War-Game [COMIC/1985.4.4 ~ 5.9]

★★★☆☆

  Well, never in my life did I expect to see a villain straight out of Conan the Barbarian have an almost-naked Draconian woman chained up to a pillar. Doctor Who comics can sometimes take you to the most unexpected of places, can't they?

  War-Game continues the tradition of giving us a sublime interpretation of Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor: he's not averse for some fun, he's a charming and intellectual individual who is nonetheless snappy and forthright when he needs to be. As the title suggests, this comic is focused on the concept of war (as it's centered around the plight and exploits of a Draconian warlord and how his past comes to haunt him), and it paints a distinctly anti-war streak into this incarnation -- something I find truthful to his character, despite what naysayers might say. The Sixth Doctor has always been opposed to systematic bloodshed, and it's nice to see that side of the Doctor play heavily into the plot. 

  It's a fun two-part comic overall, and I'd happily recommend it to anyone who wishes to get into Doctor Who comics. The only caveat would be that Frobiser, the wonderful Whifferdill companion, is heavily sidelined and is forced to lose the penguin form for the entire story (which is a shame because, despite his shape-shifting abilities being key to his character, he's just too iconic and fun as a penguin not to miss it dearly whenever it isn't seen). For the delicious John Ridgway illustrations, though, and a delightful continuation of the Sixth Doctor's unique character on DWM (it's not quite like his TV iteration or his subsequent mellowing in the hands of Big Finish), though... I wouldn't pass upon the chance to read it if I were you.