‘Supremacy of the Cybermen’ graphic novel reviewed

❉ Titan’s Summer 2016 miniseries celebrating 50 years of the Cybermen, collected in a hardcover edition.

Supremacy of the Cybermen is the latest comic compilation from Titan Comics. Created as their event story of 2016 that would also coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Cybermen, it also seems rather timely now. Just last week it was announced that the original Cybermen would be returning for the incoming season of the show proper. Exciting times, Cyber-wise.

Speaking of exciting, I have to say that this is one of the best Cybermen stories I have come across in quite a while. George Mann and Cavan Scott have crafted a tale that uses their ability to upgrade and evolve as a fierce tactic to not only survive, but conquer! The Cybermen, that is. Not George and Cav. Though I bet they’re adaptable enough.

Naturally the Doctor will have to save us, and he just about doesn’t! Not so much a multi-Doctor story in the traditional sense, as the whole gang never actually gets together, but don’t let that spoil your fun. Let’s take a look at the main participants here.

The Ninth Doctor is back! Would you know it? He’s fantastic! Mann & Scott perfectly capture (a phrase that will be used a lot in this review) Eccleston’s Doctor and it’s so good to have him again. I quite love Jackie Tyler having such a large part in the proceedings.

The Tenth Doctor is also present and he’s brought along some friends! This is my first time experiencing his comic companions, Gabby and Cindy. My verdict on them? I LOVE THEM! Just what he needed post-Donna. They are funny, sassy and proactive. Seriously, they are some tough and brave women. If this is how they are in Titan’s Tenth Comic series I will shortly checking that out in full.

Tennant’s Doctor is perfectly captured (told ya I’d say that again) in comic book form.

Also in the Tenth Doctor portion of events are some rather intriguing Sontaran action. Including the appearance of a Sontaran Prime! (He’s awfully cuddly. Seriously. He’s like Potato Santa. WANT.)

The Eleventh Doctor is out getting some prehistoric fruit for Madame Vastra. As you do. Unfortunately, I don’t think I got a very good handle on his comic companion Alice here. Admittedly there’s not a lot of page-time (Is that a thing? It is now) for her. Thankfully, the dialogue for Eleven is pitch-perfect. If you can hear the actor perform it in your head, you’ve struck gold.

The Twelfth Doctor. Be still my heart. It’s the Aging Rocker Doctor! He’s come here to forget Clara and kick Cyberass, and he’s already forgotten Clara.

Taking full advantage of the gap year, Mann and Scott have placed this as an almost direct continuation to where we left things off in ‘Hell Bent’. It also answers some questions that story had left hanging. (The Sisters of Karn could get to Gallifrey? Would’ve been nice to mention that at least once Ohila!)

Chock full of cheeky visual references and in-jokes for fans of all sorts.  Made by some very talented writers who have implemented some wonderful, innovative ideas that makes this a treat to behold (and beread too!).

I don’t know what the show proper has coming up with the Cybermen, but it’s going to have to work hard to top this.

Highly recommended.


❉ ‘Supremacy of the Cybermen’ (Writers: George Mann, Cavan Scott; Artist: Alessandro Vitti) was published by Titan Comics on 7 March 2017, RRP £19.99. ISBN: 9781785856846

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