The 4th Doctor, last to arrive, last to depart, tells the 10th Doctor that he appreciates him. The 10th Doctor expresses his appreciation for his 4th incarnation.
The 4th Doctor, Romana and K9 leave, but not before Romana let’s slip about an alien presence at the hospital on Earth.
The 10th Doctor is alone on the Eye of Orion.
STILL NOT the last page.
Awww…poor Ten. Romana is refering to mrs Finnegan (the Plasmavore). am I right?
Rich, I take my hat off to you – love the way you slip in all the continuity and references.
Tell you what, this is so good, im actually dreading the last page
.
I think i might cry when it finish’s
woot! Nicely set up for Martha’s adventures and Series 3! ^_^ I knew you’d put that in there somewhere, Rich =D
But aw poor Ten’s all alone once more… *sigh* =( Though actually it makes more sense now why he picked up Martha – meeting everyone from the past like this must’ve made him realise how alone he is without a companion…
Well, at least Ten recognizes his finest moment, eh?
Nice segue into Series 3 there.
I knew Romana would mention the hospital!
I just wanted to say…I was glued to this story when I stumbled upon it Yesterday. (May 24/09)
Great job…I am so looking forward to the continuation of this. I have been a fan of Doctor Who since the middle 1970’s. And this was just awsome.
Keep up the Great Work. *thumbs up*
Ange
Excellent page, Rich. Your writing ties everything together nice and neatly with plenty of references/tributes/whatever-you-want-to-call-them without having them seem like they’re trying to take over the story. You stick to the continuity of the television series very well, and even set us up for the episode that this is set before. If anything, the only problem I have with it is that doesn’t leave room for any adventures between The Runaway Bride and Smith and Jones, but as you don’t consider any of the non-televised material canon, I guess I can’t hold it against you.
And why do I have the feeling you’re going to conveniently end this at 250 pages exactly?
Almost finished!
Rich, you’re a master Who writer. I hope threads from this will spin into a new project! May I suggest a visit to the Time War? That right there is an epic in the spirit of The Killer Angels ready to be written! I can’t wait to see what your take on it would be!
and that explains why he examines the hospital
ohh, now he’s all alone again..
McGann’s the Mann:
Gold star for you, good catch!
Angelica and others: Thank you all so very much!
Sean: I’m not that good a planner.
Red: I thought about it, but I don’t know enough about the Time War to be confident to do a story on it. Don’t worry, however, I have lots of plans for future Who stories.
When you mentioned, a while back, where this story fits in to everything, I went back and watched ‘Smith and Jones’ and now I can’t without seeing flashes of this story. You could put in a way to explain the blue suit (maybe the 4th Doctor sticks his head out of the TARDIS and mentions that 10 would look good in blue before his TARDIS dematerialises)
Not the last page… but maybe the second last?
Oh dear… i’m gonna miss this!
Excellent page, Rich, even though a couple of “subsequent incarnations” share my personal Doctor limelight with the smartass.
I can’t believe this is actually really going to end.
@Rich: Do you, like RTD, know what Tennant’s last line is going to be? (In the strip, that is…)
Cheers,
Os.
Brilliantly crafted to explain how 10 ended up meeting Martha! I could have never come up with that…
“Don’t worry, however, I have lots of plans for future Who stories.”
Yeeeesssssssssssss!!!!!!!
So very true! Four ruled then and still rules now. My favourite Doctor, despite some serious competition from three and ten.
The only way it can end. With Ten alone again.
And so we say goodbye to the man who gave me the words I try to live by: There’s no point in being grown-up if you can’t be childish sometimes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRDPb3P0Qw0
Rich, this may STILL NOT BE LAST PAGE, but can I just say the ending so far has been fantastic. Absolutley fantastic.
Wait, I’m mixing my Doctors there, aren’t I?
omg please dont leave dalek ahn stranded on a loose plot string
I love how the scarf (or should that be “The Scarf”?) is still trailing out the doorway. That’s gotta make elevator rides tricky.
