Review: ‘Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox’ #2 Starts A Tale
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
Sometimes a beginning can occur amid an ongoing story. This is much like life in half of the universes that could and do exist. Yet, for one individual in the prison of Panoptopolis this particular phenomenon may mean their end. If such a thing is to occur one must ask a prominent question: How does one face that possible end?
Overall
7.5/10The covers are all high quality. However, the photo cover seems rather lazy with the amount and type of effects it contains. An argument could occur over how standard the design of cover A by artist Abigail Harding is, but no one can argue the obvious skill Harding employs. While cover C by artist Sami Kivelä and colorist Valentina Bianconi is exemplary of what one will see within the issue. It also spoils some story elements, but in a way that does no major damage to the reading experience. Lastly, cover D is by artist Pedro Andreo and colorist Charlie Kirchoff features a nice application of hues and a fine sense of depth.
The interior art and coloring is by Kivelä and Bianconi. The former exhibits a great ability to capture the likenesses of the actors, as well as aliens such as the Slitheen. While the newer aliens Kivelä draws suggest a good sense of design. Bianconi gets the chance to vary the selection of hues and their respective tones. This latter element of the coloring process is definitely on display in the latter pages in a way that enhances the art while showing off Bianconi’s skill.
Letterers Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith do a fantastic job of making certain pages — with an overabundance of text — work. Their skillful work also enhances the emotional impact of one particular scene. The anchors of the word balloons also appear to be in proper places. While the balloons and text boxes seem to be the right size and shape in all instances, it is worth mentioning that, unlike in the previous issue, this one apparently has no typos.
Writer Dan Watters opens this issue in a way that may come across as awkward to certain readers. It shifts the focus instead of simply continuing from last issue’s end point. Nevertheless, once the story gets going, it turns out the script is strong enough, at least from this reviewer’s perspective. Unfortunately, the plotting is still coming across in a paint-by-numbers way. Thus, this miniseries may turn out to be a mixture of good and bad with the good just out weighing the bad. Yet, until the last issue sees release, it is unclear if this prediction will be true.
Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox #2 is out now from Titan Comics.
