Hey Aphra? I hope you understand how lucky you are to be alive right now because holy crap, you should’ve died at least six times in this issue alone. Okay, maybe not six but a lot. At least twice.
One of the coolest things about this particular arc (and with so much going on, there’ve been a lot) is the combination of Aphra and Hera; two women who could not be more different. Even if they were on the same side of things, I highly doubt you would ever see them getting a drink together but wow are they fun to throw together. I particular enjoyed Aphra having a scientific interest in the abominations created by the Tarkin Initiative while Hera is horrified on moral grounds. My second favorite was Hera’s remark that “It’s lonely being you, isn’t it?” because WOW did she figure Aphra out fast.
This issue is making me think a lot about Aphra and what kind of person she is. The easy answer is that she’s not a good one but it’s always more complicated than that. Simultaneously, Aphra does what’s in her best interest and almost gets herself killed a lot. She’ll do the terrible thing but try and find a way around it. And she’ll flirt with an Imperial officer even though she knows it can’t end well. Aphra, you are a delightful and complicated mess and I love you more with every issue.
As Aphra’s allies dwindle, in part because of her own actions, her chances of surviving this arc are decreasingly rapidly… as are the chances for her allies. Seriously, I need that next issue now. Please?
Doctor Aphra #18: Kieron Gillen and Si Spurrier/Writers, Emilio Laiso/Artist, Rachelle Rosenberg/Colors, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor, Jordan D. White/Editor