Written by: Al Ewing and Rob Williams. Art by: Simon Fraser. Published by: Titan Comics.
Often comics based on licensed properties can be difficult to pull off. Often the creative team are restricted to the source material, with very little room for movement. Sometimes this means that interesting ideas can fall to the wayside. Luckily, Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 is not one of those series. Writers Al Ewing (Loki: Agent of Asgard, 2000AD) and Rob Williams (2000AD), along with artist Simon Fraser (2000AD), bring a series that is true to the Matt Smith rendition of Doctor Who while bringing their own personal touch with plenty of emotion, humour and a new companion.
Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 introduces readers to a new companion in Alice, who has been struck with a string of bad luck. Through one bad event after another, she brings an emotional element to the series. There is especially one scene with The Doctor and Alice which is quite touching and allows for the start of a nice friendship between the two.
This début issue is self-contained in with The Doctor and Alice chase down a giant rainbow alien dog through the streets of London. While it is self-contained, it does a great job at introducing readers to Alice and concepts like the TARDIS, while also setting up a mystery that could potentially run through the whole series. Overall, it does everything that #1 issue should get readers interested in a new series.
While the series begins on a sad note, the tone of this issue soon turns brighter when The Doctor and a giant rainbow alien dog are introduced. With this, the reader is introduced to fun and humour with The Doctor’s witty banter and nice little gags. There is even some slapstick, with The Doctor getting distracted running into a pole.
For those who are Matt Smith fans, you will be happy to know that Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 is able to capture The Doctor wonderfully. When I was reading this I could easily hear Smith’s voice in my head, which is a great sight that writers Al Ewing and Rob Williams have been able to capture his voice. From his witty banter and unique mannerisms to his facial expressions, The Doctor has been well portrayed in this issue.
While not everyone is going to dig Simon Fraser’s loose art style, he is able to capture the fun and emotion of the script. His facial expressions capture the emotion of the moment which allows the reader to feel for the characters, especially Alice. Fraser also brings fun to this issue with his crazy alien designs, the slightly exaggerated way he makes The Doctor run and even the slapstick of The Doctor running into a pole.
There is even a one-page story involving The Ponds by Marc Ellerby. While this is on the silly side I found it rather amusing. Here’s hoping there are more of these to come in future issues.
In a similar vein to what I said with my Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #1 review, Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 caters to all levels of Doctor Who fandom. Even if you are not familiar with Doctor Who you will be able to follow this issue without any problems, with all the important concepts summarised for you.
With touching moments, alongside fun and humour, Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 is great to start to the series. The introduction of new companion Alice brings the emotional core to the series, which readers will empathise with, while The Doctor brings the humour with his slapstick mannerisms and witting banter. Overall, I think fans of all levels will not be disappointed with this début issue and will be wanting more.
Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 is available in all good comic book stores and digitally from July 23rd.
If you are still unsure, here is a preview.
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