2022 EDIT: Another series I won't be keeping. Not just because of my book clear-out, but because I want to distance myself from this franchise and its "fans" as much as possible. In my opinion, 'Doctor Who' isn't worth it. It's never been worth it.
I'm done.
I've never known a more toxic, culture-and-society-killing, and soul crushing fanbase as that of the sci-fi genre, except maybe the video games community.
Original Review:
A fun comic, highlighting the greatness that is the thirteenth Doctor, or the first female Doctor, as she's sadly often referred to as a way to demean or disparage her. In 2018-19. I personal call her the first trans Doctor.
The plot of 'Volume 1' isn't too spectacular, shocking, relevant or challenging. At least, not as much as it could have been. But the characters - but mostly the Doctor - make up for it. The Doctor and her companions Ryan, Yaz and Graham encounter other, human time and space travellers; first timers, in fact. Therein lies the multiple consequences and dangers that could come of such a situation. Like being hijacked and forced into servitude to an alien who wants all the treasures in the universe.
It could be an episode of the television series, but you don't have to be that familiar with it in order to read and understand what goes on in the graphic novel volume. It's as episodic as the series, and that's fine. Just what a joy it is to read about an exuberant, fun, witty and compassionate genius lady scientist and time traveller. One constant from the series is her hatred of guns and weapons. Violence is not in her rule book. It's brains, heart, and empathy for all living beings in the universe with this Doctor. She is full of pride in every sense of the word, and pride for her friends, and I love that about her.
Genius, brilliance: it knows no gender.
The art is colourful and magnificent in some parts. Except for when the artist tries to draw Jodi Whittaker's more... flamboyant facial expressions. You could play a game of bingo with her many silly or scary or both faces. The cover art collection that closes the volume is absolutely gorgeous - they alone make everything worth it.
So, 'Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor, Vol. 1' - a pretty unremarkable plot with holes and an alien villain exhibiting neither nuance nor depth (he's/they're just greedy and materialistic), and for clever science fiction, it is overall a little dumb. But it is entertaining, containing creative alien and robot designs (it also continues one of the show's themes of not all aliens being evil or an enemy to humankind). It's campy and charming; in other words, classic serialised 'Doctor Who'.
And don't forget, it's feminist sci-fi with a brilliant and effective female lead and leader, who always has a clever plan and strategy, or just plain stupid luck, up her sleeve. Regardless of her being a Time Lord, this is what ladies in STEM can and have achieved.
This is what an all-female creative team can and have achieved, and so much more.
Final Score: 3.5/5
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