Doctor Who: Prisoner Of Time #9 Review


Doctor Who: Prisoner Of Time #9 is here and – you know the drill – ninth issue means the ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston for all those keeping track). So, how’s the ninth issue of the series holding up?

The official description from IDW:

Our yearlong celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary continues! The Ninth Doctor takes the spotlight in this issue of a 12-part epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the Doctor, with fan-favorite companion Rose Tyler in tow! Plus: Who has been kidnapping the Doctor’s companions? The Doctor’s mysterious enemy revealed!

Honestly I think the big difference here is the Doctor. We’ve gone from (in my opinion) a Doctor that had enough screen time in one TV-movie to a Doctor that didn’t have enough in one TV series. I always liked the ninth Doctor, and this issue holds the character up well. Then again, similar with Eight, a lack of long history gives the team some freedoms. The freedom to explore is something shown off here – especially since it has the big reveal at the end. (I won’t spoil anything).

As for the writing? A fairly solid entry from Scott & David Tripton, although I like anything that opens with a reference to Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy (all about the British sci-fi you see). The plot is simple, yet elegant. It doesn’t confuse you but neither does it bore you, striking enough balance between coherent plot and science-fiction tomfoolery for a rewarding read.

The art, likewise, holds up rather well. I’m a fan of David Messa’s pencils here, they help add definition to the characters, as do they pull off some decent backgrounds and scenic vistas at the beginning. The colors of ScarletGothica also add vibrancy and, with the deep inking of Giorgia Sposito help make a very striking visual style that it wouldn’t hurt to see more of.

In short.. I like it. Things are getting close to the end for this 12-issue series and, as we head into the final quarter, it’s good to see the whole title has upped its game.

4/5

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