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“The School of Death: Clara Goes Undercover, Swordfish in Tow”

The School of Death drops Clara Oswald into the exclusive Ravenscaur Institute, where she goes undercover as a teacher to investigate the disappearance of her friend Christel Dean (likely a nod to real-life Doctor Who fan Christel Dee). The remote boarding school setting is a tried-and-true classic for Doctor Who, and it’s used effectively here. While the comic hints at the privileged atmosphere among students and staff, it doesn’t delve deeply into these dynamics.

The Doctor’s role initially takes a back seat, with Twelve posing as a seafarer (and hilariously failing at it) to gather intel at the local pub, mostly annoying the locals. True to his Series 9 characterisation, the Doctor’s lack of social tact and compassion is on full display, making for some delightful moments. A standout detail is the Doctor’s new "companion," a stuffed swordfish named Sonny, whom he carries everywhere, reminiscent of Eleven’s Handles.

The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Mr. Beck, a blustering teacher with an inflated sense of his military prowess, is as irritating as intended, while the headmistress is a classic authoritarian foil. The two students aiding Clara initially come across as spoiled but soften as the story progresses and the truth unravels.

The alien threat is revealed as a race of fish-like aliens posing as humans, culminating in the Sea Devils’ dramatic reappearance in issue 2. Redesigned to be more menacing, these Sea Devils stand out as the story’s most striking element, with a sinister edge that feels fresh while still paying homage to their classic roots.

The comic boasts some of Titan’s best artwork, with detailed, lifelike designs, vibrant colours, and dynamic splash pages. The action sequences in the latter half lean into the New Who style, adding energy and spectacle. However, the inclusion of UNIT, with Kate Stewart and Osgood, feels shoehorned, as they serve little purpose beyond fan service. Similarly, the UK Prime Minister (predictably revealed as an alien and named Claremont) is a thinly veiled homage to X-Men writer Chris Claremont, likely a nod to the story’s boarding school setting.

While the setting and character interplay evoke a Classic Who vibe, the rushed and messy final issue lets the story down. Clara’s deus ex machina role in resolving the conflict feels overly familiar and underwhelming.

📝Verdict: 9/10

Ultimately, The School of Death is a visually stunning and occasionally witty story that struggles with pacing and originality but still manages to entertain.