Doctor Who is a long-running British science fiction series that has followed the voyages of a time-traveling alien, known as the Doctor, and their companions through space and time. While the television series is certainly the heart of this franchise, there’s a lot more to Doctor Who than just the screen.
The comic book version of Doctor Who has been highly instrumental in the expansion of the Whoniverse. It offers unique and wide-ranging opportunities that complement and enrich the television series. From classic adventures to original creations, these comics provide an interesting journey through time and space where fans get a chance to go even deeper into the world of the Doctor.
Read on to understand Doctor Who comic books more.
History of Doctor Who in Comics
Doctor Who was established in 1963. The Doctor’s comic book adventures began almost as soon as the TV series premiered, with early appearances in publications like TV Comic. Target Books played a crucial role in expanding the Doctor Who universe by publishing novelizations of TV episodes. Starting in the 1970s, these books became incredibly popular, especially before home video was common, allowing fans to revisit their favorite stories. (1)
The Polystyle era saw the introduction of original companions and storylines, allowing the comics to explore new territory. Marvel Comics also held the license for a period, producing a range of titles featuring the Fourth Doctor. These early forays into the world of comics laid the groundwork for the diverse and expansive universe that would follow.
In 1977, Doctor Who Magazine launched, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise. It featured original comic strips, often pushing the boundaries of the Whoniverse with longer, more complex narratives. These strips introduced iconic characters like Frobisher, a shapeshifting penguin, and explored mature themes, solidifying the comics as a vital part of the Doctor Who experience.
Doctor Who Magazine continues to publish new comic strips to this day, providing a consistent source of adventures for fans. One can also conveniently stream the Doctor Who universe online, especially those who prefer visual spectacles for a much more immersive experience.
Exploring the Doctors in Comic Book Form
Each incarnation of the Doctor brings a different personality and approach to their time-traveling adventures, and the comics capture this diversity exquisitely. Everything from the whimsical charm of the Fourth Doctor to the emotional intensity of the Tenth Doctor, each portrayal in comic books shows that character development realized on-screen with new layers of depth.
For example, the Tenth Doctor’s comic series has him battling werewolves, Cybermen, and even the devil himself. He also travels with Rose and Mickey, battling Sycorax. Plus, he teams up with Gabby Gonzalez, a completely original companion created specifically for the comics. Their dynamic mainly shows the Doctor’s guilt and responsibility in the wake of the Time War, adding great dimensions to his character. (2)
The comics are also a good way to revisit classic Doctors and companions, which have proven to be new takes on some of the adventures from the TV series. The comic strips of the Fourth Doctor, for example, remain extremely popular, really capturing the great humor and adventure presented during his television era and featuring many different and exciting storylines.
Companions and Allies in the Comics
While the Doctor is undoubtedly the star of the show, his companions are essential to the heart of Doctor Who. The comics have not only brought beloved television companions to the page but also introduced a host of original characters who have become integral to the Whoniverse.
Frobisher, a shapeshifting penguin who traveled with the Sixth Doctor, is a prime example of a companion created specifically for the comics. His unique perspective and witty banter add a new dimension to the Doctor’s adventures. Similarly, Izzy Sinclair, a companion of the Eighth Doctor, brings a strong and independent voice to the comics, challenging the Doctor and pushing him to be his best self. (3)
These original companions, alongside familiar faces like Sarah Jane Smith and Rose Tyler, have enriched the Doctor Who universe, offering diverse perspectives and highlighting the importance of human connection in the face of cosmic wonders.
A Multiverse of Comic Book Adventures
One of the greatest strengths of Doctor Who comics is their ability to explore a vast range of stories and genres, from time-traveling escapades to historical adventures.
The comics have seen the Doctor face off against classic monsters like the Daleks and Cybermen, as well as encounter new and terrifying creatures unique to the comic book universe. One such example is the Creepy Crawlies from the Doctor Who Magazine strip “The Crawling Terror.”
These giant, intelligent insects pose a unique challenge for the Third Doctor, demonstrating the imaginative scope of the comics to introduce threats not seen on television. This creative freedom allows the comics to push the boundaries of the Whoniverse, offering readers a glimpse into the infinite possibilities of the Doctor’s travels.
Conclusion
Doctor Who comics offer a unique and captivating journey through time and space, expanding the Whoniverse and providing fresh perspectives on the beloved Time Lords. They have played a crucial role in the franchise’s history, keeping the spirit of Doctor Who alive and inspiring generations of fans.
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