Jeremy Remy is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
In the previous issue of Titan’s Doctor Who: The Four Doctors special, the Tenth Doctor and Gabby, the Eleventh Doctor and Alice, and the Twelfth Doctor and Clara were able to solidify one of three alternate futures, in an attempt to stop the machinations of (unknown to them) the Voord. In doing so, they have also ensured the existence of an alternate Twelfth Doctor and kept in motion the events Clara has been attempting to prevent since the beginning of this five-part story. As part four begins, it is the alternate Twelfth Doctor that the other Doctors and Clara must contend with—while Gabby and Alice are on the run from the Voord. But will they survive?
The Four Doctors #4 begins tying together some of the loose ends from the previous stories, specifically as they relate to the Doctor forgetting Marinus and the reason for the forced meeting of these specific Doctors. While previous issues have been able to poke fun at the weaknesses in their televised characterizations or specific episodes, this issue seems to focus on the Doctors’ strengths. There is mention of each Doctor’s method of attempting to turn a situation to his advantage, and each demonstrates their skill at planning ultimate escape.
Still, the meta nature of a multi-Doctor story is toned down a bit in this issue, and the story is able to progress in a relatively smooth manner. There is quite a bit of exposition (but what would a Who villain be without a little plan revealing?). Despite this, the story reads quickly and doesn’t feel overly wordy.
Once again, Paul Cornell demonstrates his love and understanding of Doctor Who—both as a fan, and as an author. In particular, he uses the Titan companions well, to instill a feeling of nervousness in the reader. Unlike stories exclusively involving television companions, there is a sense that Gabby and Alice are truly in danger—mortally so.
Neil Edwards has the opportunity to design some Voord architecture, and creates possibly the most beautiful version of the Crack in Time I’ve seen in any medium (which also functions as an homage to 2001: A Space Odyssey). He is a welcome addition to the Titan family of artists.
If you haven’t started reading this mini-series yet, it should be on your shopping list. Doctor Who: The Four Doctors is a love letter to fans of nuWho and Classic Who, alike, and a beautiful gift to those who have been enjoying Titan’s Doctor Who comics run. If you’ve been keeping up with this story, this issue is well worth jumping into as soon as possible.
Doctor Who: The Four Doctors #4 is out now, priced $3.99.
The post Titan Comics’ The Four Doctors #4 Reviewed! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
