Doctor Who – The Chase action figure set

After locking horns with the Daleks on two occasions, the Doctor and his companions become the target of an assassination squad. Sent into the time vortex through the use of crude mechanics, the Daleks chase the TARDIS crew throughout history. A short distance ahead of their enemies, the Doctor decides to finally face the Daleks on the planet Mechanus where they meet stranded astronaut Steven Taylor (and his mascot Panda Bear… he’s very lonely) and the servants of the towering technological cityscape, the Mechanoids.

When the Daleks follow the Doctor and crew into the city, they are forced into a heated battle with a robotic force that rivals their own power. With powerful pincers and a blazing flame thrower, the Mechanoids attempt to wipe out the intruders. It’s one of the more memorable parts of the Chase.

(Click here for my review of The Chase)

This Winter, Character Options will be releasing a set of action figures commemorating this adventure. This is the second deluxe action figure set focused on the Hartnell era (the other being ‘Enemies of the First Doctor’ consisting of a Roboman, Cyberman and flame-thrower Dalek). Someone at CO adores the 60’s Who as much as I do!

From the classic story: ‘The Chase’, the Mechonoid figure is approximately 130mm high (160mm with the antenna extended) x 130mm wide. It features a swappable flame arm, flip-out claw arms and wheels. It is faced by the Daleks ready to do battle!

Contents: 1 x Mechonoid action figure with swappable flame weapon and 2 x Daleks (The Chase) action figures.

Release date: 16 December 2011.

Currently, this set is only available from Forbidden Planetin the UK. As soon as I learn of a US-based distributor, I’ll update this post.

I am happy to see more 1960’s Daleks, but the real surprise here is the Mechanoid, a robotic menace that only appeared briefly on-screen but remains an iconic Doctor Who ‘monster.’ A race of service droids on the planet Mechanus, the Mechanoids were just one in a long line of hopeful competitors to the popular Daleks.

The Mechanoids never rose to the same popularity as the Daleks, despite the fact that they were released as a line of Rolykins back in the day. In fact, I only know of one other use of the Mechanoids, in the Big Finish audio adventure ‘The Juggernauts.’

Still, producer Verity Lambert found them useful.

Producer Verity Lambert lights a cig off of a Mechanoid in Doctor Who -The Chase (1964)

As always, thanks to TARDISNewsroom for the tip!

Doctor Who – Enemies of the 1st Doctor Action Figure Set announced

Just announced from Character Options is a retailer exclusive set of action figures from the First Doctor era (1963-66); a Roboman from Dalek Invasion of Earth, a Dalek from The Daleks’ Master Plan and a Cyberman from the First Doctor’s last adventure the Tenth Planet.

(Click here for my review of The Daleks’ Master Plan and The Tenth Planet)

I am a collector of the Character Options Doctor Who Classics line and while I am very excited about this set, I must confess that I’d rather see some new monsters released from the 60’s. Perhaps a Voord, Koquillion or even a Zarbi! But these designs are costly and CO are being understandable conservative.

The Roboman is an entirely new sculpt and includes the mind control helmet and Dalek-lettering on the subject’s chest. In the story Dalek Invasion of Earth, the Daleks captured human beings and had them conditioned as slaves using crude methods that eventually drove them to madness and death.

The Dalek from The Daleks’ Master Plan is essentially a repaint of the very scarce model from the Evil of the Daleks model released in a Dalek box set ages ago. It does, however, sport a new edition – a flame thrower. Now kiddies can recreate the iconic moment from the lost classic as the dreaded pepper pots lay waste to the alien jungle.

It is unclear if the Tenth Planet Cyberman, previously available in the limited edition Age of Steel set and an even more limited single carded edition, will be altered in any way. Some fans are hoping that it will feature a removable cybergun (the weird thing at the bottom of the chest grill), but to date nothing has been confirmed.

True classics from the First Doctor’s era: A ‘Daleks’ Master Plan’ Dalek figure with the rarely seen flame arm, the chilling Roboman figure and the historic Cyberman figure from their first appearance in ‘The Tenth Planet’.

