“Ah, hell-I don't know. Order, chaos, good, bad, light, dark—they're all too big."
The 2023 release of Doctor Aphra is part of the Publishing Wave of figures that are based on Star Wars in print such as Novels and Comics. This is the 2nd Doctor Aphra release in the Black Series, the first coming in 2019 and part of Wave 21 of the Phase 3 red & black packaging.
This 2023 release of Aphra uses the Publishing Wave packaging design that mimics that of a book with a black spine carrying the character name as well as artwork that is very reminiscent of the Gregory Titus grey scale work from the earlier Phase 2 and 3 packaging. The front of the box copies a cover of the Doctor Aphra comic book from Marvel with a black panel at the base to confirm the character name and to house the usual warning signs. The three other slides of the box carry a comic book panel design in black and white, and some of these images are also carried forward to the reverse of the box alongside a picture of the figure and accessory.
The previous releases in the Publishing Series would have the front panel open by way of a Velcro tab, once opened this would show the figure itself behind a plastic window. In the current world of plastic-free packaging, the front cover of this release is held in by a cardboard tab and when opened you are simply faced with another box front, this time more in keeping with the current Black Series boxes with the logo at the top and the figure depicted underneath. They have retained the comic art on the inner cover and this is also where you will find the character details with a short write-up of Aphra, which is then repeated in the usual alternative languages. Inside the box, Aphra and the accessory are secured within a brown cardboard tray and wrapped/sealed into a waxy paper bag.
This 2023 version of Aphra has her wearing her trademark headgear with goggles, but her outfit now includes a scarf piece and a long trench coat. The head, flight, helmet, body and legs are all exactly the same as the 2019 release - the new additions now being the outer trenchcoat and associated updated arms and the scarf piece. The head sculpt is good and as you might expect Aphra to look when translated from comic book to a real-world setting - but without an actor likeness to compare it to, how you feel about the execution is likely more dependent on how you would picture Aphra if you met her? It does still use a photo-real print that adds the now standard level of realism to the eyes in particular. Aphra doesn’t have as much of a glossy finish as the first figure, or indeed most of what Hasbro are putting out these days so she doesn’t suffer with a face that overly reflects the light.
The figure has limited paintwork as is now common with each individual part cast in the base colour. Details are then added with the belt buckle and the larger buckle on her gun belt. The hands have a three-colour finish with black fingerless gloves with brown trim, and then the flesh of the fingers beyond. The flight helmet too has added paintwork with a lighter brown on the strap, and red metallic on the lenses, of the goggles.
Like the first figure the flight helmet can be removed, although the goggles are fixed. This presents a different look for Aphra for display if you wish and as the flight helmet is a removable part it can then also act as an accessory under her arm. Likewise, the new scarf piece is also removable. The sole accessory is Aphra’s blaster, the same DL-44 as was included in 2019. This is now cast in a glossier gun metal finish which brings out more of the detail. It also has a silver-painted muzzle. As usual, the blaster fits into the right hand where a trigger finger can slot into place - it also slots into the provided holster, although the fit is a little loose.
Aphra has 17 points of articulation bringing a number of now-retired articulation elements with her from the earlier release. These include double-jointed knees - although they don't add too much value considering the long coat will impede most lower-leg posing. The figure also gets both an ab-crunch and torso ball joint, but again the coat will put pay to making too much of these. All the joints work fine, but standing Aphra remains problematic. This issue existed on the first figure too with the left leg marginally longer than the right. I found this best worked around by placing the left foot in front of the right rather than side by side, and once you find a sweet spot the security of the ankle rockers and leg joints allow her to remain in place.
While the figure is not exclusive, the Publishing Wave is attracting a premium RRP that is ranging from £28 to £33 depending on where you shop. The updated packaging and the lack of being able to view the figure is disappointing considering this premium price, and Aphra herself uses the majority of parts from a prior release and comes with a simple blaster only. Aphra, like the Mara Jade in the same wave, was very much sold out at most places early on and I myself - through FOMO - ordered her at a more premium price only to find now she has hit release that she remains in stock and available at most places. She won't however be a figure that hits deep discounts like the Publishing Releases of White Darth Vader and Princess Leia, so if you want Aphra in your collection I would act sooner rather than later. I only hope Hasbro looks to get newer fans access to her droids in the near future.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...
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