The Incomplete Death's Head [COMIC/1992.11.24 ~ 1993.10.26]

★★★★☆

  Imagine, if you will, the most nerdy Doctor Who crossover extravaganza conceivable. Now promptly disregard that idea, because The Incomplete Death's Hand trumps whatever you've imagined tenfold.

  I'm not kidding; from the most obscure comic properties of Marvel to the company's biggest names such as the Fantastic Four and Iron Man (though not the one you're expecting), this twelve-part comic has it all. Its central character Death's Head is also connected to the Transformers franchise, making this one ambitious Doctor Who story. The greatest thing about it, though, is that in spite of its irregular structure (most of the comic is just reprints of previous Death's Head comics with the excuse of his memories being displayed on a machine), it absolutely works as a compelling work. A bit fanservice-y, yes, but we all enjoy a hefty amount of that sometimes. I was actually quite impressed with its portrayal of the Seventh Doctor, and how he pulls the rug from under the table at the very last moment by revealing his masterplan (surprise surprise — the entire narrative from the very first "chance meeting" of the Doctor and the deadly mechanoid was planned) and getting his pawns riled up at the fact that they were unknowingly manipulated. Being the most important player in a game he's barely in, how very in-character of Seven. 

  Just imagining the scope of this thing boggles the mind. From 2020 (a near future at the time, the past for us now) to the far, far future to galaxies untold, the artists get a chance to really show what they're made of. I was impressed by the visual splendor on display, and that factor kept my attention razor-sharp throughout the lengthy epic. Death's Head proves to be a fascinating villain, getting a bit of a redemption arc somewhere around the tail end.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ  

  "Sensory overload" doesn't cover it — The Incomplete Death's Head has mental for breakfast. From space mercenaries to Josiah W. Dogbolter to She-Hulk to the Doctor as a court jester, this thing's got it all. In terms of comic entertainment, you'd be hard pressed to find any fault with this twelve-parter! I had such a fun time reading it, and I can definitely see myself revisiting the comic whenever I get the Doctor Who/Marvel crossover itch.