"“I’m the Doctor, and I’d very much like to know what you’re doing in my house?”"
When Titan first announced that they would be running a miniseries starring the Eighth Doctor, I squealed like a young child. My love of this incarnation of the Time Lord knows no limits, and if we can’t get more onscreen adventures then I will take what I can get. It may have its flaws, but I love the 1996 television movie because of Paul McGann’s brilliant portrayal of the Doctor.
McGann brought a romantic aspect to the character, a trait that would evolve a decade later with the new series. Despite only two television appearances (one being a mini-episode), this incarnation has enjoyed the longest life when one adds all of his appearances in other formats. Big Finish continues to showcase the extraordinary acting talents of Paul McGann with his development leading to the Time War. The first issue of Titan’s latest miniseries takes place following the Big Finish stories as the Doctor meets a brand new companion.
While searching for his favorite copy of the novel Jane Eyre, The Doctor returns to a cottage he used while in his Third incarnation. It is there that he meets Josephine Day, a young squatter who thought the rundown house was abandoned. Josie is an artist, and the Doctor immediately becomes intrigued by her rather interesting paintings. When the subjects of the paintings come to life and emerge into the village to terrorize the locals.
Related: Doctor Who: Titan Announces Fourth Doctor Miniseries
George Mann is no stranger to the world of Doctor Who, having penned the excellent War Doctor novel Engines of War. This is a great introduction story, and there is plenty of mystery surrounding Josie. Although the placement of this story takes place after the Big Finish range, I was surprised to see an Eighth Doctor closer to his television movie personality than the tired one on the verge of the Time War. Mann does an excellent job of capturing the Eighth Doctor’s sense of fun. From his love of classic literature to monsters prowling the streets of a sleepy Welsh village, the Doctor’s childlike enthusiasm is a pleasure to read.
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The artwork from Emma Vieceli is colorful and vibrant; however, I was disappointed by some of the images of the Doctor. He looked much younger than even his television movie appearance, and in some panels didn’t even look like the Doctor at all. The panels definitely fit with the pacing of the story, so those that are seeking a grittier look may do well to look elsewhere.
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It appears that this series is adapting a formula from the television series, as each issue is a self-contained story working towards a much longer story arc. I’m hoping we might get some glimpses into the Time War and more of the Doctor we saw in ‘The Night of the Doctor.’ If we don’t, that’s alright. I’m happy we get more stories for this incarnation. Long live the Eighth Doctor!