Doctor Aphra fans can rejoice! Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra–everyone’s favorite space archaeologist–is returning to Marvel’sStar Warscomics this summer in a brand new ongoing series. The series, entitledDoctor Aphra–Chaos Agent, will feature Doctor Aphra teaming up with at least one beloved character from the originalStar Warstrilogy.
In June solicitations released by Marvel, it was revealed thatCherish Chen will be writing theDoctor Aphra–Chaos Agent, with Gabriel Guzman as the artist.
The New Republic Era InStar WarsComics Is Taking Shape
Doctor Aphra–Chaos AgentIs The Second Title In This Era
Set in theNew Republic eraon the heels ofReturn of the Jedi,Doctor Aphra: Chaos Agentwill followChelli Lona Aphra and Luke Skywalkeron the hunt for a rare artifact. Aphra frequently crossed paths and fought against Darth Vader in the comics. Considering the Empire is no longer during the timeframe of the upcoming series, one can only speculate who Aphra and Luke will be up against.
Though the early days of the New Republic factors into the live-action Disney+Star Warsseries likeThe MandalorianandAhsoka, the comics have not fully explored this era.Alex Segura’s upcomingStar Warsseries–debuting on May 7–is set in the same period asDoctor Aphra–Chaos Agent. This builds up the potential for characters besides Luke Skywalker to appear in the Aphra series as well, including Leia Organa and Han Solo.The official synopsis from Marvelprovided the following context for the new series:
Out from the shadow of Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra returns! An all-new ongoing series featuring the rogue archeologist as she makes her way through the galaxy in the era of the New Republic! Aphra must team up with Luke Skywalker to track down a rare artifact! And what will she do when her tattoos no longer function?!
After back-to-back hit 40-issue runs set during the Original Trilogy, Aphra embarks on her most unpredictable misadventures as the galaxy far, far away transforms in the wake of the Battle of Jakku. With her crimes pardoned, Aphra is enlisted by her friend Luke Skywalker to put her treasure hunting skills to good use on behalf of the New Republic!
Who’s your favorite Star Wars character who was first introduced in the comics?
There have been several incredible Star Wars characters who’ve first been introduced in the comics, and some who’ve since crossed over into live-action, like the Wookiee bounty hunter Black Krrsantan. However, I’m a very big fan of the rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra who’s basically Star Wars' version of Indiana Jones. I also love Sgt. Kreel, the Elite Stormtrooper who had Vader’s trust, and was even allowed to wield a lightsaber while leading Scar Squadron.
Writer Cherish Chen spoke to Colliderregarding the news of the upcoming series and expressed excitement over taking the reins for a fan-favorite character. Chen said:
In my humble opinion, there isn’t a more fun character to be writing in the Star Wars galaxy than the one and only Doctor Aphra. Cooking up new adventures for her in this new era, throwing her into increasingly tricky moral quandaries, and testing her resolve (alongside some familiar faces) has truly been like playing in the ultimate sandbox. Our favorite chaos agent is back and I cannot wait to share what we’ve been working on and for you all to see Gabriel’s incredibly dynamic art.
Chen will be working with long-timeStar Warsartist, Gabriel Guzman. Guzman is known for his work onStar Wars: Dark Times–Fire CarrierandStar Wars: Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadowminiseries.
In the sameinterview with Collider, the editor ofDoctor Aphra–Chaos Agent–Marc Paniccia–discussed what the future of the series has in store for the notorious rouge Aphra.
Aphra fans are gonna LOVE this unexpected new status quo, one that even our brilliant Doctor will struggle to navigate. Her patience will be tested, her wits will be challenged, and — say it isn’t so — her ego will get bruised! Who can outsmart the galaxy’s greatest grifter? Cherish will drop clues. See if you may solve the mystery!
