
Published: July 23, 2025
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Cherish Chen
Artist: Gabriel Guzman
Colours: Michael Atiyeh
Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Ekijure
The synopsis;
DOCTOR APHRA AND LUKE SKYWALKER TOGETHER AGAIN!
• On the distant world of Aargau, Luke Skywalker and Doctor Aphra track down a valuable artifact.
• An unstable underworld collector has a different plan for them!
• Will the New Republic’s newest agent betray her Jedi friend for a chance at the prize?
The review;
It is incredible to think that this is the third full series of what is simply ‘Aphra’. She of course started in the Darth Vader series, but this is the third of her own name. It’s great to see so much of the character but is there really that much to tell? Writer Cherish Chen certainly thinks so and it’s hard to argue with her after the opening issue. The story sees Aphra joining with the New Republic to try and find artefacts and histories that the Emperor destroyed. It’s different enough to what we have already had to make me very, very intrigued. The opening issue really set the stage for what could be an incredible series. Joining Chen is Gabriel Guzman, who did a fantastic job of illustrating the new take on Aphra. Together, they are paving the way for this new take on the familiar character. Perhaps what is most exciting is that unlike other Star Wars stories, we don’t know where this will lead, who we will meet or who might meet their end. I’m eager to dive into the second instalment!
This issue with Aphra been annoyed about her tattoos. In the ‘is there that much to tell?’ category, this works brilliantly in giving us an Aphra that we’ve rarely seen, one that doesn’t have the tools she is accustomed to. It changes how things are and makes the story more interesting. Aphra isn’t alone in this story again – Luke is back with her and I love that he is there. Aphra doesn’t work well by herself, but playing off against others, whether it’s Vader, Tolvan, Tagge, she needs that other person to really shine. We can see here how Aphra responds to the poster boy of the Rebellion. Luke is wide-eyed about the galaxy and Aphra is quick to point it out. Chen uses this to almost address the reader. After Return of the Jedi, we thought the galaxy was saved, that with the Empire dead, freedom would be restored. Yet that is not the case, and it’s something that Luke hasn’t realised. Yes, he went through a huge ordeal. he defeated the Emperor, the Empire and saved Vader. But just because he did that, doesn’t mean the rest of the galaxy got the memo and changed. Aphra let’s Luke know that his wide-eyed optimism for the galaxy has not reached everyone. While this comic is focused on Aphra, this issue really shines a light on Luke, on who he is and how – in some ways – he is still the farm boy off Tatooine.
With Luke been naive about the galaxy, Aphra is able to step in. With her tattoos not working we get to see her. What she can do, what knowledge that she brings. Chen uses this as a great time to show what Aphra – just Aphra – can do to help the New Republic. She is with Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master and yet there are things that Aphra can obtain that Luke doesn’t know how to do. It shows the value of Aphra and why she is able to aid the New Republic.
I do want to mention the artwork because it is really striking in this comic. The designs of the city and characters by Guzman are fantastic. I loved Shoo and the whole character as a whole, a little frustrated we didn’t get to see more of them. I’m pretty sure Guzman tries to make Luke as wide-eyed in this comic as possible. Not in a detrimental way, but you can see Luke smiling lots, which adds to the story that Chen is telling. Guzman also doesn’t forget about the little touches. When Luke and Aphra are talking, we see Luke stroking a Loth cat. Something completely unnecessary yet feels so much like Star Wars.
Like other iterations of Aphra, there are subtle nods of humour in this that really make it feel like an Aphra story. I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times. Chen really seems to have found the right balance with it. This further reinforces that Chen really gets the character and the way to tell an Aphra story. The humour, the strong opposing character, the new take on the story, I feel this is someone who is going to do right by this fan favourite. Little name drops like Mimban also show the knowledge on Star Wars that certainly doesn’t hurt the story at all.
While Aphra might be right about the way the galaxy operates, I also like that it’s with some luck – or hope – that allows their mission to succeed. While Luke might not have all the knowledge to be able to complete this mission by himself, his optimism in a downbeat galaxy is actually shared by others. It might be slow spreading, but spreading it is. It’s a small thing but it also shows why him and Aphra make such a good team. Not that it is going to last; Luke must go on a different mission next issue. But Chen already has the replacement!
I’m in! The first issue could have been a fluke… a very good fluke mind you but a fluke, nonetheless. This comic really shows that thought has been put into the character development, the story and providing readers with something fresh. Like last issue, there seems to be a huge amount of story for so few pages, yet you never feel lost. Chen and Guzman do a great job of guiding the reader around the locations and character interactions. With Luke bowing out for Han next issue, I’m intrigued to see how the dynamic works, Han has a lot of the same knowledge Han does, but I have enough faith in Chen that she knows what she’s doing. I think we’re on for another hit with the doctor!
Availability;
Doctor Ahpra: Chaos Agent is an ongoing series published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $4.99 and is available from Amazon Kindle Comics and your local comic book store.
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