Published: May 31, 2023
Rated: T
Writer: Alicia Wong
Artist: Minkyu Jung
Colourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Junggeun Yoon
The synopsis;
LUKE SKYWALKER: FRIEND OR FOE?
• After the fallout of HIDDEN EMPIRE, DOCTOR APHRA is at a crossroads.
• Who better to help her with that than…LUKE SKYWALKER?!
The review;
Two issues of Doctor Aphra in a month? Well, I’m not going to complain about that! After the ending of The Spark storyline, last issue was very much focused on the aftermath of the events, an aftermath that was full of romance, things unsaid, who had been with who and who loved who. It was what a bit of Doctor Aphra fans had wanted, yet was so much more, pulling the story in lots of different and surprising directions. This week sees Alyssa Wong moving Aphra away from all of that drama and getting back to what Aphra is all about. Of course, with Wong it is never quite that simple and Aphra is going to be working (heckling, pestering, infuriating?!) Luke Skywalker. I’m very excited to see what this duo might be up to, as we know Luke is on the hunt for Jedi artefacts at this time and surely Aphra wouldn’t mind some part in that. Along with artwork from Minkyu Jung, this promises to be a very exciting new arc for Aphra.
The stakes for Aphra have been at an all-time high. The Spark, Domina Tagge, Crimson Dawn, there has been an awful lot going on for Aphra that has both been intense and deep. This has not been a bad thing. The story arcs that have come about because of this, the incredible writing that Wong has demonstrated, has been amazing. Yet, after so much intensity, Aphra and readers need a bit of a break. Wong provides. The scene gets very quickly set that Wong is going straight back to basics, to a simple adventure of finding artefacts. It is exactly what this series needs and having Luke along for the ride adds a completely new level to the story telling. For Aphra is not the only one who has been having some intense storylines, Luke has been having his fair share in Star Wars and this feels what is needed for both of these characters.
Luke steals the show as the special guest star (well, ignoring the ending!). There is so much that I love to see written here. Aphra is taking Luke on an adventure for some ancient Jedi treasure. Luke believes she is doing this to be nice and make up for the events of the Screaming Citadel. Yet Wong makes it absolutely clear that she is using him, purely to get into the temple. This is Luke through and through, even when confronted with the obvious, he will still believe the best in people, including Aphra. It’s less of a flaw and more of a positive way to look at those around you. Wong also shows us just how far Luke has come since The Empire Strikes Back. In the movie, going to Dagobah, Luke is unsure, afraid and had little faith in himself and his abilities. Arriving on the planet Sason, we see a very different Luke, one who is sure of himself and knows that he has the ability to navigate the planet. He may have come on in leaps and bounds, but Luke is still suffering from some major problems with the force in Star Wars, and Wong fully embraces this in the comic as well. It’s an internal war within Luke, He is confident of his abilities but his connection to the force is making him lose faith once more.
It’s not all about Luke, Aphra does have her moments. The whole premise of the adventure, with a holo recording of Shaak Ti is just incredible, linking the Original Trilogy to the Jedi of the Prequels. Her interactions with Artoo are a joy to read, as she recognises just how ‘mouthy’ the little astromech can be. We all know that Artoo is unique, but I always get a little ‘woo’ when characters in universe also spot it. What Wong does really well in this issue is to show just how much Aphra is still Aphra. With everything that has been going on, Aphra has had a lot of emotions to deal with, a lot of baggage that has helped her character to development. Having her away from all of that, it has led to the Aphra we all know and love. The logical thinker, the schemer, the one who always knows what to do. With Luke she is able to become this again whereas around her friends and lovers this is less possible.
The artwork this issue is just phenomenal. Jung does an amazing job of capturing the characters, particularly Luke. You can tell he has enjoyed illustrating him. The design of the Sason Temple and the planet itself is something so strange yet so in keeping with a galaxy far, far away. Of course, the panel I want to say, the jaw dropping one, is the very last panel, which is simply perfection. I won’t say anymore as I don’t wish to spoil it but goodness me, Wong and Jung know I it out of the park!
Getting back to basics. Wong has realised that after such high emotions of the last few issues we need to get back to basics. This issue is fun, entertaining and has one heck of an ending that can’t help but drag even the most reluctant reader into the story. The last arcs needed to really increase the risk and the expectation, and this arc really needed to start afresh for our heroine. Wong is not missing any of these beats, in fact they are hitting every single one perfectly. Throw in Luke Skywalker and… others… and you have a story that is gripping right to its core. Here’s hoping we can keep getting two issues a month!
Availability;
Doctor Aphra (2020) is an ongoing series published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via the Marvel App, ComiXology and all good comic book stores.