And it’s not an end that’s coming, everyone. Just a good place to pause for a bit. An intermission.
This has been terrific stuff, Rich. Magnificent. I can’t begin to imagine how you’re going to top the Ten Doctors. But I expect you’ll think of something
lol for the scarf…and there’s 10. Alone. Again. At least it’s not because the others are idiots this time. Sorry Rich, that’s the one part of this amazing story I can’t work: 10 just got un-Dalekised and then they leave him? Just like that? Ah well, minor details. I haven’t seen much of 4 in the actual show as of yet, but I know in the 5 Doctors, he ends by running into the TARDIS and slamming part of his scarf in the door. Did that happen often anyone? Wonderful as always, and a nice lead in to season three.
Great page
I know its not the last page but i just want to say thanks so much for this amazing comic, its been great at filling the doctor who gap left by the absent t.v show, and as this comic has motivated me to go watch the classic series, something i’ve never thought about before it will continue to fill the gap. I hope the doctors 1-8 are as brilliant as you show them to be. Thanks again
that alien presence in hospital you mentioned, thats from episode smith and jones?
The Doctor is at his best when he’s an unbearable, arrogant smartass. Even the man himself understands this.
Thanks Rich
I finallly got a star! I just assumed thats why you were leaving 4 and Romana till last
Now Rich you have said you have other comics you’ll be doing in the near future also of a whovian nature but can i get your word that some time in the next 5 years you will start an 11 doctors comic (or 12 if the fans crucify matt smith) i’m not demanding it right now and allowing you time to get used to 11 and plan another adventure, so what do you say a 5 year contract?
Sorry demands over, I just enjoyed this comic so much, it turned me form a new series and mcgann fan to a complete fan, splendid chaps all of them
Just me who finds it ironic that Rich only considers TV stuff to be canon, yet he’s making a non-TV spin-off? :p
But yay for Ten/Four/Romana! No K9 speech though
Oh nicely played Sir! Beautifully lined up so 10 isn’t lonely for much longer!
Wait… so… like Romana is responsible for all that jazz. I love it. And the duality of Ten’s reaction to Four (And four’s response is hilarious)
Nice! Perfectly leads into Series 3!
Seeing that the end is nigh, can you do a little preview of/tell us about your new Who project(s)?
Wow I can’t beleive this will soon be the end. Just looking at the last of the doctors leave 10 alone makes my heart race at the thought that this will all be over soon. And the reference to smith and jones was genius.
… But if I was the kind of person who loves nitpicking, which I am, I’d wonder if 10 would ever use the word ’smartass’. And If romana is so sure there’s an alien presence in the hospital, why is she telling 10, why not ask 4 to take there so they can sort it out themselves?
Really hope something develops on the tv series so some form of Gallifrey can come back..
I wonder what’s going to happen in this comic now…
Snaresman: Maybe because 2008 (or whenever it is/was) is more relevant to Ten’s time on Earth? Or because Four probably wouldn’t listen :p
Maybe we’ve already seen the last page…
http://comics.shipsinker.com/2007/03/11/doctor-who-comic-the-ten-doctors-page-1/
Snaresman: I agree with lewis, four would probably think its some sort of alien just visting the planet and wants to go somewhere else.
Ha! Nice! Someone had to mention the hospital, I knew that, but it makes sense that it was Romana.
And a lovely farewell scene between my two favorite Doctors. I love that 10 insulted 4 and then gave him a great compliment. Now, what can possibly be left, other than a scene of 10 standing on the Eye all by himself? I can’t wait to find out!
TakingtheMike: Stuck in a loop? Fun but doubt it’ll happen.
I love 10 calling 4 a smart ass.
But it was a great farewell scene between them. Keep up the great work.
