Review – Doctor Who 10th Doctor #13 (Titan Comics)

Publisher: Titan Comics
Writer: Nick Abadzis
Artists: Eleonora Carlini & Giorgia Sposito
Colourists: Arianna Florean with Adele Matera
Release Date: 10th August 2016

After Cindy’s purported heartbreak at the end of the last book, a trip home is in order. Mamma Gonzalez rocks the joint, as she demonstrates she’s one switched-on lady. Meanwhile, poor Cindy still appears fixated on the late Roscoe and dismisses the concerns of her mother with a wave (I have a feeling that’s going to come back to haunt her). After this brief glimpse into life back on Earth, it’s back to the domestic life of Anubis and Dorothy, as the Doctor finally proposes a solution to Anubis’ travel problems.

It almost feels like Abadzis has hit the reset button in this issue. The events of the first half of Year Two are still prevalent within the fabric of the story, but with the visit to Earth and the delivery of a new target by Anubis, we enter the second phase of Year Two refreshed and with new goalposts.

It’s a slow issue, but features some cracking dialogue. Cindy delivers one-liner after one-liner and remains the stronger, more rounded character of the two companions. The budding relationship between Anubis and Dorothy is also mighty fun to watch. There’s an affection in their interactions that humanises the god and transcends the character beyond a one-dimensional semi-villain into a textured, likeable figure. I almost fear for his wellbeing. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to long-term fans; it’s a talent Abadzis displays time-and-time again throughout the series and a large part of what makes the Tenth Doctor so enjoyable to read.

Sadly the artwork isn’t quite up to scratch in this comic. ‘Who’ regular Carlini joins Giorgia Sposito to illustrate this book, and while I’m sure it’s enjoyable for some, the artwork is too simplistic for my tastes. It lacks detail and depth, leaving the panels flat on the page. The colouring is, as always, on-point, but on its own can’t provide the extra dimensions the comic is lacking.

All-in-all, the story remains engaging, but it’s a less attractive issue that’s presented to us here than we’re used to.

Rating: 3/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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