Previously: Absolved for the murder of Tara Mishra, the Doctor successfully defeated his evil doppelgänger – a sentient entity formed from his worst impulses and darkest desires. With the help of Rose and Tara, the Doctor cast the monster into the Void – the empty space between universes. But where was Captain Jack? After his objectionable actions as a Time Agent were revealed, he left the TARDIS in shame… But he can’t hide from his friends – or his past – for long.
COVER A: Wellington Diaz
Harkness… Jack Harkness.
Focusing on Captain Jack and his time as Time Agent (time as… geddit? …sigh), this first instalment of a whole new arc will be an absolute delight for fans of John Barrowman’s future Torchwood leader, dealing with what exactly led to his transformation from dashing secret agent to equally dashing rogue and con-man.
Jack has been a popular character in the ongoing Doctor Who canon ever since his debut and, while Torchwood was an immense success, there may have been something of a missed opportunity in never telling the tale of the good Captain’s days in the time agency. That is rectified here in some small part as Jack takes centre stage, cast as an intergalactic James Bond, a “blunt instrument” that is as uncomfortable with his role of assassin as he is comfortable with dressing to impress in a tuxedo. The glimpses of Agent Harkness’ missions are a cruel tease, promising Weeping Angels and shenanigans with Captain Hart, but these are all a story for another time perhaps, here we see Jack taught a lesson he could never be comfortable with - don’t ask questions.
Writer Cavan Scott knows his Captain Jack, perfectly capturing all the charm and sly wit of John Barrowman’s portrayal in a story full of intrigue and action. This is the Jack we came to know and love in Doctor Who, very much the wise-cracking Bond as opposed to some of his more somber and melancholy appearances later in Torchwood. Cris Blson’s art excellently invokes the era, complimenting the style of Scott and capturing all three of our series regulars excellently, imbuing the opening pages with the glamour and fun of the time agent’s life, the rain-sodden conclusion echoing Jack’s inner turmoil.
The mystery of the Captain’s missing memories look’s set to potentially be concluded as the series draws toward a conclusion. With a shocking cliffhanger to answer and Jack set to “face his biggest enemy yet – himself” in next months instalment, the astonishingly successful Ninth Doctor series is heading toward a barnstorming finish.
Titan’s Ninth Doctor #13 - Secret Agent Man is available now from ForbiddenPlanet priced £2.65
You can get a sneak peak at the opening six pages and alternative covers by checking out our preview!
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