Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor #2

Now that I’ve gotten used to the somewhat stiff art style used for the miniseries by Brian Williamson (probably under constraints to keep the likenesses as on-point as possible), I can relax and enjoy the adventure, and boy, there’s plenty of that!

Writers Gordon Rennie and Emma Beeby waste no time in explaining the plot — a crazy old lady has a way to open windows to the past with the Lamp of Chronos — and characters — Professor James was previously working with her until he wasn’t moving fast enough and she ditched him. There’s still plenty of mystery to come, though, as something clearly happened to her that she has yet to reveal. Her motivation, as well, is portrayed as understandable, rooted in core human emotion, but I’m not sure that’s the whole story.

Cover by Brian Williamson

Photo cover by Will Brooks

Cover by Matt Baxter

Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor #2 is an issue with a lot of conversation, as Lady Emily explains herself to Sarah Jane and the professor, daughter Athena, and Doctor race to rescue her. It’s kept visually interesting through cross-cutting, varied panels, and detailed backgrounds. The giant Cyclops-like beings provide the monster interest (with an air of misplaced history that ties into the overall theme), and Sarah Jane’s creativity adds humor.

Athena’s got gumption I like, and of course, there’s the requisite “separate the parties” setup for more adventures to come — there are still three issues to go, after all. (The publisher provided a digital review copy.)

Diamond UK exclusive cover by Blair Shedd

AOD exclusive cover by Simon Meyers