A review by snivystorm
Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor Vol. 2: The Weeping Angels of Mons by Robbie Morrison
4.0
The terror of the Weeping Angels has been a tough one for writers (even their creator) to nail on the head since the acclaimed success of "Blink". While the TV show has struggled to make them scary and relevant, with only fleeting success in generating that fear factor for adults as well as children, the viciousness and terror of the Angels is felt in this story. Something the show quickly forgot, or failed to demonstrate, was how the Angels thrive on sending victims in to the past more so than killing them by a snap of the neck or magical explosions. This novel is truly based on the original premise in "Blink" and is fantastic in realising it.
Further, the setting of the First World War is handled excellently, providing the perfect setting for the Weeping Angels to unleash their horror and also provide historical exploration in an accessible but highly relevant time period to educate, or at least open an interest for, them about. The soldiers are also well characterised, though it is a shame a look at the German perspective wasn't provided beyond one screaming POW. The art style matches the gritty and dark setting as well, with it feel a little more adult than other comics, especially in how much death occurs within it and the terrors certain characters feel, especially early on.
The tale doesn't have a lot of major weaknesses, and these are really me nick-picking, but honesty must shine through. First, the Tenth Doctor's attitude. Throughout, he's well written but he outright berates Gabby at one stage and this isn't really explored or resolved. Perhaps it is a starting point in their Doctor-companion relationship, but it is lacking on that front. Plus, there's a cheesy romance going on in the last third or so of the story so it loses points for that since it feels out of place in the wider narrative of young men dying and suffering the horrors of both one of history's most cruel wars and the horror of Weeping Angels.
That all said, in summary: this story is amazing! This story has a brilliant premise, terrifying and powerful villains and a supporting cast that's really well presented. It honours the veterans of WW1 splendidly and is a timely read, given it's title is a homage to the Battle of Mons, the first time Britain's Expeditionary Forces fought on the Western Front in late August, 1914. Lovers of the Weeping Angels will find a lot to love in this story. Further, you get a bonus tale in this one, so for the price to get more than one story, it's worth it.
A story for the Whovian and historian!
Further, the setting of the First World War is handled excellently, providing the perfect setting for the Weeping Angels to unleash their horror and also provide historical exploration in an accessible but highly relevant time period to educate, or at least open an interest for, them about. The soldiers are also well characterised, though it is a shame a look at the German perspective wasn't provided beyond one screaming POW. The art style matches the gritty and dark setting as well, with it feel a little more adult than other comics, especially in how much death occurs within it and the terrors certain characters feel, especially early on.
The tale doesn't have a lot of major weaknesses, and these are really me nick-picking, but honesty must shine through. First, the Tenth Doctor's attitude. Throughout, he's well written but he outright berates Gabby at one stage and this isn't really explored or resolved. Perhaps it is a starting point in their Doctor-companion relationship, but it is lacking on that front. Plus, there's a cheesy romance going on in the last third or so of the story so it loses points for that since it feels out of place in the wider narrative of young men dying and suffering the horrors of both one of history's most cruel wars and the horror of Weeping Angels.
That all said, in summary: this story is amazing! This story has a brilliant premise, terrifying and powerful villains and a supporting cast that's really well presented. It honours the veterans of WW1 splendidly and is a timely read, given it's title is a homage to the Battle of Mons, the first time Britain's Expeditionary Forces fought on the Western Front in late August, 1914. Lovers of the Weeping Angels will find a lot to love in this story. Further, you get a bonus tale in this one, so for the price to get more than one story, it's worth it.
A story for the Whovian and historian!