Caution: Spoilers for Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Republic Siege (2024) #1 ahead!
Doctor Aphra is undoubtedly one of the Star Wars best original comic book characters, and she finally appears after the events of Return of the Jedi in Marvel's latest miniseries, crossing paths with Luke Skywalker at a crucial moment. Although she has never appeared in live-action, Aphra has been a key part of the Star Wars franchise since its Marvel debut Darth Vader ongoing series in 2015.
In Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Republic Siege (2024) #1 – written by Alex Segura, with art by Stefano Raffaele – Luke Skywalker and Rynn Zenat duel with the Acolytes of the Beyond, each seeking to obtain an ancient Jedi relic called the Compendium that belonged to Ky Narec, the master of Asajj Ventress.
Although Luke and Rynn overpower the Acolytes and question their leader, Yuan Howzell, Luke's bag containing the relic is stolen by a shadowy figure. Luke and Rynn chase the figure to Luke's X-Wing, where he realizes that the relic thief is actually Dr. Aphra.
Doctor Aphra is a fan favorite from the Star Wars franchise – Marvel won't forget her as it moves into the post-ROTJ era
Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Republic Siege (2024) #1 – Written by Alex Segura; Art by Stefano Raffaele; Color by Alex Sinclair; Lyrics by Joe Caramagna
Doctor Aphra is a rogue archaeologist, recruited by Darth Vader after his failure in the Battle of Yavin. Vader needed her expertise in theft for some tasks to regain the Emperor's favor, and she looked for a weakness she could use as collateral. Eventually, she discovered that Luke Skywalker was Vader's son. When she feared Vader was going to kill her, she told the Emperor all the things Vader told her to do against the Empire, leaving out the ancestry part. Emperor Palpatine admired Vader's dedication, and Vader ended up expelling Aphra anyway.
Doctor Aphra foresaw the possibility of her scheme failing and also had a plan to survive it. Over the years, she has encountered Luke Skywalker many times, often competing with him to find an expensive artifact. The last time they worked together, Aphra took Luke to a Jedi Temple that she believed contained valuable contents, and she needed him to unlock the door. Aphra's last appearance after Return of the Jedi Could mean a big treasure hunt is coming up for Lukeas Aphra usually finds him when she needs his help.
Doctor Aphra's latest appearance could mean a live-action debut is still possible
Star Wars Fans want Aphra on screen, ASAP
Before Republic under siege #1, Doctor Aphra's fate afterwards Return of the Jedi was unknown. Without being present in the films, there was no way of knowing, but her lack of loyalty to any faction meant she could do anything, to anyone, anywhere in the galaxy. Now that this has been confirmed by your latest interaction with Luke Skywalker that Aphra is still hunting for treasure, it's even more likely that she'll do a live action Star Wars debut in the coming yearsone way or another.
Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Republic Under Siege #1 and available now from Marvel Comics.