The second strip in the collection “The Revolution” is a standout with its sympathetic view of terrorism a position seldom seen in western pop culture. The artwork of the strips is very good and the stories are straight forward youth orientated fare. 7 out of 10.
Doctor Who The Complete History was a series of hardback volumes which came out every two weeks and covered 3-4 stories each. These were in-depth volumes covering the production of each episode from the first in 1963 to the end of the Peter Capaldi era of the show. In addition to the extensive production notes there were also merchandise and publicity updates and actor profiles. The quality of each volume was exceptional overseen by several different editors. The volumes were only available in the UK and Ireland so were difficult to obtain in other locations. I am more of a Watsonian fan but if you are a Doyalist you will greatly appreciate these books. Even so I give the entire series a solid 8 out of 10. I will rate each episode covered below.
Under the Lake and Before the Flood is a two part ghost story with The Twelfth Doctor and Clara. The story has some interesting characters that make you root for them to survive. The relationship between Cass and Lunn is well played and the UNIT fangirl O’Donnell is another standout. There are also some nice moments with The Doctor and Clara and the monster is well realized. The plot revolving around the bootstrap paradox was interesting. Overall the story itself is a solid mid-season episode good but no stand-out. 7 out of 10.
The Girl Who Died introduces Maisie Williams as Ashildr. Williams is very good as Ashildr and her acting at the very end of the episode is exemplary. Without a word she conveys the burden of immortality on her face as time passes on around her. The story has some amusing bits with ZZ Top, Heidi and Chuckles preparing for battle with the Mire. The Doctor’s realization as to why he has his current face is also well envisioned. 8 out of 10.
Bundaberg Ginger Beer is craft brewed from handed down from a family recipe and made with Australian ginger. Ginger beer is a sweetened, carbonated non-alcoholic beverage which originated during the colonial spice trade with the fermentation of ginger.
It tastes similar to ginger ale but with a much stronger ginger flavor. It is hard to put into words but you can taste the quality of the ingredients and processing.
I keep these sweet cherry peppers from Mezzetta on hand as snacks and I was finally able to have Alex give them a try. They are a favorite snack of mine and give them a 10 out of 10 but lets see how Alex likes them.
Alex does not like vinegary flavors so his facial expression tells the story.
The peppers are tasty and sweet but the vinegar bite is very strong. I love how when crunching down on a seed there is an explosion of vinegar in your mouth.
Who Else? is a charity anthology of stories featuring companions and aliens from the Whoniverse.
This is a pleasant variation on the fan annuals being published. The stories do not feature The Doctor but instead focuses on companions, villains and some alien races. There is a story of a lone Drahvin stranded on an alien planet with a homesteader, a story featuring The Meddling Monk, Stories featuring Ben and Polly and Stephen and a police report on the disappearance of two schoolteachers and their student. An interesting blend of stories with the Drahvin story and the missing persons report standing out. 8 out of 10.
