Max Nocerino 
Max takes a space detour to reunite with Luke Skywalker and Doctor Aphra in Marvel’s Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #34
It’s time to turn back the clock to review Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #34. But can it build on the foundations of previous issues? Let’s find out.
When it comes to reviewing comics, it’s really on a case-by-case basis because I look for story points that catch my eye before I read and review them. I was drawn to this issue of the second Doctor Aphra comic series because of the Starweird. Yes, you read that right. Starweird. The Starweird was a vacuum-dwelling being that had a terrifying appearance and strange powers in the old Legends continuity. And now he has been pulled out of the vault to be Star Wars canon.
RISE OF THE STARWEIRD
The Starweird details are extremely faithful to the Legend’s depiction, down to a T. However, I felt Aphra and Luke’s fight with it was very anti-climactic. I hate when comics build up such an exciting plot point only to then wrap it up by the end of the issue. Yes, I know the intermediate stage between Empire and Jedi is incredibly short and delicate when it comes to preserving continuity; but I would have liked to have seen more with the Starweird. It was sufficiently terrifying to watch the Starweird stalk Aphra and Luke as they run for their lives throughout the temple. Apparently, Shaak Ti and Aayla Secura had locked this creature in the temple before their deaths and as I said, quickly escaping it was very much a letdown.
LUKE AND APHRA
The strength of this comic is only the banter between Luke and Aphra. They are such an unlikely pair as Aphra is scrappy and self-centered while Luke is reserved and eager to help others. The foil between them is fantastic and I like how Aphra almost flirts with Luke with some good-natured teasing and sarcasm. Aphra is usually depicted as a lesbian. But her being actually bisexual is not at all far from the frame of the possibility. I would actually like to have Aphra have an attraction to Luke. Maybe he can put in a good word for her if she survives being hunted by Vader.
VERDICT
I was not happy with this issue. I expected a little bit more and give it 4 out of 10 Death Stars.
FORCE FACTS
Luke displays the Force ability to manipulate his reflection in reflective surfaces, creating a House of Mirrors to confuse the Starweird. Hmmmm. Indeed he is powerful.
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #34 is published by Marvel Comics and is available to buy now.
Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
