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quirkycatsfatstacks's review
4.0
Doctor Aphra is back, and once again she just keeps finding herself in worse and worse situations. It seems like no plan of hers will ever go smoothly. But it does make for an interesting read for the rest of us!
Doctor Aphra Vol. 5 is titled Worst Among Equals, and it’s probably my favorite title so far. And in many ways, it fits her relationship with Triple Zero perfectly. This volume has six issues in it, but the first one is going to feel more like a one-shot at first. It does become relevant later. It’s just not told in order.
This volume picks up where The Catastrophe Con left off. Meaning that she’s been connected to Triple Zero – who is no longer all that fond of her – via a set of bombs that will detonate if either one gets too far away from the other. Not exactly an ideal situation, is it?
Worst Among Equals is one of those volumes that had me all over the place, emotionally. The beginning at me a bit confused, because it didn’t fit in with the cliffhanger of the last volume. The middle was entertaining, but surprisingly emotional. And the ending had me rushing to my computer to see if and when the next issue was coming out.
The first issue in this volume was very entertaining. I can totally see Aphra pulling a con like that one. And for once, it seems like it almost went according to plan. That never really happens for her, does it?
The rest of this volume is focused on one major plot. And you can probably guess what that is; trying to remove or shut off the bombs that have been implanted in both Aphra and Triple Zero. This was a whirlwind story, even though the threats from Trip were slightly lessened because of the situation (he can’t exactly kill Aphra, when her death would result in his own).
I really enjoyed the storytelling style used in this volume. It may have been a little heavy-handed at times, but we’re talking about fighting the Empire. A lit bit of heavy-handedness is totally fine and acceptable. And honestly, it went a long way in humanizing Aphra. Her humanity has been in question as of late, so I think that was a vital focus this time around.
The perspective shifts did help to tell all sides of this story. And on the whole, it did enhance the plot. I’m not sure there would have been so much raw emotion if not for that. Then again, Aphra did and said a lot this volume. So the emotional element was pretty strong, to begin with.
I legitimately freaked out at the conclusion of this volume. I couldn’t get to my computer fast enough. But man, did I need confirmation that the series wasn’t over. Because, honestly? I could see the series ending like this. It isn’t exactly a high note, but in a way Aphra had an actual chance to make decisions for herself. And she also got a chance at redemption.
All those factors worried me into thinking they were wrapping up the series. Thankfully, that doesn’t actually seem to be the case. Which is good, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this little troublemaker just yet.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Doctor Aphra Vol. 5 is titled Worst Among Equals, and it’s probably my favorite title so far. And in many ways, it fits her relationship with Triple Zero perfectly. This volume has six issues in it, but the first one is going to feel more like a one-shot at first. It does become relevant later. It’s just not told in order.
This volume picks up where The Catastrophe Con left off. Meaning that she’s been connected to Triple Zero – who is no longer all that fond of her – via a set of bombs that will detonate if either one gets too far away from the other. Not exactly an ideal situation, is it?
Worst Among Equals is one of those volumes that had me all over the place, emotionally. The beginning at me a bit confused, because it didn’t fit in with the cliffhanger of the last volume. The middle was entertaining, but surprisingly emotional. And the ending had me rushing to my computer to see if and when the next issue was coming out.
The first issue in this volume was very entertaining. I can totally see Aphra pulling a con like that one. And for once, it seems like it almost went according to plan. That never really happens for her, does it?
The rest of this volume is focused on one major plot. And you can probably guess what that is; trying to remove or shut off the bombs that have been implanted in both Aphra and Triple Zero. This was a whirlwind story, even though the threats from Trip were slightly lessened because of the situation (he can’t exactly kill Aphra, when her death would result in his own).
I really enjoyed the storytelling style used in this volume. It may have been a little heavy-handed at times, but we’re talking about fighting the Empire. A lit bit of heavy-handedness is totally fine and acceptable. And honestly, it went a long way in humanizing Aphra. Her humanity has been in question as of late, so I think that was a vital focus this time around.
The perspective shifts did help to tell all sides of this story. And on the whole, it did enhance the plot. I’m not sure there would have been so much raw emotion if not for that. Then again, Aphra did and said a lot this volume. So the emotional element was pretty strong, to begin with.
