Bloodsport Part 2

"The greatest hunting empire in the universe, reduced to bleeding-heart hand-wringers within a generation..."

Writer: Mark Wright

Format: Comic Strip

Released: 17th November 2016

Printed in: DWM 506

Featuring: Twelfth Doctor, Jess

Synopsis

The Twelfth Doctor is in trouble as Skadi has taken both Jess and Max Collins aboard her grotesque spaceship. Jess has been given a terrifying proposition but will she accept? The Doctor will need to work fast and use his persuasion skills like never before if he is able to save her from becoming part of the hunt...

Verdict

Bloodsport concluded in great style with this very good second and final part of the story! I must admit I've been quite surprised with the absence of four part stories from Doctor Who Magazine but I'll get to the comic itself in a little while. As per usual for each DWM comic strip, I like to give my thoughts on the magazine itself and this is quite a big one as we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Second Doctor! Arguably the most important incarnation we've had in the history of Doctor Who as not only did Patrick Troughton reinvent the show but the concept surrounding his arrival would allow this wonderful show to continuously reinvent itself and last for as long as it has. And not just last, but it's simply thriving. It's nearly time for its return to our screens and I'm sure it won't be long before our Christmas special magazine. But for now this issue is all about the cosmic hobo which is just wonderful. I can't wait to see what's said as I haven't yet read the details but I'm sure there'll be more than one mention to The Power of the Daleks and it's upcoming animated release. I really can't wait for that and I do hope to buy it quite soon after it's released and get it blogged. I've already had a sneaky read of Gallifrey Guardian and I must say that I'm thrilled that Jamie Mathieson is back writing another episode for the tenth series. His previous episodes have been nothing short of brilliant and I do hope he continues to pen a story in upcoming years. It's also going to be interesting to have a Classic era writer penning a script for the modern series with Rona Munro returning. The Art of the Director continuation should also be a good read and I'm always intrigued to read what Steven Moffat has to say in his somewhat not too serious monthly column. I'm also looking forward to some of the interviews this issue has to offer as well as the always brilliant DWM Review. Now, back to the comic strip itself and I thought it was pretty good considering the first part didn't have too much of a cliffhanger. A preposition is never the best of ways to end a part of a story on in my opinion but I was quite surprised that Jess was willing to give herself up for the sake of some aliens she had no idea about. That said a lot about her character and why the Doctor likes her so much. Max was also terrific in this story and the moment he stood up and threatened to kill Tarquel was superb and probably the highlight of the story for me. I really enjoyed it as I just didn't expect it. Skadi really came into her own here which was wonderful and she really was quite the badass villain. She didn't care much for her husband which just added to her credentials. Broteas giving up the whereabouts of his wife's ship was quite a surprise though I must say and I did find it funny with just how much the Doctor managed to convince him about. Jess was also very impressed which was good to see. There was a lot of action which I liked but I wasn't massively struck on the ending with Tarquel taking his parents back to their homeworld to answer for their crimes. Hunting wouldn't occur anymore, and that pleased the Doctor. Overall, a very good story!  

Rating: 8/10