Contents: Dalek with flame arm, Roboman action figure and 10th Planet Cyberman action figure.

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Currently, this set is only available in the UK from Forbidden Planet with an expected ship date of December 12th and cost of £34.99. As soon as a retailer in the US announces that theu will be carrying it, I’ll update this post.

Thanks to TardisNewsroomfor the tip.

Doctor Who companions- Leela

Louise Jameson as Leela

The companions of Doctor Who have traditionally had a rough road to travel. Exposed to the terrors of outer space, mind control, natural disasters and killer plants or household items, they were often reduced to the role of the lady in distress. After several ‘screamers,’ producer Philip Hinchcliff and script editor Robert Holmes decided that there needed to be a change in the role of the companion. Created by author Chris Boucher (later of Blake’s 7 fame), Leela was introduced in The Face of Evil as a futuristic savage from a collapsed Earth colonist society on a far off planet. Brutal and surviving on animal instinct, she proved the perfect foil to the cerebral Doctor. Leela was popular with viewers, especially young female fans looking for a tough role model. The ‘dad’ audience was also head over heels with the scantily clad warrior and Leela has since become a cult icon of Doctor Who despite the reality that she was only on the program for a short period of time.

Louise Jameson starred opposite Tom Baker from Face of Evil in 1977 to The Invasion of Time in 1978. Classically trained, Jameson jarred with the loose acting style of Tom Baker who was no doubt intimidated by her appeal with viewers. It’s no secret that Baker was egocentric and a co-star who drew attention from him was not welcome at all. The two are said to have had problems working together on the set, but it was never noticeable to me as a viewer.

In America, Leela was incredibly successful and is often regarded as one of the most important companions of the classic program. Sadly, only a few of the writers realized the character to her full potential with Terrance Dicks (Horror Fang Rock), Robert Holmes (Talons of Weng Chiang, the Sun Makers) and Chris Boucher (Face of Evil and Robots of Death) stand out adventures for the character.

(more info on the Denys Fisher line at http://doctorwhotoys.net/denysfisher.htm)

Recreated in plastic form back in 1977, Leela was released as a second-hand Barbie-doll in the Doctor Who action figure line from Denys Fisher. Just last week, she debuted at the 2011 San Diego International Comic Con as the second classic Doctor Who companion to be released by Character Options. Packaged with her knife, Janus thorn, crossbow and stazer gun from Face of Evil, she is probably the most accessorized action figure in the line!

SDCC 2011 Leela in action figure format

Robots of Death clip

Next week, the Sunmakers will finally be released on DVD.
The Sun Makers DVD trailer

Leela can be ordered in the UK from Forbidden Planet and from Mike’s Comics in the US.

Recommended:

Doctor Who: The Sun Makers

Doctor Who: The Talons of Weng-Chiang

Doctor Who: Horror of Fang Rock

Doctor Who: The Robots of Death

The Master and TARDIS action figure set

The Doctor Who Classic line of action figures from Character Options is a delight. Magnificent detail work and a devotion to creating toys based on the popular characters and monster from the 26 year-run of the program have made it a hallmark of every Whovian’s collection.

The full assortment of Classic Doctor Who action figures - Wave 1

It has been rather full of Daleks lately. Just this month the final Davros set from Destiny of the Daleks has arrived. I have been very happy with this toy line, but am hoping that there will be some variety in the near future. In particular, a departure from repaints is desperately needed. The recent poll on the Daily P.O.P. indicated that an action figure based on the Brigadier and Emperor Dalek are wanted by fans and I add my voice to that demand, but I would prefer some new monsters such as the Silurians, Sea Devils and Yeti to name just a few.

Silurians and Se Devils from 1984's Warriors of the Deep

While a rumored Time Warrior set is likely to see a formal announcement shortly, a new set is on its way next month.

