Review – Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Vol.2 The Weeping Angels Of Mons (Titan)

Posted on July 20, 2015 in Titan Reviews

Click to enlarge.

Publisher: Titan Comics
Writer: Robbie Morrison
Artists: Daniel Indro and Eleonora Carlini
Release Date: 22nd July 2015

9 June 2007. Steven Moffat terrifies legions of Doctor Who fans with the introduction of the Weeping Angels in ‘Blink’. Eight years on and in comic book form, I am unashamed to admit they still scare the bejesus out of me! There are many things to praise about the latest outing of the tenth doctor, but perhaps Messrs Morrison and Indro’s crowning achievement is their ability to capture the sense of foreboding that only the angels can bring. From the very first panel in which a cherub looms over two soldiers in a deserted graveyard, I was on edge. My advice: read this one in the daylight.

‘The Weeping Angels of Mons’ picks up with the Doctor and Gabriella as they arrive in St Michel, 1916. World War One rages, but as is always the case when the Doctor is concerned, the Germans are the least of their worries. It becomes swiftly apparent that an old foe is lurking in the town, preying on the thousands willing to sacrifice themselves at the Western Front. With the disappearance of the TARDIS, the Doctor embarks on a race against time to save not only Gabriella and himself, but the remaining inhabitants of St Michel.

Whilst I wouldn’t say that Morrison’s reincarnation of the Tenth Doctor is pitch-perfect, he does a pretty decent job of capturing his essence. The dialogue is snappy throughout, with some amusing references to Steampunk and Dr Strange thrown in for good measure. In terms of artwork, Daniel Indro succeeds spectacularly at capturing the horrors of war. Men dart across the battlefield with bayonets at the ready, whilst others lay shot dead or impaled on spikes. His rendering of the angels is also a particular delight; the level of detail used achieves a truly menacing effect.

The story does little to build upon the existing mythology surrounding the Weeping Angels, but given the almost god-like status they have achieved throughout the TV series, this is probably a blessing rather than a curse. The plot is engaging, but is slightly hampered by an anticlimactic ending that feels rushed, rather than organic. The jury’s also still out on Gabriella; she does little here to distinguish herself from the companions that have come before her. Luckily Morrison’s tale features a host of supporting cast members strong enough to fill the void.

Of course, we must not forget that this is Volume 2 in the series and therefore also features issue #10: Echo. The Doctor and Gabriella return to New York to allow Gabriella to touch-base with her family after recent events. They’ve barely stepped foot out of the TARDIS when the world is besieged by a hunting party of Shreekers intent on capturing Echoes (essentially, flying whales). Sonic earmuffs aside (yes, you read right), after the excitement of the Angels, this chapter feels a little filler. The issue features artwork by Eleonora Carlini, which looks a little sparse after the detail Indro has imbued in earlier issues. Overall, it’s fine, but there’s not much more I’d say about it.

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
[Click to Enlarge]