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Doctor Who: Prisoner of Time #1
Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time, Volume 1
November 23, 1963: A day that changed the world forever. That day saw the broadcast debut of Doctor Who, which was to become the longest running science-fiction series on television. And now, 50 years later, we pay tribute to one of the greatest pop-culture heroes of all time with this special series, Prisoners of Time, which tells an epic adventure featuring all eleven incarnations of the intrepid traveller through time and space known simply as...the Doctor.
104 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 30, 2018
This was kinda muddled for my first reading of this series. Multiple stories with different versions of the Doctor. Hope it all adds up in further volumes...
June 4, 2013
50 years of Dr. Who. I am ready for this anniversary and all the memorable moments being rehashed. This is the first of a collection of comics, five in all I think. They will each focus on a different Dr. and his companions. For any collector or fan of Dr. Who this is a great kick in the pants start to the series.
There is a bad out there that wants to get The Dr. he plans on doing this through the Dr's companions, all of them. He wants the Dr. alone. He can track the Dr. thought time and take each reincarnation down one at a time. Each Dr. is under the attack, each companion will be threatened.
The artists drawings were well done colorful and detailed the emotions of the story well. I spent extra time just looking at the illustrations.
I look forward to the rest of the series as it is released. Long Live The DR !
There is a bad out there that wants to get The Dr. he plans on doing this through the Dr's companions, all of them. He wants the Dr. alone. He can track the Dr. thought time and take each reincarnation down one at a time. Each Dr. is under the attack, each companion will be threatened.
The artists drawings were well done colorful and detailed the emotions of the story well. I spent extra time just looking at the illustrations.
I look forward to the rest of the series as it is released. Long Live The DR !
June 13, 2013
Doctor Who is celebrating it's 50th anniversary this year, and this is one of many projects that are celebrating that. It's a television show that has cleverly survived by building in a feature for it's main character to turn into different actors over the years and yet remain the same character.
Like a few of the other nostalgic tributes, it's a trip back in time (pun somewhat intended) to visit previous doctors, companions, etc. This means it isn't a very good starting place as a new fan to the show because there are lots of nods to 50 years of history, actors and actresses, etc. It also suffers a bit because the story arc isn't complete (hence the "Volume 1" in the title). Additionally each issue features one Doctor (and companions), so the flow between issues feels a bit sudden.
But for those with some familiarity with the characters, it's great to see old friends (and enemies). The art by Simon Fraser and Lee Sullivan doesn't focus on exact photo realism, but more of a comic, cartoon style that still brings the characters to life. I'm curious to know how the series will continue and roll more of the story arc in.
Like a few of the other nostalgic tributes, it's a trip back in time (pun somewhat intended) to visit previous doctors, companions, etc. This means it isn't a very good starting place as a new fan to the show because there are lots of nods to 50 years of history, actors and actresses, etc. It also suffers a bit because the story arc isn't complete (hence the "Volume 1" in the title). Additionally each issue features one Doctor (and companions), so the flow between issues feels a bit sudden.
But for those with some familiarity with the characters, it's great to see old friends (and enemies). The art by Simon Fraser and Lee Sullivan doesn't focus on exact photo realism, but more of a comic, cartoon style that still brings the characters to life. I'm curious to know how the series will continue and roll more of the story arc in.
August 18, 2013
There's a lot to like in this collection. Generally, it's a nice homage to 50 years of the Doctor. The tones of the adventures are fun references to the periods, so we get an educational 1st Doctor adventure, a whacked-out 2nd Doctor adventure, a base-under-siege 3rd Doctor adventure, and a space morality 4th Doctor adventure. The artwork is likewise appropriate for the periods, with the 3rd Doctor's being great with its use of zippotone and psychedelic patterns.
On the downside, none of the stories feel quite right for its era. The voices of the characters are off, and lots of things don't quite click. I also find the stories pretty simplistic and the recurring endings meant to tie them together annoying.
So, on the whole, a nice memory of 50 years, but just OK beyond that.
On the downside, none of the stories feel quite right for its era. The voices of the characters are off, and lots of things don't quite click. I also find the stories pretty simplistic and the recurring endings meant to tie them together annoying.
So, on the whole, a nice memory of 50 years, but just OK beyond that.
April 18, 2017
5 stars
Enjoyed seeing the different Doctors and their companions. Who is the person abducting the companions? Hope the Doctor will be able to find whoever is abducting them.
Can't wait to read Prisoners of Time: Volume 2!!!!!
Enjoyed seeing the different Doctors and their companions. Who is the person abducting the companions? Hope the Doctor will be able to find whoever is abducting them.
Can't wait to read Prisoners of Time: Volume 2!!!!!
July 3, 2017
Über 50 Jahre Doctor Who - Zeit für ein außergewöhnliches Abenteuer: die ersten 11 Doctoren müssen sich vereinen. Ihre Begleiter verschwinden spurlos. Die Suche gestaltet sich schwierig, bis der Elfte Doctor auf das Versteck des Entführers stößt.
11 Doctoren und ihre Begleiter - vereint durch die Zeit. Ein Gegner, der gegen sie spielt. Immer wieder verschwinden die Begleiter des Doctors, entführt von einem Unbekannten.
Im ersten Band des großangelegten Abenteuers, in welchem die ersten 11 Doctoren auftauchen, geschehen seltsame Dinge.
Jedes Kapitel ist einem Doctor und seinem jeweiligen Begleiter bzw. seinen jeweiligen Begleitern gewidmet. Im ersten Band treffen wir somit auf den Ersten Doctor bis hin zu seiner sechsten Inkarnation.
Das Comic ist so aufgeteilt, dass immer ein Abenteuer bestanden wird, an dessen Ende der bzw. die Begleiter des Doctor verschwunden. Wer dahinter steckt, wird erst nach und nach enthüllt.
Einzigartig wird das Comic dadurch, dass 11 Doctoren zusammenarbeiten müssen, um ihre Begleiter zu befreien. Wie es jedoch dazu kommt, dass eine Zusammenarbeit überhaupt geschehen kann, wird eben in dem auf zwei Bände angelegten Comic erläutert.
Unterbrochen werden die einzelnen Kapitel von kleinen Beiträgen von (auch ehemaligen) Mitwirkenden an den Comics. So macht John Ainsworth den Anfang, der bei Big Finish Productions als Produzent, Regisseur und Lektor arbeitet. Aber auch andere kommen zu Wort: Gary Russell (ehemaliger Drehbuchredakteur) und Alan McKenzie (ehemaliger Redakteur des Doctor Who Magazines).
Am Ende erwartet einem ein Interview mit Scott Tipton, der zusammen mit seinem Bruder David für die Texte des Comics verantwortlich ist.
Durch die hier erzählten Hintergrundinformationen bekommt man noch einiges Wissen vermittelt. Man bekommt Einblick hinter die Kulissen der Erfolgsserie aus England.