A Sontaran and the Third Doctor from the Time Warrior

Just announced is a new action figure set based on the Jon Pertwee adventure, the Time Warrior. The set will include a re-release of the first Master as played by Roger Delgado and his TARDIS (disguised as a large computer bank). Additionally, the crystal of Kronos the Time Monster and the Doctor’s tracking device will be included. If you are missing this iconic villain in your collection, this is a great opportunity to snatch one up and a TARDIS to boot!

The Master (Roger Delgado) and TARDIS from The Time Monster

The Master, back on Earth has constructed a device to gain control over Kronos, a creature from outside of the time vortex. He uses the device but it proves dangerously unstable. The Third Doctor arrives and shuts down experiment but the Master reactivates it, using it to ensnare a High Priest of the lost city of Atlantis, and then to attack UNIT forces.

The Master takes travels back to Atlantis in his TARDIS, now in the guise of an advanced computer bank, to steal the sacred Crystal of Kronos with which he hopes to dominate Kronos. The Doctor follows in his TARDIS with Jo Grant but can’t prevent his enemy destroying Atlantis.

Escaping in their TARDIS’s the Doctor and the Master confront each other within the time vortex where the Doctor threatens to ‘time ram’ the Master’s TARDIS, a huge explosion caused by two or more TARDISes trying to materialise in the same place in Space and Time. The Doctor cannot bring himself do it, but Jo operates the controls and the two TARDIS’s collide.

Instead of the expected explosion both TARDISes reappear in a strange void. The ‘time ram’ energy has released Kronos, who agrees to return the Doctor and Jo to Earth but, plans to destroy the Master. The Doctor intervenes and pleads for mercy on the Master’s behalf ensuring he too goes free.

Contents:
1 x The Master action figure
1 x Crystal of Kronos fragment accessory
1 x The Doctor’s time sensor device accessory
1 x Master’s TARDIS as a computer bank
1 x Master’s TCE accessor

Pre-order from Forbidden Planet in the U.K.

Pre-order from MikesComics in the U.S.

Doctor Who and The Revelation of the Daleks

Story 142
23-30 March, 1985

Davros has once again escaped the jaws of death only to establish a new hatchery for his Daleks on the planet Necros, where Tranquil Repose promises the dying of the universe a longer lease on life. In the cold mausoleums and funeral halls lurk dark secrets that threaten all of life. As the Doctor steps further into an elaborate trap, Davros prepares for the unveiling of his new creations on the galaxy.

The Daleks have always held a special place in Doctor Who. The first of the monsters, they are also the best and most bizarre. Strongly used sometimes and not so much others, they really came into their own in the 1980’s when the JNT era showcased the baddies in a somewhat connected trilogy. Following the grande guignol that was Resurrection of the Daleks in which nearly everyone on screen met a violent end, Eric Saward’s homage to Evelyn Waugh’s the Loved One (I highly recommend the wonderful film by Tony Richardson by the way) was if anything, more of a gruesome adventure.

A friend of the Doctor’s has sent a message from the planet Necros where a funeral mecca called tranquil repose is experiencing a massive boom in business. For those able to afford it (usually the wealthy and the politically important), a service of cryogenic suspension is provided, allowing the dying to stay alive a little longer while a cure to their various ailments is found.

Of course, it soon becomes apparent that there is a sinister spider at the heart of the organization. Known as the ‘Great Healer,’ Davros is conducting genetic experiments on the remains of Tranquil Repose’s customers to construct a new breed of Daleks. Encased in gleaming white and gold, these Daleks are absolutely obedient to their creator and offer none of the problems that his first creations have wrought.

 

The Doctor discovers his own grave

But there is more than one secret to Tranquil Repose. Kara and the Great Healer are corroborating in producing food stuff from the dead bodies to fight famine throughout the galaxy. What Kara perhaps does not realize is that the brains of the dead are being housed in redesigned Daleks. Worried that she may be undone by Davros, Kara hires a mercenary Orcini to assassinate Davros in his lair. However, two of Tranquil Repose’s staff have decided that they should take things into their own hands and have contacted the Daleks to remove Davros from Necros entirely.

