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“The Twist: Murder, Music, and Monsters"

A rocking adventure that blends a punk Twelve, a mysterious colony, and humanlike foxes in a classic Who romp.

Punk Rock Twelve in His Element

Set on The Twist, a human colony world in the 40th century, this story kicks off with the Doctor attending a rock concert—a quirky and very Twelve activity. Peter Capaldi’s punk-infused Doctor shines here, as his rebellious energy feels perfectly at home in the gritty, music-fuelled setting. His dynamic with Hattie, a bass player from the band, is a highlight. Hattie’s cool, grounded demeanour contrasts nicely with the Doctor's manic brilliance, making her a promising companion candidate.

Murder Mystery Meets Classic Who Tropes

The story begins with a murder mystery as the Doctor investigates a series of deaths blamed on Jakob, a brooding and volatile character. This initial intrigue gives way to a traditional Doctor Who runaround involving secret tunnels, futuristic cityscapes, and monstrous creatures. While the shifts in tone keep the pace lively, the narrative occasionally feels predictable, especially with its well-worn tropes of misunderstood monsters and xenophobic humans.

The Foxkin: Eerie but Familiar Antagonists

The Foxkin, humanoid foxes who evolved from the original colonists, are a unique visual addition but ultimately fall into familiar patterns. Their secret existence drives their hostility, as they kill anyone who uncovers their presence. The twist that humans are their genetic creations adds a clever reversal to the "evil colonist" trope but doesn’t entirely escape the shadow of similar narratives.

Jakob’s role as the aggressive, anti-Foxkin human positions him as a foil to the Doctor’s more empathetic worldview. While his motivations are understandable, his descent into outright villainy feels overly telegraphed.

Visual Brilliance

The story’s art style is stunning, with photorealistic details, moody lighting, and beautifully designed environments. From shabby concert venues to the neon-lit "power park" with its electronic trees, every location feels richly atmospheric. The tunnels beneath the colony are especially evocative, enhancing the story's suspense.

Hattie and Jakob: New Companions in Waiting?

Hattie’s curiosity and adaptability make her an engaging stand-in for the companion role, and her musical background adds a fun, modern twist to the classic formula. Jakob, on the other hand, is more contentious, questioning the Doctor’s ethics and providing conflict. While these dynamics are interesting, neither character is given enough depth to distinguish them significantly from previous companions.

A Familiar Conclusion

The final act delivers a classic Doctor Who ending, complete with a stirring Doctor speech and a resolution that preaches understanding and coexistence. Predictably, Jakob is unmasked as the murderer, solidifying his role as the antagonist. Hattie’s invitation to join the Doctor hints at exciting possibilities for future Titan Comics stories, marking a fresh chapter for Twelve post-Clara.

Verdict: Rocking Yet Routine

The Twist is an enjoyable adventure that captures the essence of Twelve's era while leaning heavily on familiar Doctor Who themes. The murder mystery, while engaging, wraps up predictably, and the Foxkin are intriguing but not groundbreaking as monsters. However, the stunning visuals, lively setting, and the Doctor’s punk charm keep the story afloat.

📝81/10