Placement first, then, since it's really an appendix to last time's
longer discussion. This story mentions Saracens, so must come after The Crusade (and hence after The Space Museum
too, given how tightly those are connected). The Doctor and Ian are
taking a walk while the others sleep, though Barbara has woken by the
time they get back; everyone seems relaxed. So it's not a time when
stress levels are high. I think this would fit best before 1963, or after The Plotters; on balance I'm going to choose the latter, but it's an aesthetic choice.
Right, now that's out of the way, on with the review. Let's start with
the artwork, by John Ridgeway. Or more likely John Ridgway, without the
'e', as that is how he is more commonly credited. Ridgway was the artist
for a large number of (generally well-received) sixth and seventh
Doctor stories in DWM, and this came towards the end of his time working
with the franchise. The layouts are good with some spectacular scenes
(such as the feast) and nice use of different angles (particularly
during the fight with the monster), but somehow the main characters just
don't look right. It basically gives the impression that he was working
from a limited set of photographs and hadn't had time to get used to
drawing them. Which was probably true, given that this is his only story
for the first Doctor. He also seems to have run out of steam during the
last couple of pages, with things getting distinctly less interesting
visually. Still, it's the best attempt so far in this marathon.
The colouring by Chrissie McCormack is adequate, but doesn't really do
much to bring out the best in the artwork. Janey Rutter's lettering is
clear; as usual, I don't know what else to say about it.
On to the story, then; and this is by Tim Quinn, who is better known for
his humorous shorts with artist Dicky Howett. In fact, I can't find any
reference to any other 'proper' story he's written. It's an odd one,
extremely continuity-heavy - the first five panels alone have references
to Quinnis, the Dalek invasion of Earth, Susan, David Campbell, the
Doctor's intentions when leaving her, and the Saracens! It eases off
after that, but there is still the odd reference or 'in joke', such as
when the Doctor hands Ian a cricket ball and says he won't be needing it
just yet. The dialogue is solid, with both Ian and the Doctor sounding
like themselves (Barbara only gets two sentences, Vicki none). The
Doctor's attitude to the native inhabitants fits with the TV series.
The ending - or perhaps 'coda' would be a better word, since it takes
place after the TARDIS has left - is neat. But having said that (and
being careful not to spoil it), the way it's neat is one that has come up for me more than once, so the originality is wearing a bit thin.
Overall, then, this is the best effort in comics so far - but it's still
fairly slight. Fingers crossed for the next comic outing!
Published:
Date: September 1993
ISBN: 1-85400-317-8
Rating:
6/10.
Next Time:
At last! The Executioners.
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