Among the sixty-five years' worth ofDoctor Whostories, some of the most exciting tales often remain outside the familiar realm of television. These hidden gems give unique perspectives and expand the Whoniverse in exciting ways, telling stories that might never fit the confines of the small screen, yet deserve wider recognition.
One such impactful story is the comic adventureThe Weeping Angels of Mons, written by Robbie Morrison with art by Daniel Indro,featuring the Tenth Doctorand his companion Gabby Gonzalez.
The story transports readers into the harrowing trenches of World War I, confronting the horrors of war with the chilling menace of the Weeping Angels. It’s a powerful exploration of sacrifice and the cost of conflict,proving how effectively Doctor Who can tackle weighty historical events.
The Desperate Plight of Soldiers Trapped in Time
The Weeping Angels Of Mons, Written By Robbie Morrison With Art By Daniel Indro
The comic thrusts readers into the grim realities of the Western Front in 1916.The Doctor and Gabbyfind themselves amidst the mud, bombardment, and despair of No Man’s Land, where soldiers face not only the enemy but an unseen horror. The Weeping Angels, starving and relentless, prey on the countless lives destined to be cut short, feeding on the temporal energy of potential futures. This setting increases the terror of the Angels, making an already desperate situation infinitely worse.
Morrison skillfully marries historical accuracy with science fiction threat, making the Angels an even more terrifying, almost mythical presence in the war-torn landscape.The story explores the desperate choices made for survival, not shying away from the sheer scale of human suffering during the Great War.The art captures the brutal atmosphere, with stark colors and detailed renditions of both the battlefields and the Angels themselves.
The Angels' motivation takes on an unexpected twist;rather than merely sending victims to the past, they are consuming the potential futures of soldiers who would likely die anyway.This new approach to a familiar foe adds a layer of moral complexity to their actions, questioning if, in such a dire setting, salvation is truly a curse. Is it truly a lesser evil to consume a future that would otherwise be violently cut short? Such nuanced storytelling is a hallmark ofDoctor Whoat its best.
The Weeping Angels of Monsreaches a bittersweet climax as the Doctor and Gabby navigate treacherous tunnels, confronting the Angels while trying to save lives.The Doctor’s enduring compassion, even when faced with overwhelming odds and moral dilemmas, never wavers.Ultimately, the story honors the sacrifices made during WWI, reminding readers of the human cost of the conflict.The comic manages to convey the sprawling scale of the war, while also focusing on the individual tragedies within it.
Who Is Right, And Who Is Wrong? Angels Against Humans (And A Time Lord)
The Weeping Angels Remain One OfDoctor Who’sMost Haunting Monsters
Gabby’s journey gives readers a grounded human perspective on the unimaginable horrors. She witnesses firsthand the devastating impact of war andthe Angels' cruel harvesting of lives.Her interactions with soldiers, particularly Corporal Jamie Colqhoun, touch on themes of wartime camaraderie and the fleeting nature of hope in the middle of constant death and destruction. The story portraysthe Tenth Doctorin a more somber light, deeply affected by the futility of the conflict.
The visual horror is palpable, truly capturing the essence of these silent, deadly assassins.
The Weeping Angels of Monsalso thoughtfully addresses the challenge of depicting static creatures like the Weeping Angels in an equally static medium. Indro’s art overcomes this inherent difficulty by making the Angels exceptionally unnerving and detailed, emphasizing their stillness against the chaotic backdrop.The visual horror is palpable, truly capturing the essence of these silent, deadly assassins.
The Weeping Angels Of MonsDeserves A Television Adaptation
With David Tennant Back InDoctor WhoCanon As The Fourteenth Doctor “Bigeneration,” The Adaptaion Is Possible
The Weeping Angels of Monswould be a fantastic television episode for several reasons, starting with its unique historical setting.The trenches of World War I offer an incredibly atmospheric and grim backdrop that is perfect for the haunting Weeping Angels.The inherent tension of the battlefield filled with constant danger, claustrophobia, and limited visibility, naturally complements the Angels' method of hunting. Visually,a television adaptionwould be stunning, with muddy landscapes contrasting with the horrific, unmoving statues.
The story’s thematic depth, particularly its exploration of war and sacrifice, takesThe Weeping Angels of Monsbeyond a standard monster-of-the-week episode.It provides a poignant allegory for the lives lost and futures stolen by conflict, which is a themeDoctor Whotraditionally excels at telling.Such a story allows for a more mature and somber tone, pushing the boundaries ofwhatDoctor Whocan achieve thematically.
The depiction of the Tenth Doctoris another strong argument for adaptation.The comic captures David Tennant’s Doctor, balancing his usual wit with a deep sense of melancholy and responsibility.Seeing Ten grapple with the ethical ambiguities of the Angels' actions in such a brutal setting would give ample opportunity for the rich character development and emotional depth that David Tennant so beautifully brings toDoctor Who. His struggle to maintain hope amidst despair would be powerful viewing.
The comic also offers a brilliant, unique twist on the Weeping Angels themselves.Their feeding on potential futures in a war where life is cheap is a chilling new dimension to their horror, but one that is fitting for the bleak era.This shake-up would prevent the Angels from feeling repetitive, offering a fresh interpretation of their threat on screen.
The supporting characters, particularly Corporal Jamie Colquhoun, are well-developed and contribute deeply to the story’s emotional core.Their bravery, camaraderie, and tragic fates would create a human drama alongside the science fiction elements.AdaptingThe Weeping Angels of Monswould not only bring a celebrated comic to a wider audience but also deliver a truly unforgettable andimpactfulDoctor Whostory to television screens. It offers a chance to explore a historical period with a unique Doctor Who lens.
The Weeping Angels Of MonsIs A Dark Story BefittingDoctor Who’sDarkest Creatures
The Story Is On Par With The Iconic Episode: “Blink”
The inherent claustrophobia of trench warfare combined with the Angels’ nature creates an unprecedented level of tension. In the same way that Rory Williams (Pond) hears the echo of the cherub Weeping Angels in Central Park in “The Angels Take Manhattan,“The Weeping Angels of Monsthrows the Doctor and Gabby into muddy tunnels, constantly aware of the Angels’ unseen presence, always just a blink away.
The emotional payoff of seeing theTenth Doctor’s genuine anguishover the futility of war, coupled with his determination to protect even a few lives, is striking. It taps into the core of his character, his compassion and his enduring fight against injustice, even when the odds are stacked impossibly high. This story allows him to truly shine in a way few others do in the world ofDoctor Who.