Die einzelnen Storys sind von unterschiedlichen Zeichnern angefertigt. Der Text wurde von den Brüdern Scott und David Tipton beigesteuert. Der unverwechselbare Sarkasmus des Doctors sowie die unerschütterliche Treue auch gegenüber seinen Begleitern zieht sich durch das ganze Comic. Dies ist man auch so von der TV-Serie gewohnt und macht für mich auch einen wichtigen Teil der Reihe aus.
Da ich die ersten Doctoren nur vom Hörensagen kenne und noch nie die alte Serie gesehen habe (ich bin erst mit dem neunten Doctor zum Whovian geworden), ist mein Interesse jedoch nun sehr groß, mich auch mal den älteren Folgen zu widmen.
Das Comic besteht aus zwei Bänden. Im ersten Teil gehts um die Doctoren Eins bis Sechs, während im zweiten Teil Sieben bis Elf behandelt werden. Ein abschließendes Kapitel behandelt die Zusammenkunft aller Doctoren.
Ich habe den zweiten Band vor dem ersten gelesen, hatte somit erst mal ein paar Verständnisprobleme, dich ich selbst aber nicht gestört haben. Nun, nach Lesen des ersten Teils, kann ich mir alles sehr gut zusammenreimen und bin wieder ein Stück mehr begeistert von dem gut durchdachten Universum rund um Doctor Who.
Die Zeichenstile haben mir ausnahmslos gut gefallen und auch die einzelnen Storys waren sehr interessant. Diesmal kann ich keinen Favoriten ermitteln.
Jede Geschichte ist in sich abgeschlossen, endet jedoch auch immer mit dem Verschwinden des jeweiligen Begleiters.
Fazit:
Ein einzigartiges Werk.
11 Doctoren und ihre Begleiter - vereint durch die Zeit. Ein Gegner, der gegen sie spielt. Immer wieder verschwinden die Begleiter des Doctors, entführt von einem Unbekannten.
Im ersten Band des großangelegten Abenteuers, in welchem die ersten 11 Doctoren auftauchen, geschehen seltsame Dinge.
Jedes Kapitel ist einem Doctor und seinem jeweiligen Begleiter bzw. seinen jeweiligen Begleitern gewidmet. Im ersten Band treffen wir somit auf den Ersten Doctor bis hin zu seiner sechsten Inkarnation.
Das Comic ist so aufgeteilt, dass immer ein Abenteuer bestanden wird, an dessen Ende der bzw. die Begleiter des Doctor verschwunden. Wer dahinter steckt, wird erst nach und nach enthüllt.
Einzigartig wird das Comic dadurch, dass 11 Doctoren zusammenarbeiten müssen, um ihre Begleiter zu befreien. Wie es jedoch dazu kommt, dass eine Zusammenarbeit überhaupt geschehen kann, wird eben in dem auf zwei Bände angelegten Comic erläutert.
Unterbrochen werden die einzelnen Kapitel von kleinen Beiträgen von (auch ehemaligen) Mitwirkenden an den Comics. So macht John Ainsworth den Anfang, der bei Big Finish Productions als Produzent, Regisseur und Lektor arbeitet. Aber auch andere kommen zu Wort: Gary Russell (ehemaliger Drehbuchredakteur) und Alan McKenzie (ehemaliger Redakteur des Doctor Who Magazines).
Am Ende erwartet einem ein Interview mit Scott Tipton, der zusammen mit seinem Bruder David für die Texte des Comics verantwortlich ist.
Durch die hier erzählten Hintergrundinformationen bekommt man noch einiges Wissen vermittelt. Man bekommt Einblick hinter die Kulissen der Erfolgsserie aus England.
Die einzelnen Storys sind von unterschiedlichen Zeichnern angefertigt. Der Text wurde von den Brüdern Scott und David Tipton beigesteuert. Der unverwechselbare Sarkasmus des Doctors sowie die unerschütterliche Treue auch gegenüber seinen Begleitern zieht sich durch das ganze Comic. Dies ist man auch so von der TV-Serie gewohnt und macht für mich auch einen wichtigen Teil der Reihe aus.
Da ich die ersten Doctoren nur vom Hörensagen kenne und noch nie die alte Serie gesehen habe (ich bin erst mit dem neunten Doctor zum Whovian geworden), ist mein Interesse jedoch nun sehr groß, mich auch mal den älteren Folgen zu widmen.
Das Comic besteht aus zwei Bänden. Im ersten Teil gehts um die Doctoren Eins bis Sechs, während im zweiten Teil Sieben bis Elf behandelt werden. Ein abschließendes Kapitel behandelt die Zusammenkunft aller Doctoren.
Ich habe den zweiten Band vor dem ersten gelesen, hatte somit erst mal ein paar Verständnisprobleme, dich ich selbst aber nicht gestört haben. Nun, nach Lesen des ersten Teils, kann ich mir alles sehr gut zusammenreimen und bin wieder ein Stück mehr begeistert von dem gut durchdachten Universum rund um Doctor Who.
Die Zeichenstile haben mir ausnahmslos gut gefallen und auch die einzelnen Storys waren sehr interessant. Diesmal kann ich keinen Favoriten ermitteln.
Jede Geschichte ist in sich abgeschlossen, endet jedoch auch immer mit dem Verschwinden des jeweiligen Begleiters.
Fazit:
Ein einzigartiges Werk.
April 13, 2013
So basically all my friends are whovians, and my boyfriend and best friend are "classic" whovians at that. I, unfortunately, never quite got into that fandom, but damn, have my friends tried! I think I have seen at least 50 hours of Doctor Who, but ah... it would have been over 100 if I had been able to stay awake. That said, I love the comic book format. I find that I am able to take so much more whimsy, cleverness, and just plain old adventuring if it's drawn sequentially as opposed to acted out on a screen, for no good reason except personal tastes. Like this publisher's Star Trek comics, Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time is so much more than I expected. I admit, I expected a half-assed cash-in, but nearly immediately the quality of the art and the writing dissolved that.
So for Doctor Who's 50th anniversary each Doctor will be getting a comic book issue in a series called Prisoners of Time. Great idea, yeah? So far it has been working great in addition to being a great idea, which is the important part. With my limited Who knowledge, I was able to follow along and be entertained. What more can you ask for, eh?
Well, I didn't really see much to link together the issues, but perhaps it will all be revealed? And personally I prefer comics that I can read as single issues, though it seems a lot of them are written for the trade these days...
I got a digital copy of this volume from netgalley, but haha, I actually already bought and read the issues it covers.
So for Doctor Who's 50th anniversary each Doctor will be getting a comic book issue in a series called Prisoners of Time. Great idea, yeah? So far it has been working great in addition to being a great idea, which is the important part. With my limited Who knowledge, I was able to follow along and be entertained. What more can you ask for, eh?
Well, I didn't really see much to link together the issues, but perhaps it will all be revealed? And personally I prefer comics that I can read as single issues, though it seems a lot of them are written for the trade these days...
I got a digital copy of this volume from netgalley, but haha, I actually already bought and read the issues it covers.
