Aphra and her dad have uncovered quite an awesome ancient Jedi relic last issue, but with the Empire on their tail will they have any time to understand what they’ve found? Issue #5 is out today, but is it good?
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #5 (Marvel Comics)
So what’s it about? See the preview!
Why does this book matter?
Kieron Gillen and Kev Walker have quite an epic reveal on their hands with this latest story arc. The kind that could rock the Star Wars community. It appears ancient Jedi were very interested in living forever to the point where their actions were less than noble. With Aphra popping off Yavin IV last issue, this series has been filled with cool Star Wars references.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Does it have an atmosphere?
Walker draws another good issue here with a particularly cool looking captain of the empire on the heroes’ trails. She has a cyborg look to her with metal hugging her face and neck. Really all tech looks great in this issue, from the spaceships to the Stormtrooper helmets. The ancient Jedi stuff looks good too with a great sense of scope and size throughout. Comedy reigns supreme due to the art as well, with one page showcasing Beetee and Triple Zero hiding from oncoming Stormtroopers only to shrug and say they’ll warn Aphra later.
This is the strongest issue so far when it comes to developing the relationship between Aphra and her father. They get a chance to really talk and some key elements of their relationship come out which help convey why they haven’t been that close over the years. This conversation comes about due to Aphra forcing things on the sly, which is a nice way of showing her take-charge attitude.
That hippy Jedi needs to cut his damn hair!
The reveals in regards to the ancient Jedi temple are quite something too. Gillen showcases some ancient technology that’s quite advanced considering the tech in this universe, which adds to the awe of these mysterious Jedi. The coolest element of this series is how Gillen is subtly showing us a balance in the Force is key. The cliffhanger certainly seems to suggest too many Jedi and not enough Sith is just as bad as too few Jedi and too many Sith.
It can’t be perfect can it?
I can’t shake the feeling the plot is too convenient. The Empire chases Aphra and her father at just the right moment, the team is split up so she can speak to him in private, and Aphra is even lead to the perfect spot to kick off the cliffhanger. It’s a bit too clean for it’s own good.
Is It Good?
As we near the finale it’s clear Doctor Aphra has carved an important place in the Star Wars canon. The premise of the book–discovering ancient relics–allows for great storytelling and the character is the right amount of originality to make her genuine and stand apart from the rest.
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