The Lost Dimension part 3
Titan Comics 2017
Written by Nick Abadzis
Illustrated by Mariano Laclaustra & Carlos Cabrera
Art Assists by Fer Centurion
Coloured by Hernan Cabrera
Lettered by Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt
An unknown force is striking from the depths of space, emerging as impossibly-large white
holes over civilized planets, absorbing or annihilating everything that lives.
The Tenth Doctor and his companions, Gabby Gonzalez and Cindy Wu, were in the Vortex when
the TARDIS control room suddenly became that of the Third Doctor – including an appearance by
the Third Doctor himself, screaming in pain, as the white energy sought to destroy him!
The image vanished as suddenly as it arrived, but now the Doctor must work out what has
attacked his past self... before his own timeline unravels!
I gave up watching the show when the twelfth Doctor came on board. While I will always consider myself a Whovian of sorts we all have those Doctor’s we love, like, think are ok and those we don’t care for. So that Titan has revived new storytelling with all the different Doctors and then went a step further and created these huge multi-part stories that put them all together in various ways shapes and forms is exactly what makes a fanboy (or fangirl) like me so very happy. Okay so yes Gabby and Cindy were created for this run and that’s okay because Nick’s characterisation of them is decidedly unique and that makes it a little more special. His rendition of one of THE most popular Doctor’s well that’s beyond spectacular because when I hear Tennant’s voice saying the words out loud it fits better than a glove or even a Trojan.
The interior artwork here is interesting. Not quite animated and not quite normal comics but somehow it feels really all-ages almost like it would belong in Archie comics. Personally I like a lot and it has this charm, personality and emotional value to it that works so incredibly well. I like the attention to detail in the characters, their clothing and whatever they may be using at that time. I wish more backgrounds were in use because when we see them the really do wonders in expanding not only the Poseidon Station. Also I do like the creativity and imagination used in bringing the non-humans to life on the page, see character design.
If there’s one thing that’s consistent, other than the fact that the Doctor always finds himself in these crazy situations he has no idea are going to happen, it’s the fact that he’s got that brilliant distracted mind that is seemingly always in use. it’s one of those features that is both maddening and instantly endearing when we see it in action. Also I don’t think anyone else really was able to master that as well as David did and to see it use here as Nick’s got it is so amazingly well done. That the characterisation is so gosh darn spot on and is actually able to bring a smile to the readers face while reading is a talent that should be admired.
I like that this issue isn’t about the whole Lost Dimension deal but ties into. It’s like the foe that they have to face and the circumstances of being at the Poseidon Station are giving them clues to the bigger picture that’s been happening. Also I am going to admit it’s nice to see that there are sentient beings that have no idea who the Doctor is. Refreshing and interesting to see this and know that now that it’s over his legend will actually continue to grow and to steal someone else’s phrase the interconnectivity of it all.
To be able to do a whole story that is unique yet connected, apart from and yet coincides with a larger one is not as easy as we think it would be. Yes Nick makes it look easy but that’s part of the reason why I enjoy his work so much. I like this use of the rogues gallery and how their presence here was both cause and solution to his current situations.
I’m not surprised at how well Nick is able to write this issue. The pacing, structure and content of the story all have the classic franchise feel to it, he manages to capture the essence of the characters and make you want to join the Doctor on his ongoing adventures. Fun, Flighty and somewhat fanciful this really does make you want to believe it’s all true.