Twelfth Doctor #14 - The Hyperion Empire (Part Three)

Writer: Robbie Morrison
Artist :  Ronilson Freire
Colourist: Slamet Mujiono
Lettering: Richard Starkings + Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt

Humour Strip: Colin Bell + Neil Slorance

Editor: Andrew James
Assistant Editors: Gabriela Houston + Jessica Burton
Designer: Rob Farmer

Released: December 2nd 2015, Titan Comics

A fireman that goes by the name of Sam has had a disastrous time of things recently, with most of his colleagues and friends either dead or reduced to zombies by the maniacal Hyperion race. But perhaps there is a turn of the tide, as he has got to know a curious fellow called 'The Doctor', and a young lady who perhaps would be someone he would like as a friend if things resembled any kind of normal order.

As of present, he and his new colleagues in averting disaster are trying desperately to  foil the nefarious Hyperion master plan once and for all. The Earth's sun may be facing a significantly truncated lifespan, as the alien invaders wish to harness its power so they continue to exist, and continue to spread their ghastly legacy across the galaxies.

But an unexpected friend may be able to offer some crucial insight into what weaknesses there are with this twisted agenda. A bit of trust, and not taking a walking inferno at face value could be the key to the salvation of humanity.

A slight change in the creative line-up is probably the most noteworthy aspect of this penultimate instalment. Rob Williams continues to tell a reasonably exciting and suspenseful yarn, and his characterisations of do-gooders, ordinary people, villains, and cowards are once again perfectly serviceable. We have a notable follow up to the prologue of Part One, in that the remarkable astronaut Major Weir is not exactly dead anymore, but neither is she alive. Instead having been reconstituted into a 'Thrall' by the Hyperions. The Doctor's calmness in recognising she is not a flat-out monster, but a being that can be pointed back in the right direction is touching.

Yet, I do wish that there had been some clarity as to where she was left to recuperate in the TARDIS during the section where the Hyperions try to commandeer the Doctor's ship. All the same, the overall story is in no mood to sit around, and events have now built up to a head such that the ensuing issue will probably be able to execute the climax in a pulsating way, without the need to rush any more explanations.

I personally feel the art takes an overall shift for the better with Ronilson Freire taking on the duties this time round. As stated previously, there is something about Daniel Indro's method that while technically sound does give me an experience that I find a bit chilling, and perhaps more in line with a series like Survivors than Doctor Who.  Freire does perhaps make the mistake of sometimes portraying Clara a bit too loosely in his own style, but I still believed in the basic concept of a fearless and forthright 21st Century school teacher. Kate Stewart does however lack a bit too much of the core attributes, but the character does not appear for all that much in the story, and has a role that counts but not one that defines the overall impact.

As for the overall presentation of the main man, I am more than satisfied, and also enjoy the chance to see a Twelfth Doctor still with plenty of the rough edges in looks and behaviour, which so defined his maiden season on Television.

HUMOUR BONUS STRIP - One! Two! Three! Four! To Doomsday.

Although this was delayed one issue, it was more than worth the wait as we are again treated to a two page extravaganza of wit and Doctor Who lore. Clara may be able to stand up and teach a class of unpredictable children, but crooning on stage for some less-than-beautiful aliens is not. Thus she resorts to desperate - but ingenious - measures. There has been an overlapping arc of 'Battle of the Stars', but this story would appear to be wrapping proceedings up now. However, the title of the next story may hint at some kind of epilogue..