The Tragical History Tour Part 2

"We've been on the road... passing through one war-torn decade after another."

Writer: Alex Paknadel
Format: Comic Strip
Released: 24th May 2018
Printed in: DWC: Tales from the TARDIS 22

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Alice

Synopsis

The Scream has returned! Not that the TARDIS gang can remember of course... The Doctor, Alice, the Sapling and the Kushaks are on the path back to 1968 where all this decade-hopping business began. Will they be able to prevent a catastrophic time turbulence, or will planet Earth be doomed to endure the pressures of other decades forever?

Verdict

The Tragical History Tour concluded in excellent style with this terrific second and final part of the story. Sadly once again this comic strip has suffered as a result of the horrific publication schedule from the BBC with Doctor Who Comic only coming out every quarter but after a re-read of part one to refresh my mind, I was very happy with what followed! I was initially a little disappointed that nothing much was expanded upon when it came to the cliffhanger of part one with the return of the Scream but that's probably being saved for a later and more epic date. I'm sure I'll read all about it in a graphic novel. However, Alice knew that something was off when she ran back into her flat for the photo of her with her mum so that was good. I have to say that this story has certainly been one of the very best in terms of the characterisation for the Eleventh Doctor with Matt Smith's likeness being wonderfully captured on the page. It really was impressive and it definitely made the story easier to read. The Sapling continues to be intriguing but I'm not sure he should be a long-term member of the TARDIS. Whilst the idea of a being that was born out of the Doctor and Alice is good, it seems a little similar to ARC and I just think the pair should travel in the TARDIS by themselves for a little while. They haven't really had a chance since After Life to travel as a pair and that really is something I'd like to see for an extended time. The bus tour through the decades back to 1968 was really good and I liked how Alice wasn't too thrilled with everything that was happening on its journey. The struggles in 1985 were quite humorous and I just find the idea of people of a certain year defending it very fascinating. The continued concept of space becoming time was superb and I loved the banter between the Doctor and Alice when it came to discussing who or what was behind the Earth-slinky happenings. Salmon-pink wasn't a bad guess from the Doctor and you could just tell he was delighted when he saw the Wayfarer. 1968 being bordered off by a giant wall simply to have a giant party that wouldn't stop was quite unexpected but I was a fan. It was just different and wacky and that's what the sixties were like. They were taking time from their own future to make their party last longer. Crazy. Twiggy playing a huge role in the story's resolution was good but I was, perhaps unfairly, hoping that he didn't make it out alive. He did though and seems set to stay so I'm willing to keep an open mind for now. Overall, a terrific conclusion to a great story!

Rating: 9/10