Really interesting idea this story but it’s kind of a shame it’s the only time we’ve ever had Fitz and Izzy on audio. I loved Fitz’s story, Benny’s and Mary’s stories were both pretty good but I really didn’t like Izzy’s story, it felt far too over the top and the characters were irritating
It’s funny; knowing who Izzy Sinclair, Fitz Kreiner, and Bernice Summerfield are and which medium they originated from does little to prepare you for who they actually are as characters. I listened to this in probably the worst circumstances possible, with no previous experience of either of those three characters. I had not read the comics, the EDAs, or any of the books that Benny featured in. And yet, I found myself loving all of them.
The worst criticism I can hurl at this collection is that the stories feel a tad safe and unambitious in places. But, when considering them as stories emulating the ranges each companion belonged to, it slots into place rather well. The tone and overall premise of ‘Izzy’s Story’ is very on-brand for a comic book, just as the mad action of ‘Benny’s Story’ and ‘Fitz’s Story’ feel like a fun encapsulation of what to expect from the novel ranges.
Of the four, ‘Mary’s Story’ is likely my favourite, but that makes sense when considering it as the prologue to the eventual trilogy and the fact that I’m a sucker for a good integration of literary classics, haha
Benny Benny BENNY!!! I really liked Benny and Fitz in this set, but I found Izzy’s Story to be quite painfully misogynistic in a way that ruined the story for me. I barely remember Mary tbh
I remember listening to this set for the first time and I really enjoyed it overall. Benny and Mary’s stories were my favorite, then the other two. I liked that it pulled in companions from the various pre-BF media, while then setting up adventures with Mary Shelley.
Benny’s Story in particular was such a standout. I love how much reverence Lance Parkin has for the Doctor’s connection to the TARDIS and leaning into the lore aspects of Time Lords while also telling a fun story. That’s my jam.
Listened to Benny’s Story and Fitz’s Story so far and both were very fun stories. It makes me wish we got some Novel Adaptations or original box sets with the EDA teams.
EDIT: Izzy’s Story… happened. It’s a thing. Mary’s Story is brilliant. Overall, very good anthology.
I’ve only done a few random Benny stories before, and like, yeah she’s great! Her and Eight were great! So this one was great!
Fitz is iconic, I love him, I’m so sad he’s not in more audios (cuz tbh the books are very low on my to-do list). This one was a total blast.
Izzy’s was fine, and yeah that ending like, have these fake geek girls never heard of Metroid Samus? Izzy debatable I guess, but future guy should 100% know that a badass being revealed as a girl is by now a classic trope
Mary’s was okay, I can see why other people seem to like it the best, but the vibe just wasn’t for me today
Izzy’s a lot better in the DWM comics she originated in.
Mary’s Story is good, and the first in her dedicated trilogy, The Silver Turk is really good. The other two exist (I don’t remember any details). As a companion, Mary’s fine, but not one that sticks in the memory.
do you think I should hold off listening to The Company of Friends until I finish to EDAs?
I know it has several companions from those make appearances and I have yet to even start the EDAs, but I will read them.
also sorry this might be exactly the right place but it seemed the best option.
I’d say go for it. As long as you know the four companions are, you’ll be fine. I’ve only read maybe a couple Fitz novels, and that’s been probably over a decade ago. And I enjoyed his story fine.
