"Special snowflakes we all might be, but there really are giants of art," is a line used so well in the context of The Arts in Space. That was nothing but an exception read. I've been putting off reading these comics so this was a great story to return to.

There's so much I love about this story. Specifically it feels like what Doctor Who should be more often, like when Gabby first sets out on an alien planet and is moved to tears by the experience. Or the way the story is framed around her diary and experiences travelling with the Doctor for the first time. It's all really good stuff and really showcases what is great about Gabby.

Her identity as an artist is used thoroughly here and comics are such a great medium to explore a character like this. She might be one of my favourite companions I've encountered so far, though I've really only seen her in a few stories. The way she is able to bond with the artists she meets in this story is so cool, plus I loved the references to Logopolis. It fit with this whole idea of this artist named Zhe who is able to sort of create sculptures entirely through singing math. It's a concept that works well with Doctor Who and I really enjoyed this comic because of that stuff.

Little things hold this back from a 10/10 from me. Gabby's initial reaction to her first trip off of Earth is initially very realistic and well paced, but then she kind of just doesn't react as much when monsters start chasing her and she is isolated from the Doctor. These monsters are pretty scary shapeshifters so it is a little odd she is so unperturbed when she is attacked. Still, I love how they ulitmately resolve that conflict that is drawing on core parts of Gabby's identity to do so. I think that's a really good touch in the writing.

The only other downside is that I don't love this book's lettering. It felt unnecessarily hard to read for some of the diary parts that had a handwritten feel to them. There are two credited letterers from The Arts in Space which I found weird, so I'm not sure what was going on there. Either way, these minor faults only just barely detract from the overall experience. It's a **9/10** for me on the cusp of a full 10/10.