October 9, 2014
Travel through time with each of the first three doctors. Now I haven't watched more than the BBC's 50th anniversary remembrances of these doctors, and one episode each, so I'm no kind of expert. But I really thought the stories managed to capture the visual style, the acting style, and the script style for each one. And the companions. Fun stuff.
[As an aside, the library had a stack of some new Superman comic books from Free Comic Book Day. Both Tash and I picked one up. As I child I was big in the horror titles, and Archie the Gang, then Mad. I don't remember reading superheroes at all, and especially not Superman, although I knew all about him from TV and movies. So yesterday, sitting on the sofa with an actual stapled comic book in my hand for the first time in at least twenty years, I was overcome by how much they've changed. I remember them being made from cheap newsprint, and being printed in dots with a limited range of colors. The differences somehow didn't strike me in these years when I've been reading graphic novels all along, because those have millions of colors, and quality paper, and they're perfect bound; they are books, not comics.
My thanks to the writers, artists, editors, publishers, and everyone else who made that moment on the sofa possible. It was a good one.]
Library copy
[As an aside, the library had a stack of some new Superman comic books from Free Comic Book Day. Both Tash and I picked one up. As I child I was big in the horror titles, and Archie the Gang, then Mad. I don't remember reading superheroes at all, and especially not Superman, although I knew all about him from TV and movies. So yesterday, sitting on the sofa with an actual stapled comic book in my hand for the first time in at least twenty years, I was overcome by how much they've changed. I remember them being made from cheap newsprint, and being printed in dots with a limited range of colors. The differences somehow didn't strike me in these years when I've been reading graphic novels all along, because those have millions of colors, and quality paper, and they're perfect bound; they are books, not comics.
My thanks to the writers, artists, editors, publishers, and everyone else who made that moment on the sofa possible. It was a good one.]
Library copy
April 11, 2013
Whether you're a new fan or the Doctor or an old timer, it is a good time to be a fan. The 50th anniversary means lots of things like this book are being released. For people like my husband, who introduced me to the show, the old school doctors appearing bring back fond memories of watching the show years ago. For people like me, who only know the recent doctors, well hello older doctors, nice to meet you! Thing is, even people like me have often at least seen clips of the older Doctors, so much of the art in this book doesn't quite hold up. As is the case with any collection the styles vary and can feel disorientating.
The stories do feel very Whovian, but they're very short and wrapped up way too easily -- even for the Doctor. There are bad guys and sticky situations, of course, but I never really felt the tensions and fears in them the way I'd expect from a Doctor Who adventure.
Had I purchased this one, instead of getting it free from the publisher for review I'd have not been disappointed to have paid for it, but it also would not have ended up on my favorite comics list.
April 6, 2013
As a big Doctor Who fan, I was thrilled to see this title come up on NetGalley, and on the whole it was an enjoyable read. This first volume centres on the first three doctors, providing a short story for each and ending on a cliff-hanger, which will no doubt be picked up in volume two.
The look of the book is great, but I had difficulty reading it as the DRM didn't allow me to open the file with Acrobat Reader and I therefore couldn't zoom in to easily read the text, meaning I had to squint to make out the dialogue.
But that aside, it was good fun and I hope I'll get chance to read the next volume, too.
I received this book as a free e-book ARC via NetGalley.
The look of the book is great, but I had difficulty reading it as the DRM didn't allow me to open the file with Acrobat Reader and I therefore couldn't zoom in to easily read the text, meaning I had to squint to make out the dialogue.
But that aside, it was good fun and I hope I'll get chance to read the next volume, too.
I received this book as a free e-book ARC via NetGalley.
April 5, 2013
An enjoyable read and all of the first 3 doctors portrayed as they were in their heyday. I read a pre-publication of Volume 1 thanks to Net Galley. Each of the three stories had some interest but the great mystery makes the comic much more fascinating. This is a treat for any Doctor Who fan out there. It helps to have some background in the first 3 doctors to grasp some of the story. I know that I look forward to volume 2. This will be published by Diamond Book in June of 2013. Make sure you pick it up. Some graphic violence is in the stories but not much worse than you see on TV these days.
January 8, 2015
I found this a little hard to rate; overall, I enjoyed it, but since it's the first volume of one-shot comics, there's no answers. And I did find each one-shot a tad anticlimactic.
But I really enjoyed it! It reminds me a bit of the classic story The Five Doctors, and I'm not extremely familiar with classic doctors so I liked reading this and seeing their different personalities.
in the end, this gets a solid 4 stars.
But I really enjoyed it! It reminds me a bit of the classic story The Five Doctors, and I'm not extremely familiar with classic doctors so I liked reading this and seeing their different personalities.
in the end, this gets a solid 4 stars.
April 17, 2022
"We're little more than pets to you, aren't we? The lonely alien who picks up a new human puppy when he gets bored of the last one."
It is an accusation not without some merit...
The Doctor. A time and space travelling eccentric maverick with a blithe disregard for rules and regulations. A renegade Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who flouts the strict non-interference policy of his people, consistently involving himself - and others - in all manner of disputes and disasters, always electing to intervene on the side of mercy, saving the day, saving lives, usually with a fair dash of wit and flourish.
And then leaving...
Always accompanied by one or two companions: usually human, mostly female, often fairly resourceful in their own right but never entirely 'in the loop' as to what is actually going on, invariably not privy to the Doctor's plans until the very last moment, with danger hanging over their heads pretty much from the moment they step out of the TARDIS.
It is a wonder they survive...
A saviour. A hero. Defender of Earth. Protector of the universe. Regardless of the odds, he always wins.
You'll be safe with him.
Except.... all of that is not entirely true, is it? The universe is not always so conveniently neat and tidy. Doing 'the right thing' is not always a clear and simple choice.
He cannot always save everyone. That in itself is not a moral failing; he may be a super-powered, super-intelligent alien, but he is not omnipotent. He does his best, and his best is amazing.
That's not the issue. The issue is: Why does he do what he does? Why does he meddle in everyone's problems? And why does he insist on dragging poorly-prepared, mostly-unsuspecting innocents along with him?
He always wins... but there are nearly always casualties along the way. His companions are usually in for a rough ride with him: kidnapped, attacked, tortured, injured, abandoned.... and sometimes, not often, but sometimes... killed.
Prisoners of Time by various contributors examines this fundamental question surrounding the Doctor and this flaw in his nature. The first eleven incarnations of the Doctor are stalked by a mysterious figure who snatches away his companions, taunting the Doctor in the process, carrying his prisoners away for a purpose nobody can guess.
The Doctor has made no small number of enemies during his countless escapades. Villains from every corner of space and time doubtless have cause to want to exact revenge upon him, and what better way than to threaten his precious companions?
So this just has to be one of the bad guys he has thwarted at some point in the past, right? Because the roles of hero and villain are clearly defined... aren't they?
This is a tumultuous joy ride through history - in more ways than one - as each Doctor confronts enemies old and new in a saga spanning several lifetimes. The artists delight in recreating all the familiar old faces, bringing to life characters not seen by Whovians for many years. This is nostalgic geekery at its most indulgent.
