Did Not See That Coming...Really?!
Just as there is a James Bond for every fan and era, so it is with The Doctor.
The Ninth Doctor will always be legend for returning the character to renewed greatness. It is almost hard to believe that this new era of Doctor Who is only ten years old. Or, that it is not only built on the years and generations - or, re-generations that has come before - but, also, thirteen episodes. Six novels, too, if you're really counting. Christopher Eccleston's The Ninth Doctor is nothing short of Herculean. Or, perhaps, Atlas, lifting the world of The Doctor onto his shoulders.
The Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack return in the Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor "Weapons of Past Destruction" mini-series. Good things come in small doses.
Following the joyous triumph of the London blitz during World War II, they find themselves where the planet Excroth should be, and in the middle of a battle between two strange alien races. Blair Shedd's art is quite nice, giving a vast, painted look to the book, with Richard Starkings and Comicraft's Jimmy Betancourt's sharp lettering a contrast. The script seems a bit familiar, though.
Cavan Scott has the characters down in mannerisms and dialogue to the point that the reader knows what The Doctor, Rose and Jack will say before they say it. The story follows familiar beats. The TARDIS shows up in a new location, our heroes are in the middle of something unexpected and - dorp! - hijinks ensue. There would not be a story unless something unexpected happened. Expect the unexpected.
This is a great story for fans of The Ninth Doctor and Rose. It is good to see them again. Maybe this is the only way to see Eccleston's Ninth Doctor again.
The Good
Readers familiar with the art style of Star Trek, Lost In Space, and Quantum Leap, will appreciate Shedd's art. It is reminiscent of those sci-fi properties as well as 24, and the CSI franchise.
Also, fans of The Ninth Doctor and Rose, and their adventures with Jack will enjoy the story.
The Bad
The major drawback is the predictability. But that is due in part to there being such a limited space to work in. Eccleston's Ninth Doctor only comprised of thirteen episodes. So, there is very little wiggle room. Since most situations have to fit somewhere in between other stories, here's what we have then. "Weapons of Past Destruction" wants to tackle an epic story. However, The Unquiet Dead was just as epic.
The Skinny
A story featuring The Ninth Doctor and Rose is enjoyable. Even if it is just to celebrate a tenth anniversary of The Doctor's return. It might have been more ironic if it had been for a ninth anniversary, but still, it is delightful to see The Ninth Doctor back in action with Rose again. Kudos to Titan Publishing for bringing him back. Maybe there will be an adventure bringing The Five Doctors - The War Doctor, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth together. This is a good start. Three stars for that!