Doctor Who #1 Review

Offering further stories with the eleventh Doctor, which is more than welcome since the TV series is taking its usual break, Doctor Who #1 offers more of the same for fans of the franchise.

The official description from IDW:

The Doctor is back! Welcome to a new, exciting era for everyone’s favorite Time Lord, as New York Times bestselling writer Andy Diggle (The Losers) pilots the TARDIS as the ongoing series architect. Joining him for this first arc is Eisner Award-winning artist Mark Buckingham (Fables), who also will provide covers for the series. Geronimo!

First of all, although its numbered #1, this is the first in the third series of the current title. That being said, this is as good a point for anyone to jump aboard. It doesn’t follow from any previous titles, providing a fresh adventure to jump right into.

As far as timing goes, however, this title might seem a little out of place for fans of the TV show. After saying goodbye to Rory and Amy just last week, it seems odd to see them again so soon. Of course, this is a comic that doesn’t always follow the TV show, and more adventures with the familiar cast is always welcome.

As for the issue itself, its certainly an interesting and entertaining idea. Normally, I would argue that the comics have the ability to go places and show things that extend past the BBC’s budget (its cheaper to draw an alien then render it in CGI after all). Yet the first issue takes place in Victorian England; something I’m sure the BBC could, and have, pulled off. That being said, the use of the crystal palace and some of the things found inside certainly make better use of the format.

As for the story itself, it does match some of the TV show’s tone. The Doctor (plus companions) turn up somewhere and, as usual, something is not quite right. Whilst the dialogue may never catch Matt Smith’s acting skills, the writing does its best to capture the whimsical nature of the characters.

As for the artwork, its so far so good. The art style is interesting, looking almost water-color based at times. Still, you can make out who’s meant to be who, and it certainly doesn’t get in the way of anything. A little more definition is welcome here and there however the TARDIS may just be a blue box, but it does have panels on the front at least.