As each chapter concludes, the over-arching plot thickens. The Doctor can defeat any enemy, any monster, any evil-doer fate throws his way... but can even he fight against the ambiguity of his own choices?
It is an accusation not without some merit...
The Doctor. A time and space travelling eccentric maverick with a blithe disregard for rules and regulations. A renegade Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who flouts the strict non-interference policy of his people, consistently involving himself - and others - in all manner of disputes and disasters, always electing to intervene on the side of mercy, saving the day, saving lives, usually with a fair dash of wit and flourish.
And then leaving...
Always accompanied by one or two companions: usually human, mostly female, often fairly resourceful in their own right but never entirely 'in the loop' as to what is actually going on, invariably not privy to the Doctor's plans until the very last moment, with danger hanging over their heads pretty much from the moment they step out of the TARDIS.
It is a wonder they survive...
A saviour. A hero. Defender of Earth. Protector of the universe. Regardless of the odds, he always wins.
You'll be safe with him.
Except.... all of that is not entirely true, is it? The universe is not always so conveniently neat and tidy. Doing 'the right thing' is not always a clear and simple choice.
He cannot always save everyone. That in itself is not a moral failing; he may be a super-powered, super-intelligent alien, but he is not omnipotent. He does his best, and his best is amazing.
That's not the issue. The issue is: Why does he do what he does? Why does he meddle in everyone's problems? And why does he insist on dragging poorly-prepared, mostly-unsuspecting innocents along with him?
He always wins... but there are nearly always casualties along the way. His companions are usually in for a rough ride with him: kidnapped, attacked, tortured, injured, abandoned.... and sometimes, not often, but sometimes... killed.
Prisoners of Time by various contributors examines this fundamental question surrounding the Doctor and this flaw in his nature. The first eleven incarnations of the Doctor are stalked by a mysterious figure who snatches away his companions, taunting the Doctor in the process, carrying his prisoners away for a purpose nobody can guess.
The Doctor has made no small number of enemies during his countless escapades. Villains from every corner of space and time doubtless have cause to want to exact revenge upon him, and what better way than to threaten his precious companions?
So this just has to be one of the bad guys he has thwarted at some point in the past, right? Because the roles of hero and villain are clearly defined... aren't they?
This is a tumultuous joy ride through history - in more ways than one - as each Doctor confronts enemies old and new in a saga spanning several lifetimes. The artists delight in recreating all the familiar old faces, bringing to life characters not seen by Whovians for many years. This is nostalgic geekery at its most indulgent.
As each chapter concludes, the over-arching plot thickens. The Doctor can defeat any enemy, any monster, any evil-doer fate throws his way... but can even he fight against the ambiguity of his own choices?
September 3, 2022
As an old-school Doctor Who fan who grew up with Tom Baker, I've been thoroughly enjoying the excitement leading up to the 50th anniversary. We got something similar a long time ago in The Five Doctors (celebrating 20 years), but with some recasting and stock footage necessary to bring it about. It was 'neat' but certainly nothing like what we're seeing now.
Anyway, that brings us to Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Volume 1 by Scott and David Tipton. It's tough to review the basic storyline, since the ARC only represents the first three issues (there are five in the published edition) of a longer miniseries, but it was more than enough to excite me and make me feel nostalgic. It all begins with a mysterious villain, surveying the long history of Doctors on a wall of monitors, and laying his plans to bring them down through their companions.
In terms of artwork, I thought the three issues looked great. They immediately captured the look and feel of those classic episodes, with Doctors and companions instantly recognizable. The monsters are left deliberately cheesy, evoking memories of low budget special effects from long ago, which is just how I like them. In terms of action, these are exciting pieces, with a lot going on - so much so that they feel a little bit rushed.
If I had one complaint about the opening issues, that sense of being rushed would be it, but I understand we have a lot of Doctors to revisit . . . and a lot of companions to remove from the stage. These three stories are interesting, reminiscent of the classic storylines, with some great historical celebrities involved. I am really curious how they'll all come together, and whether the Doctors will necessarily meet in order to resolve the end-game, and that's all you can really ask.
Whereas so many comic adaptations have left me disapointed and wanting more, I quite enjoyed Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Volume 1 and am looking forward to Volume 2 in September.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Anyway, that brings us to Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Volume 1 by Scott and David Tipton. It's tough to review the basic storyline, since the ARC only represents the first three issues (there are five in the published edition) of a longer miniseries, but it was more than enough to excite me and make me feel nostalgic. It all begins with a mysterious villain, surveying the long history of Doctors on a wall of monitors, and laying his plans to bring them down through their companions.
In terms of artwork, I thought the three issues looked great. They immediately captured the look and feel of those classic episodes, with Doctors and companions instantly recognizable. The monsters are left deliberately cheesy, evoking memories of low budget special effects from long ago, which is just how I like them. In terms of action, these are exciting pieces, with a lot going on - so much so that they feel a little bit rushed.
If I had one complaint about the opening issues, that sense of being rushed would be it, but I understand we have a lot of Doctors to revisit . . . and a lot of companions to remove from the stage. These three stories are interesting, reminiscent of the classic storylines, with some great historical celebrities involved. I am really curious how they'll all come together, and whether the Doctors will necessarily meet in order to resolve the end-game, and that's all you can really ask.
Whereas so many comic adaptations have left me disapointed and wanting more, I quite enjoyed Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Volume 1 and am looking forward to Volume 2 in September.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
January 28, 2023
This first volume has good pacing and simple, tight stories to follow, albeit, The Four Doctor's story has some issues. Those stories involve:
*The First Doctor w/companions Ian, Barbara, and Vicki in the 19th century coming up against the Zarbi as first seen in the six-part episode 'The Web Planet.'
*The Second Doctor w/companions Zoe and Jamie visiting an intergalactic bazaar where crooked alien merchants kidnap Jamie.
*The Third Doctor w/companion Sarah Jane Smith meets with Liz Shaw and the Brigadier in the 1970s, coming up against aliens that want to turn the Earth into a water planet for colonization.
*The Fourth Doctor w/companions K-9 and Leela visit the planet Agratis seeking a buffet ~ it's a planet known for its food ~ and to help an acquaintance, the provost of Agratis.
The provost's son-in-law took a jewel held high in that particular society, and the Judoon were called upon to help retrieve it. The Judoon were introduced during The Tenth Doctor's era and are known as a rigid police force for hire.
Something that may prove deadly if they get to the provost's son first, not only for the son but for the Agratis society as they, the Judoon, perform their investigations.
One thing about The Fourth Doctor's story that was odd is this unique jewel the Agratis society holds in high regard:
People from all across the universe come together, and we, the readers, are told it brings money to the planet and helps them make the fabulous food they would have to obtain from other planets.
Is it the money that allows the people of Agratis to build their tech to farm this excellent food? It's not said to hold any powers.
It's a case of telling, not showing, how incredible this jewel is. And it's interesting how my favorite Doctor has the weakest story (if there is one) in this volume.
