Are you a devoted Jane Austen fan who has read and re-read Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Emma countless times? Do you adore the wit, romance, and societal nuances of Austen’s world, but crave a fresh story with a similar spirit? You’re not alone! Many Austen enthusiasts seek out new narratives that capture the essence of her beloved novels without simply being retellings.
That’s where Miss Abbott and the Doctor comes in – a delightful webcomic that offers a captivating blend of Austen-inspired themes, charming characters, and a unique pseudo-Victorian setting. If you’re searching for your next Austen-esque obsession, look no further than this hidden gem.
Charming illustration from Miss Abbott and the Doctor webcomic, depicting the two main characters, Miss Abbott and the Doctor, in a lighthearted, romantic scene.
A Webcomic Recommendation for Austen Aficionados
Having stumbled upon Miss Abbott and the Doctor in October 2020, I knew instantly it was something special that deserved a spotlight, especially for readers like us who appreciate Austen’s genius. Life gets busy, and sharing this discovery took longer than planned, but the perfect time is now to introduce you to this enchanting series.
Miss Abbott and the Doctor is a beautifully illustrated WEBTOON, presented in a distinctive lined style, setting its story within a captivating pseudo-Victorian backdrop. Interestingly, the comic’s narrative began mid-story on Deviant Art as a short project before blossoming into a full series on WEBTOON. Fear not if you feel like you’re jumping into the middle of things; the narrative skillfully weaves in the characters’ backstories and motivations as they grow closer, revealing the events that shaped their present circumstances.
Charming illustration from Miss Abbott and the Doctor webcomic, depicting the two main characters, Miss Abbott and the Doctor, in a lighthearted, romantic scene.
Meet Miss Abbott and the Doctor: Characters Austen Readers Will Adore
The story orbits around the lives of Miss Cati Abbott and Dr. Andreas Marino. Cati’s adventurous spirit is rooted in her unique upbringing. Her parents, driven by a desire to find a society untouched by technology, ventured into the Amazon. Tragically, they and most of their expedition perished. Cati, however, was taken in and raised by an indigenous tribe, instilling in her resilience and a connection to nature.
Fate intervened when Kira Aquila-Salazar, a widowed anthropologist, arrived in the Amazon, seeking to study the Shuar people. Falling ill, Kira was rescued by Cati. This encounter blossomed into a deep friendship. Recognizing Cati’s potential, Kira became her mentor, bringing her back to civilization and introducing her to a world of learning and societal customs.
Dr. Andreas Marino, in contrast, is a city-bred physician. After completing his medical studies, he was invited by his grandfather to take over his practice in a quaint town. Moving to this new environment, Dr. Marino, with his firm beliefs about propriety and conduct, finds himself clashing with several townsfolk, most notably the unconventional Miss Abbott.
Initially, Dr. Marino finds a kindred spirit only in Sebastian Nero, who embodies an open and friendly nature, a stark contrast to the doctor’s reserved demeanor. Sebastian’s easygoing personality allows him to effortlessly connect with those around him.
The initial dynamic between Dr. Marino and Miss Abbott is far from harmonious, fueled by their contrasting personalities and worldviews. However, as the story unfolds, their differences become complementary. Cati injects adventure and spontaneity into Dr. Marino’s structured life, while Dr. Marino provides a grounding influence for Cati’s vivid imagination, helping her to navigate the world with more practicality.
Why Miss Abbott and the Doctor Resonates with Jane Austen Fans
So, what makes Miss Abbott and the Doctor a must-read for Jane Austen enthusiasts? Firstly, Miss Abbott herself is a delightful amalgamation of beloved Austen heroines and beyond. I see echoes of Anne Shirley’s spirited nature from Anne of Green Gables, Elizabeth Bennet’s sharp wit from Pride and Prejudice, Marianne Dashwood’s passionate heart from Sense and Sensibility, and Catherine Morland’s imaginative mind from Northanger Abbey. Cati is intelligent, quick-witted, and capable of delivering a clever retort. She’s also strong, athletic, and fiercely independent, able to care for herself and others. Yet, like many Austen heroines, she has her endearing flaws – a touch of naiveté, a tendency to be judgmental, and an overactive imagination that sometimes leads her astray.
Through her relationships with her mentor Kira, her friend Rebecca, and eventually, her love interest Dr. Marino, Cati learns valuable lessons. She’s encouraged to refine her strengths, to temper her imagination with reason, and to consider the consequences of her actions, all while staying true to her unique spirit.
Dr. Marino, on the other hand, immediately brings to mind Mr. Darcy, with a dash of Gilbert Blythe’s earnestness. Arriving in town with preconceived notions shaped by his city upbringing, he initially appears reserved and somewhat aloof. He isn’t as immediately warm or receptive to the townspeople as he could be, building walls around himself.
However, these walls gradually crumble, primarily due to his evolving relationship with Miss Abbott. She challenges his perspectives, points out his shortcomings with refreshing honesty, and inspires him to grow. He, in turn, learns to loosen up, embrace spontaneity, and even indulge in some of her more whimsical ideas. This dynamic of mutual growth and learning mirrors the satisfying character arcs we adore in Austen’s novels.
There’s even a delightful scene in the webcomic that strongly suggests the creator’s own affection for Jane Austen, further cementing the Austen-esque feel of the series.
Initially, almost the entire Miss Abbott and the Doctor series was available for free, up until the wedding storyline. Currently, the first 18 episodes remain free, with subsequent episodes accessible through a daily pass system – one free episode per day, or the option to purchase episodes for three coins each. While waiting daily for new content might test your patience, for a truly engaging Austen-inspired story, the wait is well worth it.
Ready to dive into the world of Miss Abbott And The Doctor? You can start reading on the WEBTOON app or through their website.
For more recommendations in our “Non-Austen Reads for Austen Readers” series, be sure to check out our review of Ella Enchanted.
And for fellow comic enthusiasts, you might also enjoy our piece on Emma Manga.
