When Peter Capaldi was announced as the Twelfth Doctor, it’s fair to say there was a mixed reaction. In a time when many fans were hoping for a change in gender or race for the iconic Time Lord, the announcement of “another old white guy” felt a little underwhelming for some. Even more peculiar was the fact that Capaldi had already appeared in Doctor Who, playing Caius in “The Fires of Pompeii” alongside David Tennant’s Tenth Doctor. Despite these initial hesitations, and with memories of past Doctor regenerations met with skepticism (“tennis shoes and a suit?”, anyone?), I approached the eighth season of New Who with cautious optimism, willing to give the Dr Who 12th Doctor a chance.
Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Who comics, showcasing his stern and intriguing expression.
Having now watched every episode of Peter Capaldi’s tenure, I can confidently say that he was not just good, but truly impressive. This dr who 12th doctor brought a unique and compelling dynamic to the role. Gone was the flirtatious energy of his predecessors, replaced by a sterner, more introspective, and yes, crankier Doctor. His relationship with Clara Oswald shifted dramatically. The romantic tension was replaced by a more mature, almost familial dynamic, filled with witty banter and a comfortable, if sometimes prickly, understanding. They sparred like an old married couple, their interactions a highlight of each episode. Beyond the character himself, the writing of the eighth season was remarkably strong. The plots were engaging, with less of the filler that can sometimes plague long-running series, and a captivating overarching mystery involving the enigmatic Missy and the “promised land.”
However, the weekly release format of the eighth season presented a new challenge for a binge-watcher like myself. The anticipation between episodes created a void, a Gallifrey-sized hole in my weekly time-travel fix. Fortunately, Titan Comics offered a solution in the form of “Doctor Who: The 12th Doctor #1.”
Exploring the 12th Doctor in Comic Form
Like many, I approach tie-in media with a degree of skepticism. Years of underwhelming video game adaptations of beloved franchises have instilled a sense of caution. However, “Doctor Who: The 12th Doctor #1” proved to be a delightful exception. Writer Robbie Williams captured the essence of the dr who 12th doctor and his relationship with Clara perfectly. The comic felt like a genuine extension of the television series, offering a glimpse into adventures that could easily slot into season eight.
The Twelfth Doctor confidently explaining a situation to Clara Oswald in Doctor Who comic, highlighting their dynamic.
The story itself is classic Doctor Who fare. The Doctor and Clara arrive on a planet initially described as ice-covered, intended as a skiing location for Clara’s class field trip. In a humorous nod to their dynamic, the Doctor teases Clara about her students calling her “Oddball,” showcasing his new, more barbed wit. Upon arrival, they discover the planet’s ecosystem has drastically changed, now warm and inhabited by bizarre monkey-skunk hybrids – the aptly named “skunkeys.” Their investigation quickly uncovers a terraforming operation, and as any Doctor Who fan knows, meddling with planetary ecosystems rarely ends well. There’s always something lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
“Doctor Who: The 12th Doctor #1” is a genuinely enjoyable read. It successfully captures the spirit of the dr who 12th doctor era, offering fans a welcome dose of bonus adventures. It taps into that feeling that there are countless untold stories in the Doctor’s long life, and this comic book provides a fun and satisfying glimpse into one of them.
