Doctor Who: Origins #1 - Titan Comics

DOCTOR WHO: ORIGINS #1, July 2022

Fans of the fugitive Doctor will doubtless rather enjoy the opening to this “Brand-new, never-before-seen adventure”, as the Time Lord’s flight through some heavily webbed space station corridors definitely provides this twenty-two-page publication with a dynamic, adrenalin-pumping action sequence. But whilst the short-tempered operative’s hasty dash away from a fast-approaching giant arachnid is entertaining enough, the rest of Jody Houser’s narrative concerning a mysterious, galaxy-wide threat by an unnamed cult, is arguably a little on the lack-lustre side.

Indeed, just as soon as a Weeping Angel surprisingly shows up to save the day, and subsequently establish herself as an unconvincing, temporary travelling companion of the Division's colourfully costumed “legend”, the American author’s script transforms into a rather disappointing dialogue-heavy conversational piece concerning a rather bland assistant of the High Council, and the even less likeable gun-toting rookie Taslo; “This seems like an awful lot of trouble for a meeting that could have been held on Gallifrey. So, what can’t be discussed there?”

Happily however, what Issue One of “Doctor Who: Origins” debatably lacks in sense-shattering shenanigans, the “debut” potentially makes up for with its ‘spot on’ portrayal of tour guide Ruth Clayton’s rather ruthless alter-ego. Quick-witted, bitingly sarcastic and ever keen to disregard her orders to ‘shoot on sight’ for a much more benevolent, communicative approach, Houser’s ability to imbue “the Fugitive” with all the fire of actress Jo Martin’s popular incarnation is a resounding success and makes it incredibly easy to hear the British thespian’s distinctive tone whenever the comic book character is talking, or even breathlessly running down a corridor.

Similarly as successful is Roberta Ingranata’s stunning visualisation of the Time Lord, which beautifully captures all the renegade time traveller’s televised mannerisms and movements. The Italian illustrator’s ability to transfer the sheer vitality of Martin’s captivating performance in “Fugitive of the Judoon" onto the printed page is remarkable to see, and continually captures the attention when perhaps the periodical’s actual plot does not. In fact, this title’s cover price is probably worth it just to see how extraordinarily well the creative team capture the essence of the semi-unwilling and always suspicious ‘enforcer of Gallifrey.’

Writer: Jody Houser, Artist: Roberta Ingranata, and Colorist: Warnia K. Sahadewa