The first issue of Titan Comics new Torchwood is on sale from today in all good comic shops and co-writer John Barrowman, aka Captain Jack, is urging fans of the show to “Get your copy and come on our incredible journey…” So, should you?
Here’s the details:
Torchwod #1
Writers: John Barrowman and Carole Barrowman
Artists: Antonio Fuso and Pasquale Qualano
Torchwood is back, in an all-new ongoing comics series written by Captain Jack himself, John Barrowman. Captain Jack Harkness is back in Cardiff, and there’s only one person he can turn to, the last person who expected to see him, Gwen Cooper.
On the road, on the run, and under fire, can the pair put aside their differences and rebuild the heart of Torchwood, before its flame is stamped out forever?
The new comics series is in continuity with the amazing new Torchwood audio dramas from Big Finish; join us both for the official continuation of the Torchwood saga!
The Review
So, is this new Torchwood #1 any good? Well, it’s certainly an in your face, action packed start, throwing creepy monsters, rival Time Agents, flying saucers and weird aliens into he mix. If you’re a Torchwood fan, and follow the Big Finish audio adventures, then I think you’ll love this. For those of us who know this Doctor Who spin-off by its TV incarnation alone, then you might well be asking for a score card mid-issue, just to keep track of Who’s Who and What On Earth (or Elsewhere) is Going On. (Thankfully, writers John and Carole Barrowman, clearly having a blast with this longer form comic adventure, also provide some helpful “Character Ident” information as the story unfolds.
Artists Antonio Fuso and Pasquale Qualano take the sudden changes of scene and their variety – alien planet, Welsh coastline and Norwegian fjord and Torchwood House among them – in their stride, and deliver some sold action sequences, particularly as #1 reaches a thrilling and definitely jaw-dropping climax.
I don’t think there’s any doubting the enthusiasm behind this book from all involved – it’s very in your face, has some Torchwood-styled gags at the expense of several characters love life and inclinations and, I hope, the story will begin to make more sense as it unfolds over the next few issues. In the meantime, hold onto your hat as you dip into #1, because it takes no prisoners!
What’s On Offer…
Cover A: Tommy Lee Edwards (See above)
Cover B: Photo variant (Will Brooks)
Cover C: Elena Casagrande
Cover D: Blair Shedd
Cover E: Rod Reis
Cover F: Blank Sketch
Books-a-Million / Fried Pie Variant: Claudia Caranfa
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: British Comics, British Comics - Current British Publishers, Doctor Who, Reviews