Revolutions of Terror - Conclusion (Titan Comics)

"In this city, you could get great rent on this place... 'Blue Unit.. From out of the blue" Gabby responding to the sight of the TARDIS interior.

This third issue concludes the first multi-part story in this new run of Tenth Doctor adventures, and sees our intrepid time travelling hero come up with a typically inspired approach to resolving the astral plane attack on New York (and effectively the entire world).

The early indicators of Gabby's relatives having a role to play in the unfolding plot and inevitable climax seem to have been a misdirection. Still, there is some good character development as they all show strong appreciation and warm regard for her role in combating the disturbing menace. Part Two had been the equivalent of an episode where most of the characters we met were extras/ passers by; this instalment gets more of a balance between the new TARDIS crew and the supporting characters that were introduced so well in the opening issue.

Significantly 'Revolutions' has allowed the Tenth Doctor to assert his authority and true heroic traits, Despite still coming across a bit madcap he eventually brings the crisis to a decisive end. There is some remorse though as he must accept that the race that gave life to the evil Cerebravores has paid the ultimate price. In resolving the cliff-hanger threat of one of these parasitic creatures, he is able to assist a female scientist who explains just why the crisis appeared in the first place. However in this instance the Doctors only delays the inevitable, as the learned alien commits to helping him find the solution before being lost forever to the terrifyingly destructive creatures. "[I] never knew her name' he laments.

Last time I praised the writing and development for Gabby, and I still am as excited about her potential in these new stories from Titan. Perhaps predictably, but still a positive, her scepticism towards the sheer improbability of the Doctor's claims diminishes drastically. The eventual demolition of the Laundromat serves both story and symbolic purposes, as it is signposted that the immediate future for the young Mss Gonzalez will be in a setting far removed from the somewhat humdrum society of 21st century earthlings.

And as Gabby seemingly begins to grasp the astounding fact that the Doctor is no ordinary law enforcer, upon entering his 'TARDIS hut', we can now keenly await what else she must get her smart mind to adjust to. At the very end there is an echo of the very first New Who story 'Rose' - with a slight tweak on the Doctor revealing the time travel aspect of his unique spaceship. Another reference also comes along with a fleeting look at what could be a Weeping Angel - but who knows if this is a cameo, an in-joke or an actual foundation for a later story with these iconic monsters.

So this initial story has played out well, although Part One promised more thematic depth in terms of the main Earth setting than we ended up actually getting. On the other hand the heavy use of mystical/magic themes, along with the astral plane concept and the alien beings is relatively original; especially if compared to the typical RTD episode that Tennant featured in.

The translation of the story's concepts into art continues to be of the highest calibre - as Abadzis and Casagrande clearly know what to expect of one another. With the tension ratcheted up by the preceding issue and now this conclusion, the art work has shown a good amount of range flair. The colours from Arianna Florean also end up proving more than serviceable, as the particular mood needs to be established. To summarise, this is as measured and well-constructed a conclusion as I tend to expect from a Doctor Who story that begins so confidently. Perhaps the absolutely most inspired material isn't quite achieved, but the story reads well, moves along without fuss and has plenty of incident and solid character development. And now the true scope of the TARDIS has opened up for the Time Lord and his latest companion, so there is plenty to look forward to from now on.

**
We are granted two bonus features in this issue, the first being a very welcome reminder of the 'Day of the Doctor'. Here, the War Doctor is given prominence, but incarnations 10 and 11 also get in on the act. Perhaps the actual humour featured is not for everyone but it is still pleasing to be reminded of the great John Hurt's frustation with his successors' 'immature' behaviour. (David Leach is the writer, with AJ conjuring up the visuals)

The second bonus is of more interest as it features the Tenth Doctor in passing on the end of a telephone line to the 'Psychic Paper Inc Claims Department'. With both the Ood and the Sensorites confirmed as planetary neighbours on TV, it makes sense to have them work together on an off-world space craft/centre. Even more intriguing is having an unnamed woman that originates from the sisterhood of Pompeii (featured in Series 4). And a rather greedy alien race introduced in the Sixth Doctor's era also is involved. (Emma Price is solely credited, and this hopefully leads to a main story being penned by a woman).