The Lodger (comic story)

 was a one-part comic story in the pages of DWM 368. It featured the Tenth Doctor and Mickey Smith and served as the basis for writer Gareth Roberts' later Eleventh Doctor television story of the same name.

It was further notable for giving readers a glimpse into Mickey's post-Christmas Invasion life.

Summary
The Doctor lands the TARDIS in present-day London, but before Rose Tyler can emerge, the TARDIS dematerialises due to the Doctor forgetting to lock the time settings; this causes the TARDIS to jump a "time track" and move forward several days. Left temporarily stranded in London while he waits for Rose to catch up (only a few seconds will have passed for her), the Doctor needs somewhere to stay. After an aborted attempt at visiting Jackie Tyler (who is otherwise occupied with one of her male suitors), the Doctor decides to crash at Mickey Smith's flat, where he proceeds to be a less-than-welcome houseguest. Meanwhile, a Bandrigan fleet approaches Earth with plans to destroy it.

Characters

 * The Tenth Doctor
 * Rose Tyler
 * Mickey Smith
 * Jackie Tyler (cameo)
 * Gina
 * Chris

Story notes

 * Mickey is shown sticking the sonic screwdriver into his mouth; it's possible the Doctor left it in the bathroom and Mickey mistook it for a toothbrush.
 * Sticking a sonic screwdriver into one's mouth results in tooth extraction, but the screwdriver is capable of putting them back in.
 * The Bandrigan threat is only minor, and only their vessels are seen (on Mickey's TV).
 * Mickey attempts to get the Doctor to use the alias John 'from Southampton'. This is the second DWM story in a row in which a single-name alias is suggested for the Doctor (although he rejects this one). Coincidentally, the Doctor's most common alias is John Smith.
 * The Doctor is a skilled football player.
 * The Doctor is savvy enough with video games to find a way to win a shoot-em-up without resorting to digital violence. He is also able to adjust Mickey's TV so that it picks up TV programmes from a decade in the future, as well as images of an alien fleet in space.
 * The strip formed the basis for an episode of Series 5, also titled The Lodger.

Continuity

 * This story takes place immediately after an unchronicled encounter with "some angry Lombards".
 * The story takes place over the course of four days, for the Doctor and Mickey; for Rose, only a few seconds pass.
 * This story appears to take place not long after DW: The Christmas Invasion, and well before School Reunion, as Mickey makes reference to the Doctor's recent regeneration, and is still seething with the jealousy he displayed in his early appearances (but has dropped by the time of School Reunion, when he becomes an official companion). Despite the conflict between them, Mickey ends the story reunited with Rose (if temporarily) and impressed by the Doctor, possibly paving the way for his friendlier disposition towards the Doctor in later episodes. It has been suggested, given that the opening scenes of DW: New Earth show London devoid of the snow covering it in the previous episode, that this (and perhaps other comics like it) precede New Earth in continuity, and that this adventure may directly lead into the TV episode.
 * Mickey mentions the events of DW: Rose, in particular his abduction by the Nestene Consciousness.
 * Mickey is also shown attempting to start a relationship with another girl (which the Doctor "accidentally" disrupts).
 * The TARDIS appears to land in the exact same location where it landed in DW: Aliens of London.
 * The Doctor offers to take Rose to Oxyveguramosa. (DWN: The Ultimate Foe)

For the Doctor and Rose

 * This story occurs after DWM: The Betrothal of Sontar
 * This story occurs before DW: New Earth

For Mickey

 * This story occurs after DW: The Christmas Invasion
 * This story occurs before TS: Tardisode 3