Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 2

by Kieron Gillen

[Quirky Cat]

I’ve always found Doctor Aphra to be a fun read – even back when she was only making appearances in Darth Vader’s series. She’s a bit of a gray scale character, which admittedly is one of my favorite character types, so I may be a bit biased in liking her. She’s funny, witty, and exceptionally talented at getting herself in over her head.



This volume contains two plots, one (issues 9-13) focuses on Aphra and all the insanity that girl can cause, and the other (Annual #1) is the backstory for Black Krrsantan, which was surprisingly fun to read.
I’ve always wondered what debt Aphra owed Krrsantan (other than money, because I have no doubt that she owes him plenty of credits on top of this mysterious debt), and this single issue story gives us a better idea of what is going on in his life. While I won’t say that I fully understand his motivations now, I do feel that I have a better grasp on them. I still don’t see how Aphra got pulled into the mix of things, but I can see her making the promise she did (because when it comes to saving her skin, she’ll make any promise she has to).
The other plot was a bit more fun, though things got pretty intense surprisingly quickly (well, I really shouldn’t be surprised, like I said Aphra has a talent for getting herself into messy situations). I love that she went all out for this auction, even to the point of dressing up and wearing a mask (which I loved her outfit, and I adore the concept of masquerades). Everything considered, Aphra actually did a pretty good job setting up the auction. And technically it wasn’t her fault that things went downhill as they did (though in retrospect she should have seen it coming, and she did leave that loophole…so…there’s that).
If I hadn’t seen a new issue on the stands this week, I would have been worried that the series was ending. So many things occurred that typically signal the end of a series, such as characters parting ways - perhaps in this case they’re looking for a chance to revamp the series? Triple Zero and Beetee have finally freed themselves from Aphra’s control, and man was that scene intense. I actually love that the droids choose not to kill Aphra, and that it had everything to do with the way she treated them (with respect and a healthy dose of fear). Likewise Black Krrsantan appears to have jumped ship (not literally…though close). This leaves Aphra on her own, which may or may not be safer for her (though my money is on less, since she lost three combat heavy backups).
Now that the dust has settled, I’ll admit I’m curious to see what happens next with Aphra. A lot has changed for her. She’s on her own, Vader may or may not be aware of her being alive (though I’m of the opinion that he always knew she didn’t die), and still appears to be stirring up trouble. Will her three companions (that isn’t quite the right term, but I’m sticking with it) join her again? Or will she be forming a new team?


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