The Love Invasion

"He's only one man, a sad lonely man. What can he do against my army?"

Writer: Gareth Roberts

Format: Comic Strip

Released: April 2005

Printed in: DWM 355-357

Featuring: Ninth Doctor, Rose

Synopsis

The Doctor takes Rose to London, 1966, where they find beautiful girls wandering the streets, doing good on behalf of a group called Lend-a-Hand. The Doctor notes the girls don't smell humans and becomes concerned when he discovers that someone is preparing to build affordable famt housing on the fields where Rose's council estate is supposed to be built.  

Verdict 

The Love Invasion was a fantastic debut for the Ninth Doctor in comic strip format! The story was excellent and worked very well over the three part format. Although this wasn't my first Ninth Doctor and Rose comic strip (I've previously done Mr Nobody), this was my first full length story with the brilliant pairing and they worked well together with some great humour. The setting of 1966 was very intriguing for many a reason. It's a famous year in Who history as the first regeneration occurred but it's also the setting of The War Machines which was referenced majestically with the reappearance of the Post Office Tower! And inside were Ben and Polly! I couldn't believe that those two superb companions made a brief, speechless, cameo. The Doctor's acknowledgement of his old companions was a nice touch. The plot of the story was very good with the lend-a-hand girls being more than just an aid. At one point I suspected that the Drahvin were making a shock return because of the use of beautiful women but sadly that return, if it ever happens, will have to wait. Not that it's a problem of course! Instead we got Igrix who was a terrific villain and looked quite impressive and monstrous. I liked the suspense behind him after it taking some time to reveal just what the Doctor and Rose were up against. The reference to the score of the 1966 World Cup being changed as a result of match fixing was excellent! The relationship between the Doctor and Charlotte in the story was very good and I liked how the Doctor, even though it seemed inadvertently, was flirting with a human! I guess he likes the scientist kind, especially if she's a big reason in saving the day. Rose was also fantastic with her relationship with Shirley and the humour that brought. I adored how Rose wanted to see her estate prior to it being built and that suited well for the Doctor! The TARDIS is automatically disguised which always sparks a comical comment. The threat of danger throughout was good and I was pleased with the standard of artwork, very graphically represented! The humour with the Doctor riding the motorcycle was tremendous and when he honked at Rose her reaction was just wonderful. Overall, a very impressive debut for Christopher Eccleston in the comic strip format! Rose slotted in with ease. Great humour, a superb plot and wonderful references to The War Machines. A clever climax too!

Rating: 9/10