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“NURSE WHO? – TEN'S OUT COLD, BUT HISTORY'S STILL IN GOOD HANDS”

Nurse Who? offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical Tenth Doctor comic story, shifting the focus from Ten himself to his companions – Gabby and Cindy – and a real historical figure, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, England’s first woman doctor. When the Doctor is poisoned offscreen following a prior adventure, it’s up to Gabby and Cindy to track down Anderson in her early nursing days to help save him. This puts a unique historical spin on things and makes Anderson the real star of the show.

SPOTLIGHT ON ELIZABETH GARRETT ANDERSON

The comic's goal is clear: to honour Anderson and her legacy. It does this elegantly by showcasing her intellect, determination, and medical prowess. She’s depicted as calm, quick-witted, and compassionate – all the traits you'd expect from someone who would go on to change the face of medicine. Her treatment of the Doctor becomes a symbol of her brilliance and adaptability, while the Doctor’s presence – even while unconscious – acts as a subtle endorsement of her potential.

A DOCTOR OUT OF ACTION, BUT NOT OUT OF MIND

Ten himself spends most of the comic recovering from the alien poisoning, so it’s up to his friends and their historical guest star to carry the story. While Gabby and Cindy are front and centre, there isn't quite enough room for them to shine as individuals. They act as competent guides and emotional anchors, but the spotlight is squarely on Anderson’s journey – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just a different kind of comic, more focused on tribute than tension.

STRONG VISUALS WITH A TOUCH OF CLASS

The artwork is crisp and consistent with the overall style of the Tenth Doctor Titan Comics run – clean lines, expressive faces, and a grounded historical palette that suits the 19th-century setting. The period detail is handled well without overwhelming the story, and there’s a reverent tone in how Elizabeth and her world are presented. It's subtle but effective in reinforcing the theme of legacy and progress.

A QUIET, RESPECTFUL TALE

While there’s little in the way of action or alien antics, Nurse Who? works because it commits to what it wants to do: spotlight a woman who helped change history. It’s a gentle, respectful story that’s more about inspiration and legacy than it is about the usual sci-fi fireworks. The Doctor waking up in time to encourage Anderson on her path is a fitting, heartfelt moment – not showy, but sincerely done.

📝VERDICT:

Nurse Who? is a sweet, understated historical with a strong central focus on Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and her medical legacy. With the Doctor sidelined for most of the story, Gabby and Cindy take the reins, guiding us through a quiet tribute to one of history's real-life heroes. It won’t blow your socks off, but it’s a thoughtful, well-drawn story that serves as a lovely reminder that being a doctor isn’t always about sonic screwdrivers and space invasions – sometimes, it’s about breaking barriers and saving lives with heart and brains.