Titan Comics 2015
Written by Cavan Scott
Illustrated by Blair Shedd
Colour Flat Assist by Anang Setyawan
The Doctor, Rose and Jack were taking a tour of the universe, when they became caught in a skirmish between the Unon and the Lect – two new players, each battling for supremacy in a new conflict which could plunge the entire galaxy into a new Time War! The trio had no choice but to retreat to the TARDIS, just as the Lect ship was destroyed by an Unon barrage!
But the Doctor closed the doors too soon, and Rose was trapped outside, exposing her to the fatal-to-unprotected-humans Time Vortex! Can Jack and the Doctor ride to her rescue, or will they be too late...?!
With Tennant’s run having been so long I think we forget about Eccleston’s year which brought the Doctor the mainstream or the fact that he introduced us to Rose and Captain Jack. So I’m thrilled that we are once again seeing his adventures and it’s like stepping back in time but the memories are more vague more impressions of experience rather than remembering actual events. Cavan in two issues has managed to bring back those feelings and Blair should be lauded for the interior artwork here because it’s very spot on the actor’s likenesses as well as just gorgeously rendered.
Sometimes you forget what that early dynamic between the characters was like, Rose infatuated with the flirtatious and devilishly handsome Jack and the Doctor weary of him and slightly jealous of Rose’s feelings towards him. The writing here is spectacular the dialogue between the Doctor and Jack while onboard the Tardis and looking for Rose really demonstrates how they thought at this time. The Doctor refusing to give up and Jack not as familiar with his ways or the use of the Tardis ready to give up. It should be interesting to note that later on by the time Torchwood, which Titan needs to relaunch as well, was formed he acts more like the Doctor in regards to how he approaches missions and his team. To see that difference here so prominent is great stuff.
Ah Rose gets awakened by Squidward and i’ve got to say he’s incredibly well depicted here, creepy, scary and downright fun! The attention to detail that is used on him is utterly stunning stuff. We know she’s okay and knew it going in after all she’s been around forever after all but the thrill of danger is always nice to see.
So when the boys get to location Rose is supposed to be at it isn’t the Doctor who reveals it it’s Jack and this goes back to his not so legal activity days and you forget he wasn’t always that upstanding a guy. Still a black market full of more arms than anything else where we see representatives of races that have been seen throughout the series run was one of the greatest moments. I mean I tried to remember which each species was and the episode I first encountered them and it’s that kind of stuff that endears you this very issue.
As often happens when the Doctor is involved things don’t go that smoothly in just retrieving Rose. Watching the events unfold is better than watching the show in my opinion and just proves my point that in Titan’s hands this franchise is better than it’s ever been!
Superb writing and breathtaking artwork make this a series not to be missed!