Writer: Richard Dinnick

Artists: Mariano Laclaustra, Giorgia Sposito, Brian Williamson, Arianna Florean, Iolanda Zanfardino, Neil Edwards, Pasquale Qualano, Claudia Ianniciello, Rachael Stott, Carlos Cabrera, Adele Matera, Dijjo Lima, Comicraft

Titan Comics, out now

Mid-regeneration, the Doctor reviews past lives…

“Doctor I let you go,” the 12th Doctor gasped as the regeneration effect swept over him on Christmas Day last year and there were a few moments before the 13th realised the extent of the latest change and murmured, “Oh brilliant”. We’ve had one rendition of that moment in Paul Cornell’s novelisation of Twice Upon a Time, and now Richard Dinnick fits in a Doctor Who primer into those seconds. There are 13 lives to review (the 10th Doctor is one person, not the two needed to cheat the numbers back in 2013!) which inevitably means things are done in broad strokes; however, Dinnick’s fandom comes to the fore, as he highlights what sets each Doctor apart.

Dinnick has access to the whole of Time and Space – okay, the last 55 years – to play with, and he doesn’t always go with the obvious choices of companions for each incarnation – Jamie, Ben and Polly are with the Second; Tegan, Turlough and Nyssa (on Gallifrey) with the Fifth; River the Eleventh. There are stories in history, on contemporary Earth, and out among the stars. In keeping with the way the series is heading this year, there’s not much sight of the familiar foes – even for the War Doctor – again emphasising the many different facets of the show.

With such a plethora of artists involved, there’s bound to be some that appeal more than others. The likenesses can be variable (it really does look more like Big Finish’s Ben Jackson, Elliot Chapman, than Michael Craze in the 2nd Doctor section), but for the most part they’re very effective.

Verdict: An enjoyable reminder of the Doctor’s many lives – and the promise of much to come. 9/10

Paul Simpson