Marvel’s STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #8, available now, is about to tear open old wounds, and Aphra and Sana find a new artifact to investigate. Alyssa Wong’s take on one of the most infamous archaeologists in Star Wars continues here.
Aphra has always had quite a talent for getting herself in completely over her head. That has been true, regardless of which characters she’s pulled into the mix. She’s always jumping from one (often poorly thought out) scheme to the next, heedless of any consequences.
So it would make sense to hear that she and Sana (yes, that Sana) have agreed to work together for the sake of a new mission. One which, if things go according to plan, will make them both very rich. We all know that it isn’t going to go according to plan.
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What makes this latest series of Doctor Aphra’s so different is that we’re getting a chance to see more development from other characters as well. Just Lucky is still in play, and it’s only a matter of time before that becomes very relevant once again.
With all of that in mind, Doctor Aphra #8 is ready to get started – any bets on what is going to happen to mess up her plans this time?
The Writing
Doctor Aphra #8 feels like a blend between a classic heist – and an origin story. Why an origin story? Because there’s something about the setup that feels larger than life – like it’s screaming at the readers to pay more attention than usual.
Perhaps that is simply Alyssa Wong’s writing style coming out in full force. Either way, we’re paying attention to what is happening to and around Aphra. Naturally, there are a few bumps and surprises in store for this adventurer.
Interesting, as I mentioned a bit above, Lucky’s perspective is still going strong. We haven’t seen him interact with Aphra in a few issues by this point – but that probably won’t last for long. Especially given what his current job is.
Still, seeing his plot further developed helps to add a sense of depth to the series. It’s becoming more than just a tale of Aphra’s (mis)adventures. Also, it is successfully added tension in surprise to balance the sometimes predictable nature of the messes Aphra gets into.
The Art
There are scenes in Doctor Aphra #8 that are simply breathtaking. Look at the second in this month’s issue. That is a background that could happily rest inside any framed piece. It does more than set the scene.
Minkyu Jung (pencils), Victor Olazaba (inks), Rachelle Rosenberg (colors), and VC’s Joe Caramagna (letters) all worked together to bring this issue to life. And boy, is it alive! Aphra and Sana’s adventures take them from a bar to a unique forest – full of wrecks.
Even the wreck itself ties back into the larger Star Wars universe – something that alert fans will certainly pick up on. Still, the combination of tech and organics is delightfully done. Throw in the action sequences that occur all around, and it makes for a visually compelling issue.
Lucky’s setting is in stark contrast. His story takes place in a city (an iconic one, at that), and the differences are made abundantly clear. Even the color palette looks and feels different.
Conclusion
Doctor Aphra #8 is fast-paced and action-packed, making it a lot of fun to read. There’s a lot of Star Wars references to be found in this issue – but there is no requirement to understand or appreciate this issue. Overall, it’s a beautiful and entertaining addition to her series.