*****
A few miscellaneous notes of stuff that did work for me:
*Each story has a particular adventure but ends with The Doctor's companions abducted by a mysterious being.
*Zoe is wearing my outfit from 'The Krotons.'
*Liz is wearing a skirt and go-go boots.
*Leela looks sexy and is her usual adventurous self.
*The First Doctor w/companions Ian, Barbara, and Vicki in the 19th century coming up against the Zarbi as first seen in the six-part episode 'The Web Planet.'
*The Second Doctor w/companions Zoe and Jamie visiting an intergalactic bazaar where crooked alien merchants kidnap Jamie.
*The Third Doctor w/companion Sarah Jane Smith meets with Liz Shaw and the Brigadier in the 1970s, coming up against aliens that want to turn the Earth into a water planet for colonization.
*The Fourth Doctor w/companions K-9 and Leela visit the planet Agratis seeking a buffet ~ it's a planet known for its food ~ and to help an acquaintance, the provost of Agratis.
The provost's son-in-law took a jewel held high in that particular society, and the Judoon were called upon to help retrieve it. The Judoon were introduced during The Tenth Doctor's era and are known as a rigid police force for hire.
Something that may prove deadly if they get to the provost's son first, not only for the son but for the Agratis society as they, the Judoon, perform their investigations.
One thing about The Fourth Doctor's story that was odd is this unique jewel the Agratis society holds in high regard:
People from all across the universe come together, and we, the readers, are told it brings money to the planet and helps them make the fabulous food they would have to obtain from other planets.
Is it the money that allows the people of Agratis to build their tech to farm this excellent food? It's not said to hold any powers.
It's a case of telling, not showing, how incredible this jewel is. And it's interesting how my favorite Doctor has the weakest story (if there is one) in this volume.
*****
A few miscellaneous notes of stuff that did work for me:
*Each story has a particular adventure but ends with The Doctor's companions abducted by a mysterious being.
*Zoe is wearing my outfit from 'The Krotons.'
*Liz is wearing a skirt and go-go boots.
*Leela looks sexy and is her usual adventurous self.
December 26, 2023
I appreciate seeing a bunch of different Doctors in the same story, interacting, but they don't come across as nearly as distinct a lot as they do in the show. Much in terms of their little mannerisms and characterizations and ways to solve conflict are muddled up into one. The Fourth isn't nearly as wacky or as dark as he should be.
Perhaps the stories just don't do them justice.
Perhaps the stories just don't do them justice.
August 22, 2017
We found this book in the beach house where we're staying, and of course I couldn't resist. I'm impressed that the writers found such an elegant way of tying the Doctors together, while still allowing them to exist independently.
February 1, 2021
I love graphic novels! They are so wonderful and can often reveal more about the stories we love that we missed in the original novels, like in this one. Instead of following Tilly, it follows Shay. Beautifully illustrated and wonderfully written.
July 23, 2023
A series in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. Each Doctor gets an issue to show off his era. The last page ties up what will probably happen in the 12th issue. The issues are OK. Episodes of the show are better.
February 11, 2024
What seems to be a series of unconnected events in the Doctor's travels results in the disappearance of his dearest friends.
The key art is OK, but there are times when the character art looks way off. The mystery is excellent and Tipton has captured the spirit of each Doctor very well.
The key art is OK, but there are times when the character art looks way off. The mystery is excellent and Tipton has captured the spirit of each Doctor very well.
December 15, 2017
Pretty good looking forward to seeing where the larger story is going.
May 28, 2014
Thanks to the recent Humble Bundle deal, I was finally able to read the Prisoners of Time series by IDW. When it originally came out, I was tempted to buy each comic. Not sure why I did not. Enough back story, onto the review.
Volume 1 of the series cover the 1st to the 3rd Doctors. As a concept the main story arc may seem familiar, but is a nice setup. Some unknown enemy wants to get back at the Doctor. He does so, by planning to capture his companions. From here each Doctor's story covers a different adventure, that ends with a tie back to the main arc.
This first volume is mixed. Part of it are stories and the art work. I am picky when it comes to comic books. If I don't like the art style, then it puts me off the story. I'm use to the style of John Ridgway and Lee Sullivan.
From an artwork standpoint, I don't like the style of the 1st Doctor, but the 2nd and 3rd are done well. To enjoy the stories, I did try to separate the artwork out.
For the 1st Doctor, I felt the enemy in it was a bit far fetched to make it to Earth. Seeing the Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Vicki interact was decent. I did enjoy how the enemy was defeated, mainly because if one is not familiar with Earth you could find yourself in the wrong spot.
The 2nd Doctor's story started off interesting. It felt that it carried on with the spirit of the comics from Doctor Who Magazine. But as the story progressed, it did not bring anything exciting in my mind to it. Just another adventure.
The next story with the 3rd Doctor started off with an interesting concept. The Doctor having two companions meet up again. Though this was done in Wages of Sin. It was still a nice setup, but what happens to the Brigadier and the whole alien story just did not interest me. In fact what happens to the Brigadier at the beginning felt forced.
For the 4th Doctor I thought it the artwork was good in capturing the Doctor and Leela, but the story just felt off. It has a good concept of the search for a stolen artifact, but when the Judoon are called it throws the feel of a 4th Doctor off. Yes, it is nice touch to show the Doctor has encountered other aliens before, which is good, but maybe not with the 4th Doctor.
Over all there were some nice shout outs that I liked. I enjoyed seeing the Vworp Vworp materialization sound and the appearance of the White Robots, even though it not make since why they were there, but a nice nod to the 2nd Doctor.
Overall not a bad way to start the series. On the other hand if they were not tied to the overall arc, not sure how much I would have read them. Enough to get me curious to see how the story line pans out.
Volume 1 of the series cover the 1st to the 3rd Doctors. As a concept the main story arc may seem familiar, but is a nice setup. Some unknown enemy wants to get back at the Doctor. He does so, by planning to capture his companions. From here each Doctor's story covers a different adventure, that ends with a tie back to the main arc.
This first volume is mixed. Part of it are stories and the art work. I am picky when it comes to comic books. If I don't like the art style, then it puts me off the story. I'm use to the style of John Ridgway and Lee Sullivan.
From an artwork standpoint, I don't like the style of the 1st Doctor, but the 2nd and 3rd are done well. To enjoy the stories, I did try to separate the artwork out.
For the 1st Doctor, I felt the enemy in it was a bit far fetched to make it to Earth. Seeing the Doctor, Ian, Barbara, and Vicki interact was decent. I did enjoy how the enemy was defeated, mainly because if one is not familiar with Earth you could find yourself in the wrong spot.
The 2nd Doctor's story started off interesting. It felt that it carried on with the spirit of the comics from Doctor Who Magazine. But as the story progressed, it did not bring anything exciting in my mind to it. Just another adventure.
The next story with the 3rd Doctor started off with an interesting concept. The Doctor having two companions meet up again. Though this was done in Wages of Sin. It was still a nice setup, but what happens to the Brigadier and the whole alien story just did not interest me. In fact what happens to the Brigadier at the beginning felt forced.
