Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Doctor Who #23 (Marvel 1984-86) (Doctor Who Month)



I read this issue as a chance to tribute my Doctor- the fifth Doctor, Peter Davison. Tom Baker was the first Doctor I ever encountered, but Davison was the first regeneration, so I feel like I got to know him from the very beginning. He’s very wise, but it’s no stogy like Baker’s Doctor. The 4th Doctor, whether he liked it or not was an authoritarian. It was his way or the highway. With Davison, it was like hanging with a big brother or that ultra-cool uncle who liked kids. The fact that one of Davison’s companions was a young people also helped make that special connection with me all these years.

It’s funny that my second favorite Doctor, David Tennant’s 10th Doctor is not only just like Davison’s Doctor, but he’s married to Davison’s daughter and is now his son-in-law.

In this final issue of Marvel’s Doctor Who, the Doctor takes a vacation on a deserted isle. Thinking it’s 1983, it’s actually 1943 and it’s the middle of the second world war! Captured by a Japanese soldier, the Doctor must keep on his toes in order to survive. The story had a tragic ending, but it was classic fifth Doctor all the way.

Then there is a backup story about the Daemons and their attempt to crash the barrier beyond infinity. Can you say Star Trek V? Anyway, it’s got a trippy Twilight Zone ending that was really cool.

Lastly, there is a rendition of the first ever Doctor Who tale, An Unearthly Child. Only, this story is total parody and not exactly what I was promised on the cover of this final issue. I enjoyed the tale, but I feel like it was false advertising.

Overall, a really good Doctor Who issue. It’s a shame that the comic didn’t last that long, but this did occur during the waning years of Who and very few American markets still showed the show in syndication.

Thankfully, people never gave up hope and love for the Doctor, as he’s an international smash hit again!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey Scale: 9 out of 10.

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