Published: January 20 2020
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Alyssa Wong
Penciler: Minkyu Jung
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colourist: Racehelle Rosenberg
Cover Artist: Joshua ‘Sway’ Swayby
The synopsis;
THE OFFER! Hired by DOMINA TAGGE, APHRA sets her sights on a mysterious piece of tech that could shift the balance of the galactic civil war. Her hunt takes her to CORELLIA… and to SANA STARROS’ doorstep! But Aphra’s not the only one on Corellia with an eye on the tech…!
The review;
It has been a couple of months since we last checked in with the doctor and I have to say, I’m very excited by the potential of this issue. In issue six, Wong took a steady pace with the issue, moving all the pieces around to have the perfect jumping off point for the next direction that Aphra was going to take. Not only that, but it is here that we will be seeing the return of Sana Starros, an old flame of Aphra’s, as well as someone who doesn’t take any messing from anyone (particularly Han Solo!). So, buckle up as we head into Doctor Aphra 7…
What really sets this issue out for me is the links it has with the rest of the Star Wars universe. Most notably Solo. The story is set on Corellia, a planet I have always enjoyed seeing even before Solo. Yet now knowing what the planet is like, makes it even more enjoyable with Aphra, as this is the sort of location, I’d expect her to know well. But for Wong, that isn’t enough. She goes the whole way, and we get to see Lady Proxima again. To say I was surprised and happy was an understatement. This is a character that just begs for more time, either on film or in comics, and I’m so pleased that Wong brought this character in. Of course, Aphra knows her already but that all fits in. She maybe this scary individual but she is also distracted by the prettier things in life. I can’t help comparing her to Puss in Boots (and of course the better literary reference should be to Fagan)! Yet for me, this makes sense. The impression in Solo is that Han has been able to keep getting away with things because he has been able to keep Proxima happy. For someone who tries to sweet talk his way out of everything, Proxima would seem someone likely to accept the attention. Although it was frustrating to not see more of her, I think Wong plays it perfectly, too much and the magic is broken.
Although there is still much of the story to mention, I must comment on Minkyu Jung. What makes Proxima’s appearance even better, is the incredible illustrations by Jung. He really captures the character in a way that makes you sit back with amazement and a bit of fear. He does this again when we get to meet Wen Delphis. His pictures are crisp and really move the action forward. There is a darkness to the panels that really adds to the atmosphere, which I’m sure is down to Rachelle Rosenberg, who has continually managed to show how dark this comic can, and should, go.
Back to the story, Sana is back. Wong doesn’t have her throw herself with Aphra straight away but is slowly worn down by Aphra’s efforts. At points in the story, Aphra seems to have far too much confidence in her skills to win Sana over, but of course she does. This sums Aphra up perfectly. She often seems cocky but there is a reason for it. The relationship with Sana and Aphra has always been volatile and it’ll be interesting to see the direction that Wong takes these characters. Is this going to be a reoccurring role for Sana or a one-time job? My biggest worry is in the last series of Aphra, the relationship between Aphra and Tolvan was one of the best that has ever been in Star Wars. It felt natural, familiar, and always kept you guessing. Can it be topped?
Lucky is back and at this stage of the series, he is one of the most interesting characters. He is not out and out evil. Yes, he betrayed Aphra, but for him, it all comes down to family, and by family, his brother. Lucky isn’t trying to gain riches to lead an easy life, he’s not wanting power or to impress a girl, he’s not even doing any of it for himself. He is completely selfless and trying to help his brother. Lucky seems to be very genuine but unfortunately that has led him to crime. He cares so much for his brother, he would do anything for him, yet his brother seems to have no care for his brother, with the exception that he needs to help him with his gambling debts. It puts Lucky into an interesting position. He isn’t really helping his brother; he’s merely aiding him in fueling his addiction. Even with him betraying the team in the previous arc, I can’t help but have so much sympathy for Lucky. He’s a character who makes all the wrong decisions but so he can help and protect the ones he loves. Wong has really created an interesting character and I can’t wait to see how far she will go with character.
I mentioned at the start of my review that what really marked this issue out was the links to the rest of the universe. Yes, there is Solo, but Wong also brings in the Unbroken Clan. If you have been reading the series Bounty Hunters by Ethan Sacks, you will know the significance of this group. The main Star Wars series by Soule, Darth Vader by Greg Pak, Bounty Hunters and Doctor Aphra seem to be having a lot more crossover with each other. All starting at the same time I’m sure has helped, yet these little nods seem littered throughout all four. It adds an extra dimension to the stories as well as encouraging you to keep up to date with all of them.
This issue is a whirlwind of fun. Wong has characters here for everyone, from the namesake of the series who just goes with the flow, to headstrong women, to men trying to do the right thing but always messing it up. There is someone here that everyone can relate to, which is what really grips me with this series. This is a series of flawed characters, much like us, but set in a galaxy far, far away. Throw in huge references from Solo and other comic series that are running co-currently with this one and you have a comic that engages and awes. The artwork in this issue has also raised the bar and I can’t wait to see more of Jung’s work. Wong is in firm control of the pace and I’m just waiting for when she lets the brakes completely go…
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.