I legitimately freaked out at the conclusion of this volume. I couldn’t get to my computer fast enough. But man, did I need confirmation that the series wasn’t over. Because, honestly? I could see the series ending like this. It isn’t exactly a high note, but in a way Aphra had an actual chance to make decisions for herself. And she also got a chance at redemption.
All those factors worried me into thinking they were wrapping up the series. Thankfully, that doesn’t actually seem to be the case. Which is good, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to this little troublemaker just yet.
For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
filipmagnus's review
4.0
This review was originally published over at my blog, The Grimoire Reliquary, as part of my Saturday Star Wars weekly column.
Previous || Next
The good Doctor is back, and running for her life with her dearest pal, the homicidal protocol droid Triple-Zero. The two frenemies are in quite the bind–as soon as they grow further than 20 metres apart, the explosives implanted in their necks will arm, and go ka-BLOOEY!
Grizzly, but what’s a little blood, guts and blown-out logic matrices betwixt friends? Not much at all, I think!
Oh, and I shan’t offer you much in the way of amusing panels, since I borrowed this volume, and the next, from my local library.*
This was an interesting volume, continuing on from the previous paperback, when the human among these two lovely boys popped into Doctor Aphra‘s life and strapped a pair of bombs in her and Trip’s heads. Why would he do that, you ask?
The boys, together from 1977! (Doctor Cornelius Evazan, seated right, with Ponda Baba, seated left.)
This, then, is a struggle for survival on the planet Milvayne, which is built on the notion of law-abiding snitches. It’s not a good place for a psychotic murder-droid to be with; somehow it’s an even worse place for Chelli Aphra. Whether because of the bomb or because of the company, I shan’t say (it’s totally the company) but on the road to freedom, the two cross paths with robotics doctors, Imperials, mercenaries, some old foes come back to life-adjacent existence, and even capture the attention of one Minister Pitina Voor, of Emperor Palpatine’s own cabinet. This last one will be important next week, when I talk about Volume 6, Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon.
Doctor Aphra continues to embrace an irreverent, near-Guardians of the Galaxy tone, which juggles murderous humour with sombre questions of personal morality, loyalty and empathy — to some success.
What I enjoyed most about this volume the most was the character arcs both Chelli and Trip underwent; the antagonistic relationship between droid and archaeologist developed, and was written very well. Aptly named, Worst Among Equals does offer compelling proof as to how shifty a character the good Doctor is, while reminding the reader there’s an ember of decency somewhere deep inside the self-serving exterior Aphra has spent her whole adult life building.
Among my favourite quotes, spoken by Trip to Aphra, is this one:
Trip, doing some psychoanalysis in-between murder.
This also included the second annual story, which introduces a pair of monster hunters, Winloss and Nokk, who make their return as supporting characters with a bone to pick with Aphra.
Read back-to-back with the next volume, I appreciated how much it set up for the thinner sixth volume. I appreciate Spurrier’s writing a little more in this volume than in The Catastrophe Con, which was a weaker trade paperback overall. This one earns that 4/5 star score on Goodreads with ease, where the previous one really struggled.
The line art is by Emilio Laiso (with Andrea Broccardo on issues #31), coloured by Rachelle Rosenberg. The colours are vibrant and inhabit well the aesthetic of the Star Wars universe. I preferred Kev Walker’s rendition of Aphra herself — his sharp lines better fit my image of her. Laiso’s art is more consistent in terms of overall quality; but don’t get too used to consistency in that department — the next trade paperback employs three artists, each one’s style different from the next!
I leave you with this panel:
What better captures Doctor Aphra than this? I know not.
*Support your bloody libraries, folks! Now more than ever.
Previous || Next
The good Doctor is back, and running for her life with her dearest pal, the homicidal protocol droid Triple-Zero. The two frenemies are in quite the bind–as soon as they grow further than 20 metres apart, the explosives implanted in their necks will arm, and go ka-BLOOEY!
Grizzly, but what’s a little blood, guts and blown-out logic matrices betwixt friends? Not much at all, I think!