You can see that all of these various plots combine in a violent and nasty conclusion. It also makes for one of the most inspired Dalek stories since Evil of the Daleks in 1968.

While he does get some stick for being over the top and camp, Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor had a magnificent first series. Graced with three returning monsters, the Master and a dual Doctor story, 1985 may have been a turbulent year for the program’s future, but there are plenty of corkers in the 22nd series with Revelation of the Daleks cited as one of them, even by those who dislike Baker as the Doctor. A challenging incarnation of the character that had become so familiar, but this story is a great example of where the production team wanted to take the Doctor.

Necros Daleks

The Sixth Doctor can easily be seen as an egocentric and bombastic alien with childlike tendencies in his first year. Actor Colin Baker was reportedly over the moon at getting the chance to play the most coveted role on TV and had a scheme to alter his performance over time; starting out as irascible and harsh at first to soften later on. There are traces of this concept in series 23 as he starts out as a loud and disagreeable dandy in Attack of the Cybermen but is much more toned down in Revelation of the Daleks. Of course, it helps that he is assisted by an excellent cast including Eleanor Bron as Kara, Alexei Sayle as the DJ, Hugh Walters as Vogel and William Gaunt as Orcini. Not to mention Terry Molloy who overshadows the story as Davros.

The soundtrack by Roger Limb is one of the best of the series, embodying the synthetic music of the time in the strange and creepy tradition of Tristram Cary and Peter Howell. The sinister threat of the Daleks along with the danger to the Doctor heightens from scene to scene as the Doctor stumbles deeper into Davros’ web.

The cast, setting, soundtrack, make-up and effects are in such fine form that it is a return to greatness after the rather shoddy effort earlier in the year, Timelash. Filmed on location at the futuristic IBM building in Portsmouth, the planet Necros has a tangible atmosphere aided by the swirling mist, snow-dusted terrain and the apparently deserted exterior of Tranquil Repose, surrounded by a moss-covered wall. There’s a feeling of dread that permeates the entire production starting with the mutant attack and carrying through to the Doctor facing his own death upon discovering a monument erected in his memory. Even the ordinarily arrogant and self assured Doctor seems out of his element.

‘Doctor Who – Revelation of the Daleks’ clip

Saward has been charged with including an element of extreme violence and dark humor that challenged the sensibilities of the viewers and BBC executives alike who saw a family program become a very different experience. Speaking as someone who enjoys this era, I can agree that this is a fair judgement, but it is also a reflection of the times. It should also be noted that as an actor, Colin Baker retains the role of hero in playing the Doctor, even if it is a rather different take on the idea. Saward had attempted to capture a Shakespearean level of grim cosmic theatrical violence in his previous monster stories Earthshock and Resurrection of the Daleks with mixed results, but in this case all of the various parts come together.

Director Graham Harper, returning after the stunning Caves of Androzani the year before, perfectly understands this modern take on Doctor Who and the result is an exciting, strange and creepy story that is still fondly remembered to this day. Harper is still bringing his sharp eye to Doctor Who today, directing some of the most challenging of the new program’s adventures including the Cybermen vs. Daleks affair in Doomsday.

Just yesterday, an exclusive set of Daleks, Davros (with missing hand) and the sixth variation of Colin Baker as the Doctor, complete with mourning cloak was announced. The image below looks a trifle odd, but it may be a prototype picture.

In this exclusive sets we present Davros, a Necros Dalek, a Skaro Dalek and the Sixth Doctor in his blue mourning cloak.

The set can be pre-ordered at Mike’s Comics in the US.

Buy Doctor Who: Revelation of the Daleks on DVD

Resurrection of the Daleks action figure scene recreation

‘Batmanmarch’ as he is known has been creating excellent original Doctor Who adventures using only action figures as his actors. With the entire gamut of monsters and classic Doctors 1-8, the possibilities are only limited by the young creator’s imagination which appears to be endless!

