The Living Image

"The dead do not come back."

Writer: Scott Handcock

Format: Short Story

Released: September 2017

Printed in: Tales of Terror 07

Featuring: Seventh Doctor, Ace

Synopsis

The Seventh Doctor and Ace arrive in London during 1887. Loud cries draw their attention as ghostly creatures stalk the streets. What connection do they have with an abstract artist who has recently lost his mother?

Verdict

The Living Image was another very good continuation of the Tales of Terror short story collection! I thought this was a solid adventure from start to finish and did a good job in capturing the era of the Seventh Doctor very well. I thought it was a little strange for the story to start with Elliot finding a presence from behind him and then screaming when he faced it as nothing came of that at all and didn't get referenced for the rest of the story which was a little strange. I mean, I know the connection there is the same creature that was causing Nathan trouble, but I felt like it was going to be something we would come back to. Regardless, Nathan was a good character and I enjoyed how he was seeing his dead mother as that seemed pretty in line with the theme of this book. The setting of London in 1887 also seemed well suited as there's something freaky about the atmosphere that is associated with the city at this point in history, whether that's depicted on other television programmes, historical documentaries or images, and just general historical study. The mention of Jack the Ripper also seemed apt and the humour that came with the Doctor's mention of meddling with that was great. The characterisation of the Seventh Doctor was pretty superb throughout which was very impressive. I enjoyed the discussion between the Doctor and Ace about London and how it is an evolving city and even a century removed from Ace's time, it had the same feeling of the modern city she knew. Nathan calling out and the pair realising that there was something bad going on was enjoyable and the description of the ghost-like creatures surrounding him immediately had me thinking the Gelth were going to feature. That didn't happen unfortunately, but the humour that came with Ace wanting to be rational and not admit that she believed in ghosts only for the Doctor to blurt out that's what they looked like was sublime. Nathan's mum pushing him for his painting was interesting and I liked how he didn't want to admit he had wavered in his abilities because of her death and didn't want her to feel guilty. The setting shifting into Nathan's studio upstairs was great and I enjoyed how there was a feeling of it just being wrong. The concept of the canvas being the source of the knocking that was heard was terrific and I really liked how it was a weak point in the fabric of time and space. The creatures being from a different dimension wasn't too much of a surprise given the abstract theme throughout, but I did like that they were using Nathan's mother to manipulate him. Their anger when the Doctor was telling him the truth of their plan was very good as he told how they were feeding on the abstract, a fun little idea. I definitely had vibes of Flatline reading this story. I thought the illustration that accompanied this particular adventure was almost excellent as I loved the image of the artwork coming out of the canvas and the likeness for the Seventh Doctor was sublime, but sadly the same could not be said of Ace. It was so far from how Sophie Aldred looked which was a shame. Nathan forming a link between dimensions inadvertently after getting touched was good, but the way Ace was able to smear the image with paint thinner and spoil the link was terrific. The Doctor not being content with that though and drawing the creature out with Nathan quickly putting together a portrait of the Time Lord was interesting as the pace drastically quickened for the conclusion. He went across to their dimension with fast speed and trapped the creatures with the abstract nature of regeneration meaning he could trap them inside his mind. The Doctor did offer to help, but they didn't accept. The selfie comment at the end along with Ace's confused reaction was great stuff and a good example of writing in hindsight. Overall, a very good story!

Rating: 8/10