For the 4th Doctor I thought it the artwork was good in capturing the Doctor and Leela, but the story just felt off. It has a good concept of the search for a stolen artifact, but when the Judoon are called it throws the feel of a 4th Doctor off. Yes, it is nice touch to show the Doctor has encountered other aliens before, which is good, but maybe not with the 4th Doctor.
Over all there were some nice shout outs that I liked. I enjoyed seeing the Vworp Vworp materialization sound and the appearance of the White Robots, even though it not make since why they were there, but a nice nod to the 2nd Doctor.
Overall not a bad way to start the series. On the other hand if they were not tied to the overall arc, not sure how much I would have read them. Enough to get me curious to see how the story line pans out.
November 10, 2013
This collection of IDW's 50th anniversary Doctor Who comic collects the stories featuring the first four Doctors. Not providing an overall rating because these four interconnected stories are very different and it is hard to decide on something between them. Each story, from one issue of the monthly comic, has a different artists, but the writing team is the same throughout.
Issue 1 of this is definitely the worst story in the volume. The art is occasionally charming but usually too stylized to the point where it's just grotesque, and the writing is just bad and unsuited to the era. Not recommended. Skip it.
Issue 2 is definitely the best of these four stories. The art is strong with alien environments and peoples depicted beautifully, and the characterization of the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe is perfect. The story is fairly simple but highly enjoyable. I loved it! Recommended reading for all Second Doctor fans.
Issue 3 was fine, I guess? The art and writing both were highly unmemorable but it wasn't bad. Recommended if you're reading the whole series through, but don't go out of your way to pick it up.
Issue 4 was quite good. The art was good and the story decent, but nothing special. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was more of a fan of the Fourth Doctor and Leela just as an era of the show.
If you'd asked me to guess I would have said that Scott & David Tipton sat down to write the first story with only a very dim knowledge of the First Doctor and just threw something onto the page. But then they went "Wait a second, maybe we should actually try for the next one." So they sat downed and watched significant parts of Season 6 together and really gave the Second Doctor story everything they had, but then they were like "Eh, that was exhausting." And just wrote some fairly generic stories for the Third and Fourth Doctors, but because they were more familiar with them than they were with Hartnell, the characterization wasn't abysmal. The shift in quality is actually quite strange.
Very little of the overarching plot develops in the first four stories. All we get is that someone mysterious is kidnapping the Doctor's companions from out of his timestream. I think the second volume adds more detail to the overall story arc, but these just feel like standalone stories so I haven't assessed that arc yet.
I have to say that I wish IDW had collected this in 2 volumes of 6 issues instead of 3 volumes of 2. They're pretty skinny graphic novels and it feels like they're really trying to suck as much money out of us as possible.
Issue 1 of this is definitely the worst story in the volume. The art is occasionally charming but usually too stylized to the point where it's just grotesque, and the writing is just bad and unsuited to the era. Not recommended. Skip it.
Issue 2 is definitely the best of these four stories. The art is strong with alien environments and peoples depicted beautifully, and the characterization of the Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe is perfect. The story is fairly simple but highly enjoyable. I loved it! Recommended reading for all Second Doctor fans.
Issue 3 was fine, I guess? The art and writing both were highly unmemorable but it wasn't bad. Recommended if you're reading the whole series through, but don't go out of your way to pick it up.
Issue 4 was quite good. The art was good and the story decent, but nothing special. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was more of a fan of the Fourth Doctor and Leela just as an era of the show.
If you'd asked me to guess I would have said that Scott & David Tipton sat down to write the first story with only a very dim knowledge of the First Doctor and just threw something onto the page. But then they went "Wait a second, maybe we should actually try for the next one." So they sat downed and watched significant parts of Season 6 together and really gave the Second Doctor story everything they had, but then they were like "Eh, that was exhausting." And just wrote some fairly generic stories for the Third and Fourth Doctors, but because they were more familiar with them than they were with Hartnell, the characterization wasn't abysmal. The shift in quality is actually quite strange.
Very little of the overarching plot develops in the first four stories. All we get is that someone mysterious is kidnapping the Doctor's companions from out of his timestream. I think the second volume adds more detail to the overall story arc, but these just feel like standalone stories so I haven't assessed that arc yet.
I have to say that I wish IDW had collected this in 2 volumes of 6 issues instead of 3 volumes of 2. They're pretty skinny graphic novels and it feels like they're really trying to suck as much money out of us as possible.
May 27, 2013
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
The longest running television show..... approaching its 50th anniversary and to make the journey more interesting we are being treated to some pretty cool stuffs on the way. Presenting Doctor Who Vol 1: Prisoner of Time by David Tipton, Simon Fraser (Artist), Scott Tipton, Lee Sullivan (Artist).
Here is the summary of the book:
November 23, 1963: A day that changed the world forever.
That day saw the broadcast debut of Doctor Who, which was to become the longest-running science fiction series on television.
And now, 50 years later, we pay tribute to one of the greatest pop-culture heroes of all time with this special series, which tells an epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the intrepid traveler through time and space known simply as... the Doctor.
"It always begins with the same two words.......Doctor Who..." 50th Anniversary coming up on 23rd November, 2013 and as we approach the date, we are as in the Whovian fandom is being with some rich quality treats for the way. This series is part of this endeavor by IDW Publishing.
Pretty interesting background. Since this is the first volume in the series, so we see the first three Doctors (William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton and Jon Pertwee) each with their own adventures in three different chapters. Each is connected to the story somehow but it is yet not clear as to what since this only the first edition.
The artwork is standard comic styled illustration but the renditions of the Doctors and companions is very well done. The first grandfatherly one, the second weird one and the third James Bond one, all coming alive in all their glory within these pages. I admit I began watching from Chris Eccleston's episodes so I am yet a but clueless about the classic ones..... catching on fast though...... done with the first Doctor now and going through the second one now.... Oh I can't wait for the anniversary episode.... its going to be an excruciating wait.
"Marvelous treat to the upcoming much awaited Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode"
April 7, 2013
Graphic novels and comic books of movie or television properties are challenging to do well. The first problem they face is a comparison of the visuals to the established look of the characters. Then they have to find a story that justifies its telling without getting in the way of the core story lines of the show/movie. It's difficult to do well and there are a lot of examples of it being done very, very badly.
Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Volume 1 is the first part of what is intended to be a big 50th Anniversary story that will feature all 11 Doctors and some of their most popular companions. What that actually means in the case of this first volume is that we get stand alone stories for the first, second and third Doctors. At the end of which the Doctor's companions mysteriously vanish.
It's not a terribly original plot idea but the bigger problem is that what we're actually left with is three very average unconnected stories. In each case they do feel like the sort of thing that Doctor would have been involved in. But there's very little tension at all. They're simple scenarios featuring previous enemies that are then easily resolved. They certainly don't give me any reason to care about the larger story.
