Doctor Aphra #2 Review

by Krownest on July 22, 2020

Author: Alyssa Wong
Artist: Marika Cresta
Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Entertainment

It's been a while, but Aphra's back in the second issue of her relaunched series! The last issue was a month ago, and I really enjoyed it. Unlike a certain series about bounty hunters, it was a very good start that introduced the conflict and new cast without being too exposition-heavy and confusing. This issue continued the series' winning streak, and moved the plot forward surprisingly quickly while diving into the pasts of some of that new cast.

The issue opened up on a flashback to Aphra's days at the University of Bar'leth, which is a good opportunity to bring up the Doctor Aphra audio drama! It just released yesterday, and it adapts the 2015 Darth Vader series. It adds a lot of new content, much of which is about Aphra's days at the University. I highly recommend it! Anyway, the flashback reveals that Eustacia Okka used to date Aphra, presumably before or after Aphra's relationship with Sana Starros. It's quickly followed by another flashback explaining why Ronen Tagge hates Aphra so much (hint: it's the same reason all her other enemies hate her). So far, I'm really into both characters. They feel right at home in a Doctor Aphra story, and by that I mean they both hate her, as is the case for most people Aphra knows.

I was a bit worried that the issue would be bogged down by multiple flashbacks (like with the previously mentioned Bounty Hunters), but that's absolutely not the case. The second half of the issue starts to further the plot surrounding the Rings of Vaale, and it brings in something unexpected: a connection to the High Republic! The High Republic is the focus of an upcoming series of novels and comics in the Star Wars franchise, and it's been slowly seeded in previous stories (like the flagship Star Wars series). It connects here in a big way, and I'm existed to see where it goes.

The issue ends on a cliffhanger, as most comic issues, do, though I won't spoil what that or the mystery of Vaale is. This issue was really good! I'm still really into the story, and the art from Cresta and Rosenberg is just as amazing as it was in the first issue. This Doctor Aphra relaunch is already living up to its predecessor, if not already exceeding it! My only hope is that Magna Tolvan returns at some point, I miss her and Aphra's complicated romance.

Our Score:

10/10

A Look Inside