The two part story concludes in this issue. Whilst Doctor Who #6 offers a refreshing story that makes a lot of the opportunities afforded by the comic medium (and not having to hire a silly costume for an actor to wear every time you want an alien), I can’t help but feel it cuts itself short in only two issues. By rushing everything to resolution, it almost runs over its own feet and misses an opportunity to expand the story and characters more greatly.

The official description from IDW:

The Eye of Ashaya, Part 2 of 2: Amy and Rory’s holiday aboard a luxury star-liner has turned into a game of “to catch a thief” as class warfare threatens to break out on the ship. And what’s the Doctor been distracted with in the bowels of the TARDIS?

When I say there are missed opportunities, the use of Christina De Souza falls short in various areas. For one, the ‘friendly yet opposed’ dynamic between the Doctor and Christina isn’t explored in enough detail. Honestly, its a great dynamic that’s similar to the initial relationship between the Doctor and River Song that’s so popular in the TV series. Case in point: Christina needs only a few sentences before completely accepting the new Doctor (she’s only previously appeared with the Tenth version). There’s no overlapping struggle to understand the new Doctor or explore a new relationship; the time constraints simply don’t allow it. Whilst there is definitely room for the future, it hasn’t got the in-depth start that it really deserves.

Likewise, the political plot aboard the ship is also rather short. There’s a great and interesting relationship between the races serving on the ship, with the lower down members wanting to over throw and restore their planet. Its interesting stuff that, again, is cut short. A quick explanation gives the background before – wham – the comics finished. I wont’ spoil anything, but at the same time, things move far too quickly for any real resolution or revelations to take affect.

Over all, however, there is an effective conclusion. There’s not much to tie it into any over-all season arcs, but its an enjoyable read from start to finish. The art alone provides some unique views of the Doctor Who Universe, whilst the use of older characters definitely brings new life in unexpected ways. Hopefully, more of this should appear in the future.

3/5