Advance Review: ‘Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox’ #4 Has Optimism
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
The Fifteenth Doctor concludes his attempt to rescue his pal Belinda from a prison. However, the Warden resides in one place that the Doctor may have trouble escaping from. Not to mention there is the possibility of The Doctor could face betrayal from the one fellow prisoner remaining on his makeshift team. Yet, what is The Doctor without a sliver of hope?
Overall
7.5/10Writer Dan Watters creates a script that, in single-issue form, seems to rush a bit in order to conclude this mini-series. It will definitely read better in a collection format. Despite this rushing to an endpoint, Watters writes a mostly decent narrative in this one issue. One reason it is fine is that the characterization displays development for at least one of the supporting characters. Also, there is arguably just enough reliance on the franchise’s lore in a way that builds on things to appease certain readers.
Artist Sami Kivelä does a great job from this reviewer’s perspective in making the panels feel like moments in time. Kivelä partially does this by using poses that suggest the characters are in near constant motion. There are also fantastic bits of character work with the facial expressions, enhancing the emotional beats. It Is worth mentioning that Kivelä does not always follow the one hundred and eighty degree rule that visual storytellers follow to avoid characters appearing to teleport. Despite this rule-breaking, the sequencing still works because all the narrative elements are just strong enough to make it almost unnoticeable.
Colorist Valentina Bianconi adds to the emotional moments while covering up the lack of backgrounds in some panels. Undoubtedly, the climax of this issue could not have the same possible impact on various readers without the range of hues adding to the visual effects.
Cover C is the creation of Kivelä & Bianconi, and exhibits the quality level of the aesthetics for the interiors. Unfortunately, the design comes off as debatable regarding whether it is generic or slightly unique.
Letterers Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith do an awesome job when it comes to placement. Yet, their sizing does not work in multiple instances, particularly when in combination with bolding for emphasis.
The art for cover A is the work of artist Sunghan Yune, and a cast member photo with visual effects makes up cover B. Yune’s coloring of the main cover, to an extent, overtakes the overall design, yet Yune still pulls off a medium to high quality piece.
Doctor Who: The Prison Paradox #4 sees release on February 18th from Titan Comics.
