Comic Book Review - Doctor Who: Missy #1

Rob reviews Doctor Who: Missy #1...

The Master is arguably The Doctors most devious and villainous enemy. Much like the menacing Daleks, The Master has been The Doctors equal across most (if not all) every regeneration. As the title suggests. This new Doctor Who comic from Titan, centres on Missy as she wages a war on both the Third and Twelfth Doctors. But, can the two Doctors stop Missy before it's too late? 

In terms of characters, Missy is an enigma. On one hand, her adventures with Twelve portray her in an almost anti-hero light. But on the other, let's not forget that Missy is still the Master and underneath she's still just as cunning and devious as her past incarnations - if not more so. 

Veteran 'Who' writer, Jody Houser pens this tale and it's off to a cracking start. As we've seen recently within the "normal" Doctor Who strips, Missy #1 points towards a team-up between Missy and her previous self (played here by Roger Delgado). The term "better the devil you know" springs to mind as her past self attempts to thwart her at every move. It's an interesting dynamic that Houser brings to the table and makes the whole issue feel like an anti-Doctor Who tale. 

Throughout Missy #1 we see Missy in her attempt to free herself from the Stormcage Containment Facility. Of course, her past self is their most dangerous prisoner - as the Third Doctor reminds both the reader and the facilities administrator at the tales start. So with this in mind, Missy attempts to impersonate The Doctor. Because, after all, who better to get an all-access pass?  

Naturally, the only thing more dangerous than a single Master is two of them. And it isn't long before past and future collide. Both incarnations have some great lines as Missy attempts to contain just who she is. We're also treated to some classic Delgado Master cunning as he also attempts to finish off this new "Doctor". So in true Doctor Who style, this issue ends with a Missy Vs. The Master sword fight - deep inside an impenetrable prison...what could go wrong? 

If you've read one of my Doctor Who reviews in the past (sadly these no longer exist) I always heap tonnes of praise on Jody Houser. She 100% nails her characters every time and Missy is no different. Throughout you can almost hear the voices of Michelle Gomez, Roger Delgado, and even John Pertwee saying the lines that Houser has written. Every line just oozes characterisation from someone who truly understands the cast. 

Roberta Ingranata also produces some brilliant artwork as each character is captured perfectly. Each character feels instantly recognisable, yet different from just being a caricature of their respective actor. Naturally, this comes from Ingranata's talent as both an artist and her experience of working with the characters before. But it's still an absolute joy to see. 

No comic would be complete without its colourist and letterer. Both Enrica Eren Angiolini and Richard Starkings flesh out the story with their work and ultimately, along with both Jody Houser and Roberta Ingranata make sure that Missy #1 is off to a great start. 

Rating 10/10

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