Martha Jones and The Doctor find themselves in the midst of a film shoot as they travel to old Hollywood, California to explore the Griffith Observatory. Of course with the Doctor, nothing is ever just a simple tourist visit. The Doctor does get a chance to show Martha a fixed image of Gallifrey through the famous telescope in the Observatory, but only before the two go to investigate the activity occurring on the lawn outside the building. A film crew has been set up to film a Science Fiction feature, but members of the cast appear to be walking off the set, never to return. Martha is substituted for the lead actress and the Doctor tells her to enjoy herself as he investigates the disappearances. Martha is zapped by a small robot into a holding area by the Dominators, a former enemy faced by the Second incarnation of The Doctor during the television series. As usual, the Doctor finds a way to save the day, but not before losing Martha to his time-traveling foe, Adam.
Though I may have a bias due to an intense love of all things David Tennant, this issue was just all out well done. Scott and David Tipton write for the fan that loves inside jokes as well as a strong connection to the history of Doctor Who. The Tiptons reached back into the vaults for the enemy for this issue. Though the series has faced the Master, Cybermen and various other famous foes, The Dominators is certainly not an overly obvious choice. The knowledge of California history was also a treat. As a resident of California, it is nice to see loving portrayals of our landmarks, which ironically are usually overdone by Hollywood itself. Martha plays a small role in the comic, so she is not overwhelming as she was occasionally on the television show.
Elena Casagrande excels in this issue of Prisoners of Time. Her portrayal of classic Science Fiction film costumes on Martha was spot on and elegantly drawn. Casadrande’s depiction of the Tenth Doctor will make the fan girls cry out of love and respect for her skillful interpretation; she manages to capture every awkward smile and the perfect cheekbones without missing a step.
Prisoners of Time is rapidly coming to a close, but each issue has been fan candy for the viewers of Doctor Who. Classic fans were able to relive their favorite Doctors and current fans are getting a chance to enjoy time with the recent past. As the series quickly draws to a close, all I can wish is that the Tiptons will be asked to create another series for Doctor Who fans.
