It feels like the DWM comic is benefitting from a breath of fresh air and new investment with this story. Scott Gray is on writing duties for the first time in a while and has a lot of creative energy in him. Ancient Greece is ripe for a new Doctor Who story and it’s delightful to see Rory join the comic for the first time, even if Mr and Mrs Pond look nothing like their TV counterparts. The most compelling thing I suppose though is the multiple plot threads and the more down to ancient Greek setting (grounded) which is paired with plenty of Greek gods (epic). The combo fits like a glove but also provides a nice contrast.

Socrates as the star of this celebrity historical makes for a fantastic hero. The fact he is down and out gives the comic a similar flavour to Vincent and The Doctor. You get a sense that The Doctor is truly in awe of him and is blindsided by him not living up to the version Plato portrays in his writing. This provides the impetus for some healthy drama and really strong and often very funny dialogue between Socrates, Amy and The Doctor.

The idea of the gods as constructs of faith and a machine is something that’s not a million miles away from well worn Doctor Who territory, but it is done so beautifully and tied elegantly into Socratic teachings. I wish there were more Doctor Who comics like this one.