Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #3

In the distant past India played host to a war between ancient aliens, whose cross-temporal battles contributed to the country's rich myths and legends. Kali, oldest and deadliest of these, was thought defeated long, long ago. But her psychic essence could not be killed... nor her quest for vengeance.

Now, in the 23rd Century, she is on the brink of resurrection. In a race against time the Doctor and Clara must gather secrets and allies from across India's past, present and future – if they are to survive... THE SWORDS OF KALI!

Writer:

Robbie Morrison

Artist:

Dave Taylor

Colours:

Hi-Fi

Lettering:

Comicraft

Publisher:

Titan Comics

This issue of the 12^th Doctor's adventures see him taking on a story with a very colonial feel (and I think Capaldi's Doctor is the only one in a few decades that could get away with that) as he travels India of the past and future to stop some space vampires.

Morrison weaves an interesting tale that has multiple different threads all coming together, as the Doctor and Clara, separated by time, each have their own adventures. What's more, Morrison isn't afraid to sprinkle in other characters that have supposedly had adventures with the Doctor before. It's somewhat distracting in that not really much is made of it this issue and it doesn't really seem like it will come up again. But still, it breaks up the flow of what would otherwise be a pretty normal 'Doctor tries to solve a mystery and gets into trouble' storyline.

Its Dave Taylor's artwork that really won me over though. Finally getting the look of Clara and the Doctor down, the art feels more assured than past issues, perhaps who creative team freeing up now they don't feel as bound to the TV show.

Being a two parter storyline means I can't really comment on much of the themes, but like the entire last season of the series, it seems this storyline will bring up a few people who I think would make more interesting companions to travel with the Doctor than Clara. It's not that I really dislike Clara, it's just that she didn't really contribute much at all to the issue, with her role being filled by our guest characters. In the end, I kind of hope that if it carries on creating brilliant guest companions that it has a few issues where Clara isn't in it all! Perhaps that's bad when she's meant to be the second most important character of the series.

Overall, the issue was pleasant enough whilst reading it and I certainly look forward to reading next months issue and then looking back on the completed storyline as a whole. But if it's your first time picking up the series, I would go back and start from #1 instead. It was much stronger.

Cover image courtesy of Titan Comics.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor is available from Titan Comics or your local comics retailer.

Geek-o-Rama received a copy of this comic for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments and opinions are those of the individual reviewer.