Doctor Who, The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Review

Doctor Who, The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor

Writers: James Peaty, Jody Houser
Artists: Iolanda Zanfardino, Rachael Stott
Colorists: Enrica Eren, Angiolini
Publisher: Titan Comics

Review by Anelise Farris 

I, like so many fellow Whovians, am SUPER excited about the Thirteenth Doctor! And, at long last, the “Road the Thirteenth Doctor” series–a mini-series from the creative team that will be tackling the ongoing Thirteenth Doctor series–from Titan comics is here. The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor is the first of three stand-alone stories featuring the previous three Doctors. And, seeing that the Tenth Doctor is my personal favorite, I can’t think of a better place to start.

In this issue the Tenth Doctor has been travelling through space and time with his companions Gabby Gonzalez and her BFF Cindy Wu. But, the question always looming over the Doctor’s companions is, how long can this last? Each encounter with a new species threatens to bring their voyage to an end. And here, when the Doctor and co come across a spaceship with a mysterious, disappearing crew, it appears that the Time Sentinels have plans for a final separation between these three figures. 

Story-wise, The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor is very reminiscent of a classic Doctor Who episode. There is action, swift banter, smooth dialogue, and the right amount of humor (we even get a Star Wars joke here).  However, although it does feel wonderfully familiar in this respect, I was hoping for something a little more unique. Furthermore, what I’m less than pleased about is the art. It is stilted, simplistic, and full of awkward facial expressions. I think the latter is due to way too much white space in the characters’ eyes. It’s just bizarre. And, to be honest, if I saw a stand alone panel with the Doctor and no context, I wouldn’t recognize him. There just isn’t that spark. 

Verdict: Check it out.

If you’re a Doctor Who fan, you’re probably going to read this regardless of the verdict. And I don’t blame you. Like I said, it was enjoyable enough, but I had trouble getting over the fact that the Tenth Doctor (my FAVORITE) doesn’t look like my Doctor. In short, The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor is familiar and fun, but not groundbreaking.