The Shape Shifter [COMIC/1984.4.12 ~ 5.10]

 

★★★☆☆

  Am I incapable of giving Sixth Doctor and Frobisher adventures less than three or four stars? Perhaps so, but it's not exactly my fault, is it? They're the ones with such wit and fun moments most of the time — and besides, I have a partiality to Ol' Sixie, Whifferdill Frobisher and the dastardly Josiah W. Dogbolter. A comic strip introducing Frobisher and featuring all three, and illustrated by John Ridgway... was bound to be right up my alley.

  Regardless of your opinion on the Sixth Doctor as portrayed on telly, from Season 22's early-days portrayal to the subtle evolution in Season 23, there's no denying how much of a joy he is on the comics. In The Shape Shifter, he has an affinity for chocolate soda and doesn't mind it when flies end up in the vicinity of his drink. He develops an instant rapport with Frobisher (not named as such at the time), and devises a clever plan to dupe Dogbolter and take his money... a plan which involves dressing up as a bearded salesman. 

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ  

  It's no surprise that people involved had an affection for the character; you can sense that they care about this Doctor, and want only the best for him. That kind spirit, mixed with such interminable imagination and talent, ends up producing some of the most exciting comic strips. The Shape Shifter proves to be an excellent introduction to Frobisher; not only does it show his line of work, the grimy streets and offices in which he conducts his business, but it also displays a sense of humor unique to the comic medium (the Marty Mouse bit was especially funny).