As far as the art is concerned the quality varies significantly. In the first story it is functionally adequate. It's not particularly detailed but the characters are recognizable for who they are supposed to be although there are a few expressions that look odd. It's not particularly dynamic though and while it tells the story it honestly doesn't add much to it. The likenesses are better in the second story but it still feels very flat. The best artwork in the series so far comes from the third story which does capture the look of that era quite well.
So it's supposed to be a celebration, but in truth it comes across as a series of capable but uninspired short stories with very little tying them together. For something that's supposed to be special... it's just not that special.
If the rating was available I'd give this 2.5 out of 5 stars. It's not bad, it's just not what I'd call good.
Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time Volume 1 is the first part of what is intended to be a big 50th Anniversary story that will feature all 11 Doctors and some of their most popular companions. What that actually means in the case of this first volume is that we get stand alone stories for the first, second and third Doctors. At the end of which the Doctor's companions mysteriously vanish.
It's not a terribly original plot idea but the bigger problem is that what we're actually left with is three very average unconnected stories. In each case they do feel like the sort of thing that Doctor would have been involved in. But there's very little tension at all. They're simple scenarios featuring previous enemies that are then easily resolved. They certainly don't give me any reason to care about the larger story.
As far as the art is concerned the quality varies significantly. In the first story it is functionally adequate. It's not particularly detailed but the characters are recognizable for who they are supposed to be although there are a few expressions that look odd. It's not particularly dynamic though and while it tells the story it honestly doesn't add much to it. The likenesses are better in the second story but it still feels very flat. The best artwork in the series so far comes from the third story which does capture the look of that era quite well.
So it's supposed to be a celebration, but in truth it comes across as a series of capable but uninspired short stories with very little tying them together. For something that's supposed to be special... it's just not that special.
If the rating was available I'd give this 2.5 out of 5 stars. It's not bad, it's just not what I'd call good.
June 4, 2016
This book collects the first four Issues of the 50th Anniversary Prisoners of Time story in which the Doctor's companions disappear, kidnapped by a mysterious foe, at the end of each adventure:
1) Unnatural Selection: The First Doctor travels back in time and meets Thomas Huxley and goes underground to fight the creatures from the Web Planet along with the Ian, Barbara, and Vickie. The story isn't all that engaging. Not bad either: C-
2) Bazaar Adventures: The Second Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe land the TARDIS at the one place where the TARDIS' broken Chameleon circuit will pose no problem: a space mall that sells nothing but Police Boxes. However, not all merchants are so benign and the Doctor and Zoe have to rescue Jamie from the slave trade and stop the horrific trade. A little busy but pretty entertaining. Grade: B
3) In With the Tide: The best story in the book. It really has the most authenticity to its era of any of the tales in this first volume as in a brief comic story, this tale manages to capture the Spirit of a typical UNIT story from the 1970s brilliantly as the Brigadier's behaving strangely and he and Sarah Jane look into it along with Liz Shaw who has returned to UNIT temporarily. I love the art on the front page and the picture of the Third Doctor in a cape. With an alien invasion and the threat of global destruction, all this is missing is some good nature banter from Sgt. Benton. Grade: A-
4)A Rare Gem: An interesting situation for the Fourth Doctor and Leela that has the Fourth Doctor meet the Judoon (who first appeared in the new series.) That's the main appeal of the story, which also features Leela fighting the Judoon which is very cool. What weakens the story is that their presence is superflous as the problem was well in hand and its on way to solving that plus the dialogue for Leela on page 97 (No hard feelings and all that, right?) is something she'd never say. Still, I'll give a grade of C+.
So overall this first volume is a bit of a mixed bag with the third story being best and the rest being decidedly mediocre.
1) Unnatural Selection: The First Doctor travels back in time and meets Thomas Huxley and goes underground to fight the creatures from the Web Planet along with the Ian, Barbara, and Vickie. The story isn't all that engaging. Not bad either: C-
2) Bazaar Adventures: The Second Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe land the TARDIS at the one place where the TARDIS' broken Chameleon circuit will pose no problem: a space mall that sells nothing but Police Boxes. However, not all merchants are so benign and the Doctor and Zoe have to rescue Jamie from the slave trade and stop the horrific trade. A little busy but pretty entertaining. Grade: B
3) In With the Tide: The best story in the book. It really has the most authenticity to its era of any of the tales in this first volume as in a brief comic story, this tale manages to capture the Spirit of a typical UNIT story from the 1970s brilliantly as the Brigadier's behaving strangely and he and Sarah Jane look into it along with Liz Shaw who has returned to UNIT temporarily. I love the art on the front page and the picture of the Third Doctor in a cape. With an alien invasion and the threat of global destruction, all this is missing is some good nature banter from Sgt. Benton. Grade: A-
4)A Rare Gem: An interesting situation for the Fourth Doctor and Leela that has the Fourth Doctor meet the Judoon (who first appeared in the new series.) That's the main appeal of the story, which also features Leela fighting the Judoon which is very cool. What weakens the story is that their presence is superflous as the problem was well in hand and its on way to solving that plus the dialogue for Leela on page 97 (No hard feelings and all that, right?) is something she'd never say. Still, I'll give a grade of C+.
So overall this first volume is a bit of a mixed bag with the third story being best and the rest being decidedly mediocre.
May 8, 2013
Is everyone ready for the 50th anniversary? I am! And I love all the cool stuff coming out to celebrate Doctor Who's birthday. This collection of comics is one such thing, and while I love anything Doctor Who related, I wish this could have been better.
Prisoners of Time, Vol. 1 is a collection of 5 comic book stories featuring the first five incarnations of the Doctor getting into a scrap, getting out of it, and then having his companions disappear. Because I received this as an ARC, I've only read the first 3 Doctors' stories, so keep that in mind. In any case, it's an amazing premise, and I'm getting antsy waiting to read how it all ties together. However, in terms of story, I just wish there could have been more. The stories just didn't fit the page constraint, which made the resolutions feel rushed.
Also, when it comes to comics, I expect some sort of important visual element that enhances the story -- something that makes it so that if it were told in another format, something would be lost. That didn't happen. The art isn't anything spectacular -- I think this story would have been just as good in a novel format (maybe better, given how rushed it all was as it is).
Despite those things, I enjoyed the stories and I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with the first incarnations of the Doctor. Having watched some Classic Who, I thought that the writers did an excellent job in capturing their personalities and that of their companions. Some old monsters were also brought back, which is always a plus for us Classic Who fans. I'm interested to see how the story continues and how it wraps up. While I thought the first three stories fell a bit flat, the overall idea promises a spectacular resolution.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Prisoners of Time, Vol. 1 is a collection of 5 comic book stories featuring the first five incarnations of the Doctor getting into a scrap, getting out of it, and then having his companions disappear. Because I received this as an ARC, I've only read the first 3 Doctors' stories, so keep that in mind. In any case, it's an amazing premise, and I'm getting antsy waiting to read how it all ties together. However, in terms of story, I just wish there could have been more. The stories just didn't fit the page constraint, which made the resolutions feel rushed.
