Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #4 Shows You How To See The Universe Anew
by Tony Thornley
One of the longest running themes of Doctor Who has been about renewal. Every few years we get a new Doctor, and other things change, from supporting cast, to behind the scenes teams. In Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #4, the creative team spells out why that’s a good thing.
Jody Houser, Rachael Stott, Enrica Angiolini and Comicraft bring us the last chapter in the TARDIS crew’s first comic adventure.
The Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan help their newfound friends solve the problem of the Hoarder- the time-travelling crime lord and thief holding them hostage. This leads to a daring raid, a bold gambit, and a satisfying conclusion. Along the way, the Doctor teaches her companions exactly why she brings them along for the ride.
Houser’s story continues to feel like classic Who, with strange situations, creatures, and complicated plans. However, she infuses the story with character and wit, especially from her hero. The companions get sidelined a little bit through most of the issue, but she still gives Ryan a great moment, and allows the full trio to get a great insight to their alien friend.
Stott’s art captures a lot of the excitement and enthusiasm of Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor so well. She also opens up her pages and layouts in some cool ways, bringing the settings (whether it’s the TARDIS or the Hoarder’s palace) to glorious life. Angliolini’s colors take it to the next step, filling these spaces with light and color, bringing them fully to life.
This arc has been a lot of fun, creating new menaces and problems, while feeling wholly like classic Doctor Who. I’m looking forward to things to come.
Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #4 is available now from Titan Comics.