Even though you’re not taking anything as canon unless it’s on-screen, Rich, I’m quite gutted there wasn’t a *moment* between Romana and Ten. Maybe a hint towards her Time War presidency or something.
I came in to this late in the game but I have to commend your work Rich. Such a loving tribute and honestly something I have enjoyed more than some of the stuff written for the actual series! I do hope that we will continue to get a weekly dose of your take on Dr Who because several friends and I check this every day for a new “fix”
@Lewis: Not quite a loop, but with minor details changing it’d mean we could enjoy Rich’s work forever
That was an unexpected outburst.
Doesn’t the Doctor claim credit for spotting an alien in the hospital himself in Smith and Jones, though (he says something along the lines of, “I wasn’t looking for trouble, I was just wandering by and something seemed wrong, so I decided to check it out,”)? Actually, that makes sense-I could totally see the Doctor taking credit for someone else’s hunch in this case.
Awwww, he’s all alone now.
Hey, Lewis and TakingtheMike! Changing minor details?? As in BOOM! Then Ace and Dr #7 run out to greet #10. Whereupon #10 yells, “Great Scot! It didn’t happen this way! Someone has messed with my timeline again!”
Ooh, near the end yet? Getting my tissues and notebook ready for the final pages.
Lewis, there was a tender hugh between Romana and Ten. Not a lot but I really loved it…
Mmmm . . . if you ignore the speech bubbles between Ten and Romana, it is almost like they were about to kiss with that look of intent. Oh well, fantasies are free. Romana runs away yet again . . .;)
Heh- the Doctor gives himself the kind of goodbye he knows he can appreciate – insults, hand in hand with an appreciation of the style.
And yes, TeenageMage, I agree, as the Doctor’s memory gets fuzzy, he tends to give himself the credit for anything that happened.
“This is not the last page”, (and variations there upon) is quickly becoming my favorite sentence in the English language.
Oh, I don’t know how British the word “smartass” may or may not be. But it’s about the only word that accurately conveys the sentiment. “Mr Know-It-All or
Mr Wise-Guy” doesn’t come close to describing #4’s arrogant cheekiness & humor. Although 10 can be snarky (that’s smartass without the arrogance).
BTW, Rich, I do appreciate 10’s remarks to 4 in this strip, as well as 4’s suggestion to 5 in yesterday’s strip. Although I too was expecting a Watcher reference! (I saw Logopolis–for the ? time–about 4 weeks ago.)
I’m usually really really against Doctor/Person “ships” but Ten and Romana II are really awesome together!
DJ: The British variant is ’smart arse.’ The ‘TARDIS telepathic circuits’ where probably accidentally left on the default US spelling setting on it’s translator when it translated from Gallifreyan. Happens all the time with my grammar checker!
@TeenageMage: The Doctor always takes credit for what Romana says. It’s an old habit by now, don’t you think? XD
Taking The Mike…………………….. Brilliant idea………. I only wish someone had mentioned it a while ago………….?
Sorry. I’m being an overbearing, arrogant, smartass…………………… #
Rich………….. yet again, this is exceptional work. You must be SO proud of how many lives throughout the world you have touched with your work.
I hope that I can speak for we undeserving followers and bow slightly and say…………………………..
YOU ARE THE MASTER. AND WE WILL OBEY YOU #
Trevory: I don’t think I’m spoiling anything if I say that there will be a teaser for the next strip immediately following the end of this one.
Good bye……
Good bye…….
GoodBYE…….!
(good BYE….!)
:’)
Oh, why does this have to be over soon??
Lovely, just lovely.
Hmmmm…wonder what Romana is talking about.
That was lovely…and you know what, even though he’s alone again… i have the feeling that 10 is going to face the future in a bold new way…. i know cos it was on TV 2 years ago! lol
It’s a pity he’s going to forget all this… maybe that why he claims he spotted the alien presence, he found himself at the hospital, didnt know why and stumbles on the plasmavore’s trail.
