of that very last panel) is the Tagge family. Wong has teased little bits of information throughout this current arc, a family that we don’t really know much about. In a previous review, I remember saying that I hoped Wong would keep giving us more and here she does. We are introduced to Ebann Drake, a cousin who has a taste for the high life. Although we don’t get to see him directly, Aphra’s path is now on a course with his, so this meeting would seem inevitable. This side of Doctor Aphra really intrigues me, having not been dealt with in Star Wars before. Corporations are a big part of our lives and seemingly are in Star Wars. Wong fleshing them out, particularly the Tagge family, adds a completely different aspect to the series. We also see signs of a mole that isn’t just in the Tagge family, an issue that seems widespread. Where this will go, I don’t know but I am very intrigued.
Aphra and Sana. Two characters that are opposite and yet somehow work well together. Aphra cares a huge amount for Sana. This is evident in the series, this issue and if you’ve listened to it, the audio drama by Sarah Kuhn. Sana tries to always do the right thing, whereas Aphra would rather save her own skin and damn anyone else. Yet it is through Sana, through wanting her approval, that brings out the best in Aphra. Aphra wants to Sana to like her, not easy after everything that has happened between that pair. My only reservation with this, is that the relationship between Aphra and Tolvan is one of the best that has ever been written in Star Wars, surely these two are eventually meant to be together? Wong does not forget Tolvan, who through Sana reminds us that Tolvan meant something to Aphra. Wong clearly has plans, a love triangle. Who knows, Wong is never predictable, yet this would seem to be her laying the groundwork for something (and I admit I’m biased, I would love to see Tolvan back).
We don’t see very much of Lucky in this issue, almost a token gesture to get him to where he needs to be. But then after all, this is Aphra’s series and not his. The two seem to be on an intercept course with one another, which I’m sure is when we will see more of him.
The artwork by Height, by the time I got to end of the issue I remember thinking, “Oh no, I hadn’t noticed it!” Yet is this not what good artwork should do? To say it guides you is an understatement, the artwork flows so well that you move from one panel to the next seamlessly, so much so, you get to the end of the issue and wonder how you got there. Somehow Height is able to create enough to guide you but not overburden you with too much detail, meaning it flows well. The action scenes, and there is a fair few here, have an excellent pace, I felt at times I was watching a television show as opposed to reading a comic.
This feels less of a prelude for ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ and more of an ending to what we have read. That’s not to say that this is the case, as it has obviously been given the title of prelude for a reason, which I’m sure we will find out in future issues. Although the crossover event is important, it’s the look at corporations in Star Wars that really fascinates me with this issue and where Wong takes it next. However, I can’t ignore that ending, that panel, as a longtime fan of Star Wars, really sets the bar for the next issues and the potential of what is to come. I won’t say anything in case you have yet to read the comic, but Wong, oh how you seem to tease us fans every issue. I mentioned at the outset that Wong likes her crossovers with other series… welcome to a whole new level…
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.