Oh, and I shan’t offer you much in the way of amusing panels, since I borrowed this volume, and the next, from my local library.*
This was an interesting volume, continuing on from the previous paperback, when the human among these two lovely boys popped into Doctor Aphra‘s life and strapped a pair of bombs in her and Trip’s heads. Why would he do that, you ask?
The boys, together from 1977! (Doctor Cornelius Evazan, seated right, with Ponda Baba, seated left.)
This, then, is a struggle for survival on the planet Milvayne, which is built on the notion of law-abiding snitches. It’s not a good place for a psychotic murder-droid to be with; somehow it’s an even worse place for Chelli Aphra. Whether because of the bomb or because of the company, I shan’t say (it’s totally the company) but on the road to freedom, the two cross paths with robotics doctors, Imperials, mercenaries, some old foes come back to life-adjacent existence, and even capture the attention of one Minister Pitina Voor, of Emperor Palpatine’s own cabinet. This last one will be important next week, when I talk about Volume 6, Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon.
Doctor Aphra continues to embrace an irreverent, near-Guardians of the Galaxy tone, which juggles murderous humour with sombre questions of personal morality, loyalty and empathy — to some success.
What I enjoyed most about this volume the most was the character arcs both Chelli and Trip underwent; the antagonistic relationship between droid and archaeologist developed, and was written very well. Aptly named, Worst Among Equals does offer compelling proof as to how shifty a character the good Doctor is, while reminding the reader there’s an ember of decency somewhere deep inside the self-serving exterior Aphra has spent her whole adult life building.
Among my favourite quotes, spoken by Trip to Aphra, is this one:
Bonding. It’s too delicious.
I imagine–oh!–you see yourself in her[a young girl Trip and Aphra cross paths with, surviving in the underbelly of Milvayne]. Born survivors, unsure whether to flee the tyrants or take shelter under their skirts. I’m afraid I’m not the only one looking in mirrors today, Doctor. You do know she’ll betray you?
If you truly are remotely alike, it’s practically inevitable. Would you like to know the odds?
I have observed you for a long time, Doctor. Monster hunters and mercenaries…lovers and lords…I don’t think you’ve ever met someone you wouldn’t throw to the anoobas to save your skin.”
Trip, doing some psychoanalysis in-between murder.
This also included the second annual story, which introduces a pair of monster hunters, Winloss and Nokk, who make their return as supporting characters with a bone to pick with Aphra.
Read back-to-back with the next volume, I appreciated how much it set up for the thinner sixth volume. I appreciate Spurrier’s writing a little more in this volume than in The Catastrophe Con, which was a weaker trade paperback overall. This one earns that 4/5 star score on Goodreads with ease, where the previous one really struggled.
The line art is by Emilio Laiso (with Andrea Broccardo on issues #31), coloured by Rachelle Rosenberg. The colours are vibrant and inhabit well the aesthetic of the Star Wars universe. I preferred Kev Walker’s rendition of Aphra herself — his sharp lines better fit my image of her. Laiso’s art is more consistent in terms of overall quality; but don’t get too used to consistency in that department — the next trade paperback employs three artists, each one’s style different from the next!
I leave you with this panel:
What better captures Doctor Aphra than this? I know not.
*Support your bloody libraries, folks! Now more than ever.
darthkitty23's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
maxluke5's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ethancf's review
4.0
Aphra's last trade book was fairly disastrous, but Spurrier has a better handle on the character this go around and introduces some excellent foils for her this time around. Winloss and Nokk feel like they've been ripped from the pages of Saga (which is a good thing), and the story itself ain't bad.
jedi_indyjones's review
3.0
A thrilling conclusion to this story arc. This series is definitely the wild card for Marvel Star Wars. I wonder what they will cook up next?
anna_catherman's review against another edition
3.0
This story's fine, but it rehashes all the same themes Doctor Aphra usually does and doesn't do anything especially fun or unexpected. That being said, it did have a few good moments, and no bizarre romance, so it's not the worst of the pack, either.
jamesdavidward's review against another edition
4.0
The most 2000AD SW book yet. The 000/Aphra team proves again to be one of the best engines in this book.
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