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“BENEATH THE WAVES: A SEAWEED SOJOURN WITH THE TWELFTH DOCTOR”

Titan Comics’ third year of Twelfth Doctor adventures, The Time Trials, begins with Beneath the Waves, an aquatic escapade that throws Twelve and returning rock star Hattie into the depths of mystery. The setting—a 1970s English coastal town plagued by seaweed monsters and eerie monochrome dreams—immediately evokes Fury from the Deep, with additional hints of early Tom Baker gothic horror. The northern backdrop, a mysterious manor house, and a mounting sense of dread all make for a story that feels like a traditional Doctor Who serial—only crammed into a much faster-paced format.

The plot moves at breakneck speed. The Doctor and Hattie arrive just in time to witness the seaweed creatures attacking, and within mere pages, the Doctor himself succumbs to the same affliction as the townsfolk, slipping into a coma. While this is a classic setup, the comic format means there’s little time to properly develop the supporting cast or build tension. The Doctor’s coma, which could have served as a significant turning point, lasts only a few pages before he’s back on his feet, leaving little room for suspense to build.

ALIEN MESSAGE OR MONSTROUS MISUNDERSTANDING?

The seaweed creatures aren’t quite the villains they appear to be. Instead, they’re another misunderstood alien race trapped on Earth, attempting to contact the Doctor for help. Unfortunately, beyond this basic premise, little is revealed about their origins, their plight, or why they are stranded. This lack of depth leaves the story feeling a little hollow, especially since it pivots so suddenly from an invasion-style thriller to a rescue mission without fully exploring its alien antagonists.

One of the comic’s more intriguing elements is its opening sequence, which sees the Doctor visiting the oceanic world of Ocenia, unearthing an underwater tomb filled with Quarks. While this visually striking cold open has no bearing on the main story, it’s a fun moment that brings back a rarely seen Doctor Who villain from the ’60s, even if only briefly.

HATTIE'S RETURN – BUT WHY?

The return of Hattie from previous Twelfth Doctor comics feels somewhat underwhelming. While she serves a functional role—her music is crucial to the resolution—her character development stalls. She and the Doctor rehash much of their previous dynamic, and by the end, she’s dropped back at the Twist, making her reappearance feel somewhat redundant. It’s a shame, as Hattie had potential as a companion-like figure, but her presence here feels more like a convenient plot device than a meaningful return.

STUNNING VISUALS IN A RUSHED STORY

What Beneath the Waves lacks in character depth, it makes up for in stunning artwork. The Twelfth Doctor comics have consistently delivered some of the most vibrant and detailed visuals in Titan’s Doctor Who range, and this story is no exception. The underwater sequences are particularly breathtaking, showcasing things the TV series could never fully realise. The final sequence, where the Doctor and Hattie perform music on the seabed to free the alien ship, is both visually and conceptually striking—if a bit absurd.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

Beneath the Waves is an entertaining, fast-paced romp that plays with classic Doctor Who tropes but never quite slows down enough to develop them properly. While its atmosphere and artwork are stellar, the rushed pacing, underdeveloped alien threat, and Hattie’s unnecessary return make it feel more like a missed opportunity than a standout story. Still, for fans of the Twelfth Doctor’s era, it’s a fun, visually stunning ride—even if it never quite hits the depths it aims for.