End of the Line

"Is this how it ends... after four incarnations?"

Writer: Steve Parkhouse
Format: Comic Strip
Released: July-August 1981
Printed in: DWM 54-55

Featuring: Fourth Doctor

Synopsis

The Fourth Doctor lands on an automatic subway line and soon finds himself being chased by zombie-like creatures known as Cannibals. Uniting with Angel of the Guardian Angels, a battle for control of the subway ensues but the Doctor will make a harrowing discovery...

Verdict

End of the Line was a very good comic strip and a great continuation of my reading of the Dragon's Claw graphic novel. For a Doctor Who story, and particularly of the comic strip format, I did think it was rather graphic and I was quite surprised to be reading a story that dealt with cannibalism. Of course, we didn't see anything of the kind of human consumption but the dialogue and some of the artwork didn't leave much to the imagination! It obviously wasn't on the levels of Countrycide but that story was from Torchwood and with the adult themed nature of the series that felt rather suited. This though was a little disturbing but I enjoyed the contrast between the Cannibals and the fun-loving Fourth Doctor. I did feel the usage of speech from the Doctor rather than reading his thoughts was a little too much and even though I'd say the Fourth Doctor is the most likely incarnation to splutter to himself, it could have been a little decreased. The automatic subway setting was good and I quite liked the action-packed start with the Doctor narrowly escaping being hit by a train. The characterisation of Tom Baker's fourth incarnation was pretty decent and I liked how he thought his life may be over in just this fourth body when it came to the possibility of him being devoured. That would have been a horrible way to go! The Cannibals were interesting and I liked how they hunted in a pack and despite their hunger still managed to maintain a semblance of order. That was admirable. Angel of the Guardian Angels saving the Doctor from becoming a meal was good and I liked the concept of the people she represented. The Doctor's claiming not to be a medical doctor was quite a surprise and it seemed like he really was unable to help the Engineer in a form that wasn't advice. The Doctor helping the group's plan to get a train of their own and into the famed and desirable countryside was great and I loved how he fended off the Cannibals so they could reach safety. However, he wanted to know for sure that they made it and I really liked that. But he was unable to discover if they had with the thought countryside actually being a wasteland. The ambiguity surrounding the conclusion was brilliant and I liked the reaction of the Doctor. It really got you thinking about the story and I was a big fan of that. Overall, a great comic strip adventure!

Rating: 8/10