In addition to his original material and reviews (that I always check before purchasing any new Who merch), he has also used his act6ion figures to recreate classic scenes from the original Doctor Who series.

Below is a recreation of a stirring moment between the Doctor and the creator of the Daleks, Davros, from the 1983 adventure Resurrection of the Daleks (image for reference above). At this point in the series, the Doctor had mainly searched for a path of peace and understanding, despising violence as a solution to a difficult situation. After losing a companion to the Cybermen and witnessing the destructive power of the Silurians, the Doctor has come to the realization that while he may strive for a peaceful resolution, the universe does not operate by the same rules. Exhausting his options, he decides to kill Davros and end the threat of the Daleks forever.

You can of course see this classic moment on DVD, or below as recreated by the Character Options series figures (and a Bruce Wayne Kenner figure from Batman Returns hiding in the background!).

The season 21 Fifth Doctor variant, Davros, Supreme Dalek and Soldier Dalek have been released as a special limited edition set from Underground Toys. It’s a superb set that I highly recommend and will review shortly.

Click on the image to order the Resurrection of the Daleks set in the UK

Order in the US from MikesComics (and be sure to mention this article!). They have the best prices around and are also incredibly knowledgeable and courteous to boot!

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/anjab

Doctor Who and the Resurrection of the Daleks

Story 133
8-15 February 15, 1984
In the far future the Daleks are losing a galactic war, causing them to free their creator Davros from his cryogenic tomb on a derelict space station. Investigating a time contour that dragged the TARDIS to contemporary Earth, the Doctor and his companions have been drawn into an intricate trap by the devious Daleks. With the fate of not only the planet Earth but also his own people the Timelords hanging in the balance, the Doctor is forced to reconsider his stance on violence and finally decides that he may have to kill the Dalek’s creator Davros after all.

Aside from a brief appearance in the 20th anniversary special The Five Doctors, it had been many years since the Daleks’s last appearance on TV. Destiny of the Daleks, an awkward collaboration between Douglas Adams and Terry Nation, de-fanged the Daleks, making them into simply bumbling pepper pots. Eric Saward was determined to reinforce the threat and power that the classic menaces once held. Originally planned as the finale to the 20th anniversary series and titled Warhead or The Return, the story was rescheduled to Davison’s final series due to complications with Dalek creator Terry Nation. A violent, hopeless, blood-filled adventure, Resurrection of the Daleks redeemed the monstrous Daleks as the most dangerous foe that the Doctor had ever faced once again.

Peter Davison and Janet Fielding pose at Shad Thames with Daleks

Actor Peter Davison was only 29 when he was cast as the Doctor in 1981, but in his time on screen he had already proven that he was enough of an accomplished actor as to carry the most important role on BBC TV with ease. He moved and spoke with an alacrity that matched his white tennis trainers yet maintained a gentlemanly dignity that befit a man beyond the actor’s years. In fact, alongside Tom Baker, Davsion has one of the most enduring followings of any actor to play the Doctor in classic Who. After being disappointed in the quality of scripts for his second series, Davison announced that he was leaving the program. He was shocked to find that his final series was a vast improvement as scripts may not have been as intelligent or far-reaching as the previous years’, but they were much more exciting on screen and allowed the Davison room to shine as an actor.

The first fan of the series to be cast as the Doctor, Davison admitted in an interview at the time that he would have been disappointed to have left the program before he faced the Daleks. Luckily, he was allowed to face off against the classic monsters in one of their finest TV outings. The Doctor is seen to be brave, desperate and bold at times during the Davison era, but thus could be one of the actor’s best performances. The sequence where he begs with the clone of Stein as his mind is ripped away from him is wonderful as is what could have been his final confrontation with Davros. A very human and flawed version of the character by design, the fifth Doctor can be seen to be maturing to meet an exceedingly hostile and grim universe in his final adventures.