Also, when it comes to comics, I expect some sort of important visual element that enhances the story -- something that makes it so that if it were told in another format, something would be lost. That didn't happen. The art isn't anything spectacular -- I think this story would have been just as good in a novel format (maybe better, given how rushed it all was as it is).
Despite those things, I enjoyed the stories and I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with the first incarnations of the Doctor. Having watched some Classic Who, I thought that the writers did an excellent job in capturing their personalities and that of their companions. Some old monsters were also brought back, which is always a plus for us Classic Who fans. I'm interested to see how the story continues and how it wraps up. While I thought the first three stories fell a bit flat, the overall idea promises a spectacular resolution.
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 11, 2016
**Originally posted on frommybookshelf.com**
2013 marked the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, a television show that has quickly captured my imagination in recent years. There was a plethora of anniversary celebrations, including the actual 50th Anniversary episode, several Big Finish audio productions, a collection of novel reprints (1 for each Doctor), a collection of new eBook shorts written by some of the biggest names in YA (again, 1 for each Doctor), and also a comic series from IDW Publishing, Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time. Each of the first 11 issues handles each of the 11 Doctors and their companions, while I'm assuming that the twelfth issue will have a 11 Doctors present. Each issue is illustrated by a different artist, which I found refreshing, giving each Doctor their own distinct style. I feel like the writers got the Doctors pretty spot on with their personalities, as well.
As for the story, there is a mysterious villain who is traveling through the Doctor's timeline and kidnapping his companions. To what purpose is part of the mystery! Each of the issues contains an adventure on its own with the Doctor and his companions, yet by the end of the story, the companions have disappeared much to the Doctor's dismay. I'll definitely be picking up the subsequent volumes to see how the story plays out.
I think this would be a solid choice for any Whovian.
2013 marked the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, a television show that has quickly captured my imagination in recent years. There was a plethora of anniversary celebrations, including the actual 50th Anniversary episode, several Big Finish audio productions, a collection of novel reprints (1 for each Doctor), a collection of new eBook shorts written by some of the biggest names in YA (again, 1 for each Doctor), and also a comic series from IDW Publishing, Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time. Each of the first 11 issues handles each of the 11 Doctors and their companions, while I'm assuming that the twelfth issue will have a 11 Doctors present. Each issue is illustrated by a different artist, which I found refreshing, giving each Doctor their own distinct style. I feel like the writers got the Doctors pretty spot on with their personalities, as well.
As for the story, there is a mysterious villain who is traveling through the Doctor's timeline and kidnapping his companions. To what purpose is part of the mystery! Each of the issues contains an adventure on its own with the Doctor and his companions, yet by the end of the story, the companions have disappeared much to the Doctor's dismay. I'll definitely be picking up the subsequent volumes to see how the story plays out.
I think this would be a solid choice for any Whovian.
May 27, 2013
Bright colour pages with line details. A mysterious, hooded, figure fingers portraits on a wall,
"He is the Doctor"
(fingering another portrait) "He is the Doctor"
"He is the Doctor"
...
There is enough of a resemblance that old fans of the television series can recognise the thumbnail-sized portraits.
The narrative goes on to describe the Doctor (Doctor Who) an extraordinary individual who has many different appearances.
The TARDIS is described, and depicted, but not clearly labelled.
The narrative jumps into three stories from different classic series (with different doctors and companions) - fairly hardcore fan's reading. The stories cleave close to the television scripts - in this economical form (with just one or two panels per scene) the wordiness can produce a panel which is 75% dialogue. The limited art is inexpressive relying on fan's story knowledge to supply emotional response and tone of voice.
The art is impressionistic, eliding details that readers can supply from life. Hands can look claw-like or misbegotten, faces can look inhuman.
The ending is an abrupt cliffhanger.
I read a copy with "REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY - DO NOT REPRODUCE - DO NOT REPRODUCE - DO NOT DISTRIBUTE -" printed over every page. It is not known to me if the publisher is secretly controlled by DALEKS. Fortunately the obscuring watermark is translucent - I could remove it from each page easily. Nevertheless, I fear that were I to do so, I should face extermination.
"He is the Doctor"
(fingering another portrait) "He is the Doctor"
"He is the Doctor"
...
There is enough of a resemblance that old fans of the television series can recognise the thumbnail-sized portraits.
The narrative goes on to describe the Doctor (Doctor Who) an extraordinary individual who has many different appearances.
The TARDIS is described, and depicted, but not clearly labelled.
The narrative jumps into three stories from different classic series (with different doctors and companions) - fairly hardcore fan's reading. The stories cleave close to the television scripts - in this economical form (with just one or two panels per scene) the wordiness can produce a panel which is 75% dialogue. The limited art is inexpressive relying on fan's story knowledge to supply emotional response and tone of voice.
The art is impressionistic, eliding details that readers can supply from life. Hands can look claw-like or misbegotten, faces can look inhuman.
The ending is an abrupt cliffhanger.
I read a copy with "REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY - DO NOT REPRODUCE - DO NOT REPRODUCE - DO NOT DISTRIBUTE -" printed over every page. It is not known to me if the publisher is secretly controlled by DALEKS. Fortunately the obscuring watermark is translucent - I could remove it from each page easily. Nevertheless, I fear that were I to do so, I should face extermination.
May 20, 2013
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book on Netgalley from the publisher in return for an honest review*
Review
I do not watch Dr. Who. I had heard about the serie in the past and obviously when it returned I heard a lot of people being so happy. I am not a real Science Fiction person or time travel or scary aliens. Still all the hype surrounding Dr Who made me curious and when I found this comic on Netgally I decided to give it a try and see what it was all about, especially after someone told me you did not have to be a Whovian to get the stories.
The book holds three short comics that are slowly building up to a greater plot. Though that is obvious from the beginning I felt they could have made a bit more of an effort to make the stories more interesting. They feel a bit rushed as if they are building up to a plot but something has to happen so we throw in an alien or two and the Doctor has to fight them and we can move on to the next story.
The art itself was various. The first story had a different illustrator and I did not really like those. The images where to vague. I like details more. The other two stories had images I liked better.
I do feel the comic gave me a proper introduction to Doctor Who and in I very much appreciated getting more of an insight of what it is.
Review
I do not watch Dr. Who. I had heard about the serie in the past and obviously when it returned I heard a lot of people being so happy. I am not a real Science Fiction person or time travel or scary aliens. Still all the hype surrounding Dr Who made me curious and when I found this comic on Netgally I decided to give it a try and see what it was all about, especially after someone told me you did not have to be a Whovian to get the stories.
The book holds three short comics that are slowly building up to a greater plot. Though that is obvious from the beginning I felt they could have made a bit more of an effort to make the stories more interesting. They feel a bit rushed as if they are building up to a plot but something has to happen so we throw in an alien or two and the Doctor has to fight them and we can move on to the next story.
The art itself was various. The first story had a different illustrator and I did not really like those. The images where to vague. I like details more. The other two stories had images I liked better.
I do feel the comic gave me a proper introduction to Doctor Who and in I very much appreciated getting more of an insight of what it is.
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