I will first preface this review by saying I’ve been a Star Wars fan my entire life. So, it should come as no surprise that I liked this series. However, I had no idea I would absolutely LOVE every single issue of this series. By the time I finished reading all of Doctor Aphra’s content, I was ready to start over and read again. From humor, to romance, to action, to heartbreak, Doctor Aphra manages to change your opinions of her with every issue, while only making you more attached, too.
Antihero doesn’t even begin to describe Chelli Lona Aphra, because even antiheroes usually do some good. Well, she’s working on it at least. You’ve got a rogue archaeologist, a pair of psychopathic murder droids, an extremely dangerous Wookie bounty-hunter, and so many more. With some of the most lovable and interesting Star Wars characters to date, the cast of characters in this series will only suck you further into Aphra’s story in the galaxy far, far away. Speaking of which, every issue feels like Star Wars. With adventures very relevant to the original trilogy, these stories only serve to expand and showcase so much of the Star Wars galaxy that we all know and love. Essentially, you’ve got an immoral and selfish Indiana Jones in the Star Wars universe, who’s only ever looking out for themselves. That said, Doctor Aphra is a character you just can’t help but love and root for.
With a galaxy as corrupt and unforgiving as this one, it’s sometimes no wonder Doctor Aphra is the way she is. Especially as the series continues, and Aphra’s backstory unfolds more. But with a galaxy as interesting and rich with lore as this one, it’s also no wonder she became a rogue archaeologist!
I absolutely recommend this series to any Star Wars fan, or really anyone looking for a fun and action-packed series in the Star Wars universe. I’d also recommend all Doctor Aphra content, starting from her origins in Darth Vader (2015) and continuing into Doctor Aphra Vol. 2 from 2020. I purchased the omnibus, which collects all Doctor Aphra content from Vol. 1, including her first appearances and stories in Darth Vader (2015). I’d highly recommend the omnibus for those looking to have all content at their fingertips at once.
To say this series is a page-turner is an understatement, every single story arc had me beyond-intrigued as to what might happen next. I went into this series knowing I’d enjoy it, but I had no idea I’d be finishing it with my new all-time favorite Star Wars character.