Hand on heart I never thought we’d get sets like these. This is pure squee, compressed intensely like dwarf star alloy. Not only are we getting a Sensorite set we’re getting a Voord set with stunning Ian Chesterton figure!
Here are the offical details
Continue reading Character Options reveals first doctor collector setsIn Conversation with Eddie
Kate Orman was one of the pioneers of new, original Doctor Who writing and a contemporary of Paul Cornell, Mark Gatiss, Gareth Roberts and Russell T Davies. She helped shape the series in a way still resonating on the TV version now, and is responsible at least in part for some of the most iconic stories of the series literary history and, of course, helped plot with Paul Cornell, the novel Human Nature. I beamed to Australia and back in one evening to initiate the Mind Probe… no… not the Mind Probe! Not again!!!
This is an archive interview provided by Eddie
Lee Sullivan is one of the leading comic book artists of his generation. With contributions in Tranformers, Judge Dredd and of course Doctor Who, he has helped shape British Comics in the last thirty years and given a unique look to some iconic Doctor Who strips.
I was lucky enough to speak to this personable and friendly artist, so hit him on the head and strapped him to the Mind Probe…
The Doctor faces off with Judge Dredd
When did you realise that your artistic ability was better than your peers?
Probably at around the same time I realized that my peers were all better at football than me – junior school I suppose. I’ve always been fascinated by the fact that most children can draw to the same degree when they’re very young, and then something happens – it’s almost as if there’s a limiter or something in most kids’ heads – they just stop wanting to. I think if you just carry on drawing, you get better. The degree to which you get better is determined by the amount of talent you have, but also by how much you draw, which is in turn governed by how obsessive you are about drawing. As a child I just drew ALL the time.
Continue reading Lee Sullivan InterviewI now want David Warner as an actual Doctor for a season….
If there is anything which televised Doctor Who has taught us, is that the reason this show works and works so well isnt special effects, it isnt CGI, and it certainly isn’t by using actors who don’t understand or appreciate the material. It’s held together by performers, writers and ultimetly fans who love and respect the material.
Luckily, in Tom Baker and Mary Taam, we have a TARDIS duo who not only understand WHO, but happen to be two of the most iconic and loved starts from the TV show. In Baker’s case, a convincing argument could be made that he IS the show.
After all, the image of Tom Baker, all curls, teeth, and the scarf was the defining image of the Doctor that many grew up with, hell, even those who didn’t grow up with him identify Tom with the show very strongly.
One of the concerns I had coming into BF was that with the medium being audio, perhaps the actor’s would be ‘off’ or maybe have aged past their characters. Thankfully, this was unfounded – Baker in particular sounds as if he was still in his pomp. A bit older, sure, but what is 40 years to a Timelord? Surely that’s how long they leave the teabag in the mug, isn’t it?
Now, I have to confess, I jumped straight into this story in somewhat River Song fashion – not realising that this was a follow on from an earlier story, wibbly wobbly tiey wimey, Biggy Finishy….
The Final Phase was the seventh and final story in the second series of the Fourth Doctor Adventures. Scripted by Nicholas Briggs and starring Tom Baker as the Fourth Doctor, Mary Tamm as Romana I, John Leeson as K9, and the legendary David Warner.
Sadly, this would be Mary Tamm’s final audio story, before her death.
So, what’s it all about? Well, The Doctor and Romana have been separated. The Doctor is assisting the Proximan fight-back. Romana and K9 are being held captive by the Daleks. As the countdown to the opening of the Quantum Gateway begins, the Daleks reveal their real, deadly plans.
All in all typical BF Doctor Who fare.
What’s Good? Tom Baker and Mary Taam, for a start. Both deliver performances that are not only equal to what they delivered on the show but in some cases, the audio format allows them more pause, more opportunity for variety. Baker in particular goes from clowning around to a snarling beast, a benefit of the more subtle nature that BF affords.
David Warner, what more can be said, than utterly brilliant, as he has been all his career. Its standard Warner fare – you know what you are getting, but by god, when it’s this good, how can I whinge. The Man is Ras Al Guhl, Eboneezer Scrooge and even Jor-El. A real, utterly classy, legend.
As usual, BF’s attention to detail in presenting immersive SFX should not come as a surprise. Indeed, the Nick Biggs voiced Daleks are at their most ranty and menacing. The effects for the Dalek ships are suitable 60’s Who, and the general atmosphere created will throw you straight into the TV series. Indeed, there is a lot to enjoy – particularly when material this well-produced is coming through a good quality sound system. So, what didn’t I like? Well to be fair, the subtleties and increases of the plot went over me a bit, but that’s entirely my own fault as I listened out of order, however, I can say that I followed what was going on and was thoroughly entertained in the process. To be blunt, chunks of this ade far more sense than the current TV series!
Warner’s Cuthbert, is another in a long line of fools who take the Daleks at their word. WOuld it not be good to get someone who knew what they were about from the off, who isn’t the Doctor?
Some of the scenes are repetitive, but this is a recreation of classic Who – let’s be honest, they specialised in repetition and filler. To complain too harshly would be like moaning about carrier bags and sticky tape being used as SFX.
Finally, would I recommend it? 100% I am going to go back and fill in the blanks and listen to the stories in the correct order, but moreover, if you want to hear top-class Who alumni doing their thing and taking the youngsters to school – this is for you. If you just want to enjoy Mary Taam’s final performance as Romana 1, or if you want to hear Tom, well, being Tom, or even if you are an old school science fiction aficionado who wants to roll back the years with a classic slice of the 4th Doctor.
3/5
Character Options have revealed two upcoming Dalek themed sets. The first features a rocket launcher holding Ace and an Imperial Dalek in the Coal Hill Set.
The second features a Hoodie Wearing 12th Doctor and Davors from the Witches Familiar S9 episode.
Coming soon from Big Finish: Forged In Fire.
Explore the War Doctor’s origin in this upcoming series by Jonathon Carley, Veronica Roberts and Nicholas Briggs.
Pre-order it now!
The masters of classic horror are available for a limited time at a very scary price. Click on the link to get 50% off tales from Edgar Alan Poe, Bram Stoker, M. R. James and Charles Dickens.
This ominous offer is only available until 23:59 on the 2nd of November!
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