My only grip with this page is that 10 claims the rest paled in comparison to 4… so why did he say to 5 that he was his favourite?? (I know 4 is your favourite Rich, but televised canon and all…. lol j/k)
Cannot wait to see what else is planned sir… i was hoping we’d get a “What? What?! WHAT?!” with 10, but if the next adventure is with another Doctor then thats a-ok with me.
Oh, BRILLIANT!!!! THAT’S why he was snooping about when the Judoon came calling.. Oh Simply brilliant, Rich…
And it begins and ends with 10.
4 is one of my favorites, I must admit. He is all of the above, and more. And of course, I love the tie in with the series. Of course he has to check it out now, he’s the Doctor, and that’s what he does. ^^
Mass, I thought the “always paled” line was a little odd too, but Rich can express his feelings.
Gotta love this page, Rich, and all the others. I can’t wait to see the next strip… It’s ALL good!
I’m not so sure 10 is going to forget what occurred. He’s at the far end of the causal chain, and therefore he gains no foreknowledge of events on his own timeline. No paradox, no need for correction. He might even “retroactively” recall things from each of his prior incarnation’s points of view. Deja Deja Vu Vu all over again . . .
I agree with the above comments about ’smartass’, it’s just not something the Doctor would say (any of them!), and it just grates a bit… ’smart arse’ would have fit much better. But that’s just being extremely arsey (!) and nitpicky about an otherwise brilliant read.
RJO: I can see him getting a headache in the next page where he remembers everything his other selves did…
And Rich? That was a brilliant tie in to Smith and Jones.
Hilary: Thanks for replying! Now I can’t wait till tommorow!
…. I guess next page will be the end for 10 Doctors then?
It’s quite funny how Ten and Four smile in the exact same way in panel 5. Great job Rich, as always looking forward to the next page and dreading that it’s the last.
So Romana is responsible for “Smith & Jones” ? – Another reason to love her
I think Ten would say smartass as he has a bit more love of pop culture…he did say ‘corrtectomundo’ once!
There is still the Monk coming and going. He just popped away. That might be all that is left to be resolved, might be enough to end it on a solid 250.
I’ve figuring the Monk stuff will take at least two pages then two to close.
Either way thank you very much for giving us this incredible story over the last couple of years, particularly this year when we have so little Who to have.
Rich, you could have not written any better scenes than these goodbye ones. You do have so many people, followers, just waiting to see the next page which is mind blowing. You have captivated the entire Doctor Who community and you know what? I am just beginning to think, you might just be the No 1 Doctor Who fan. You deserve that title, nothing less. Well done, Rich!
I only started watching “Who” with Eccleston, but have gone back and seen a fair bit of the old series. I have to concur: the Fourth Doctor is my favorite Doctor, courtesy of a wonderful portrayal, great companions, and some of the very best storytelling in the entire run of the show.
A few niggles… such as the Champion of Time comment by Davros. If Ten is to remember this in “Smith and Jones” onwards, why doesn’t the Doctor ask Davros about it in “Journey’s End”? I know technically why he can’t (as this was posted after JE and so forth) but still a niggle. So I hope Ten forgets this. Or I hope, at least, he forgets most of it. Maybe he can just remember some?
Heh…I, like everyone else, love the Smith & Jones reference…
Slight niggle; 10’s already said 5 was his favourite incarnation in canon…
Though Five will always be “my” Doctor, I agree that Four, through sheer force of character, not to mention length of tenure, does tend to eclipse all of the others.
Yay, not the last page.
On a technicality, I think the British say aRse. Or maybe thats just the Australians (Both variations are accepted). Whatever…never mind.
Brilliant comic!
You know when I started reading this I was barely approaching Doctor Who, after reading this (and constantly checking the Doctor Who Wiki) I became obsessed with the show. I must thank you for that Rich, you’ve made a wonderful job.
And you know what? 10 will always be My Doctor, but in my mind 4 is the “Real” Doctor. No one can live up to him, noone.
Oh, and one more thing, I agree that 10 and Romana look about to kiss in panel 7, and I love it! As I mentioned before I decided Romana is the Doctor’s true love
Before I forget again!
I think I found something that might ease the loss of “The 10 Doctors”, Mister Paul… eh….Gadzikowski creator of Arthur King of Time and Space (a retelling of the Arthurian myth in various settings) has put his comic into a Sabbatical, telling some sort of Doctor Who-Star Trek Crossover with King Arthur and Co. instead of the Enterprise crew and Merlin instead of the Doctor. Also he has a fanfiction crossover site with a lot of Doctor Who.
It HAS made feel better over the “The 10 Doctors” inminent Finale.
The tenth doctor said a very bad word! He needs soap in his mouth!
I think 10 was channelling 6 in panel four. That was perfect!
Also, in what may have been a good sense of restraint on both his and Rich’s part, the fourth Doctor never offered anyone a jelly baby in any of this comic.
Rich: re: my last comment–I think…it’s one of those things where plain text just can’t convey tone of voice. I never even _considered_ what Four was saying was still part of the “party” atmosphere…until you said that. Then I realised well, okay…if I thought of Four saying it in a COMPLETELY different _tone_ from what I had been imagining, then…yeah… I suppose it WOULD rather change the impression the words give.
But I just didn’t happen to think of it.
So, in other words, just a misunderstanding. Text really _doesn’t_ convey tone very well.
However, I have to say–I’m not normally quite THIS histrionic. (Mostly, but not _quite_…) Really. It’s just…lately I’ve been not only depressed as per my usual life-suckage, but my best friend hasn’t been saying anything to me for MONTHS, when we normally communicate in at least short letters back and forth, and I’ve seen/done/found out about so _many_ funny or interesting things lately that I can’t tell her about that I’m starting to FORGET them, which is driving me _nuts_. I know she’s really busy, but…
Anyway, so that’s why I’m even more off my head than usual lately. Depressed AND don’t have anybody to _really_ talk to. Sorry.
And yeah, (back to the comic) you’re right, Sean–Four HASN’T offered anybody a jelly baby yet. AAA! THE UNIVERSE IS AT AN END!
On a similar note, when I hit that scene in “The Mysterious Planet” where _Six_–not only a nod back to Four, but the other BAKER, specifically–started handing out jelly-babies to the two “diminuitive blonde twits”–I just fell OVER cracking _up_…!
Anyway, hmm. Perhaps they SHOULD go check out that alien life force at the hospital, before it becomes more of a problem…
…Notorious
Aw, Rich, that was great. That was a nice, big hug you drew there between the Doctor and Romana. Considering he knows what’s going to happen, I can totally see Ten giving Romana a very big hug since he has the chance.
Ahhh, marvelous as always. The parting of the ways between Ten and Four made me chuckle and the melancholy musings over Five a couple pages back made me mist up. Four and Five will always hold special places in my hearts… er, heart. Davison’s hiring was announced shortly after I first discovered the show (that’s one I owe you, Marvel Comics), so it was their adventures — their personalities — that made me love it.
Again, Rich, I tip my hat to you. This comic has brought them back, brought them all back, in a way sadly no longer possible on television. Whovians owe you a great debt. Thank you.
Butwhat about the monk?
Sean- maybe 4 didn’t offer any jelly babies, but he was ‘represented’ by jelly babies on page 202.
love the scarf hanging out of the Tardis in the last panel
Brilliant.
i bet on the last page when the doctor dematerialises matt smith will walk in.
oh… soz for double post. heres a animated doctor who scene i made.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTK-E-tlOk8
Tbh, I’m disappointed with how four was portrayed here. He didn’t do much, and he wasn’t like himself in the show. And 10 has the wrong idea about him, completely. Ah well. Still a fun comic.