Resurrection of the Daleks is a decidedly down-beat story. The two settings; a deserted warehouse along the Thames and a space prison falling apart in the distant future, speak to the hopelessness and defeated quality of the world in which the adventure is set. The Daleks have lost a war against the Movellans and are seek out the aid of the creator Davros who has been in cold storage for some time after being thwarted by the Doctor on Skaro in Destiny of the Daleks. They have enlisted a mercenary force of humans led by a man named Lytton (soon to be seen again in Attack of the Cybermen) to help them break Davros from his prison and achieve revenge on the human race and the all-powerful race of Timelords, their hated foe the Doctor’s own people. Rather than simply trundling down halls and firing wild death rays, the Daleks in this story use deadly poisons that quickly decay the body and zap entire crowds of humans as they tear through the space prison. The Daleks had not looked so deadly since 1976’s Genesis of the Daleks.

Introduced in 1963, The Daleks were such a terrific draw to viewers that in time their intention was lost along with their impact. The problem could lay in two factors; one in storytelling and the other in TV production. As a rule, the Daleks are said to be the most dangerous and kill-crazy alien race in the universe. Armed to the teeth and encased in nearly impenetrable armor, nothing can stop them… yet something always does. The first two Dalek stories (The Daleks and Dalek Invasion of Earth) devise ingenious ways of undoing the Daleks’ plans, but subsequent TV adventures are a little less impressive. They are seen to be torn to pieces by Frankenstein’s Monster, attacked by plants, frozen by jelly, etc. For such an unbeatable foe, there are apparently countless ways to beat them. Likewise they are apparently the most dangerous foes with horrible aim. This is tied to the second factor involving TV production as Doctor Who was viewed as children’s program and therefore could not feature lots of death and destruction… but it seemed odd that for a race of killers they didn’t really do that much killing. Additionally, the Dalek props were terrible difficult to shoot on film. It was a task and a half to make them looking menacing or powerful, something that directors asked to participate in Doctor Who dreaded. Often a director would state that they were eager to work on Doctor Who but begged, ‘don’t make me work with Daleks.’

Director Matthew Robinson has a wonderful eye for drama and action (later seen again in the series 23 Doctor Who adventure Attack of the Cybermen) that fits this story perfectly. Everything from the opening shot of the desolate Shad Thames to the explosive raid on the prison ship is done with such precision that a cinematic quality is achieved. On the 2003 DVD extra feature, a more mature but no less dynamic Robinson can be seen framing sequences with is hands along Shad Thames of today, explaining with bated breath each shot’s importance.

biggerbaddaddy trailer

Script editor Eric Saward had already shown in his previous scripts (The Visitation and Earthshock) that he not only understood Doctor who storytelling techniques but could modernize them using classic monsters. Resurrection of the Daleks is a science fiction epic of a tale with alien races, galactic warfare and genetically designed weapons… but even so it does have problems. Saward himself states on the DVD that he applauds Robinson’s efforts and adds self-consciously adding, ‘given what he had to work with.’

While it succeeds in achieving the proper mood and moves at a quick pace, Resurrection of the Daleks has a few problems such as the plot which is rather ropey. At one point the most important thing is a pair of bombs left in a deserted warehouse alongside the Thames in 1984 London, at another point the focus is on Davros and the plots jar with each other so much that the real threat – a plot to replace world leaders with clones and sending a clone of the Doctor and his companions to Gallifrey to assassinate the High Council of Timelords. The last idea is only referenced on screen a couple of times and was so influential that it made an impact on a young writer at the time Russell T Davies, who later remarked that it was the first act of the Time War referenced throughout the 2005 Doctor who series.

Davros and his 'converted' Dalek guard

Davison may shine in Resurrection of the Daleks, but it is Terry Malloy who nearly steals the show as Davros. A part initially planned to be revived by the first actor to play the role, Michael Wisher, it went to Malloy after scheduling conflicts arose. Like the Master, there are many actors to play Davros, but very few of them nailed the part. Following a break-out performance by Wisher in Genesis of the Daleks, Malloy showed that his performance could stand on its own merits and in some cases come out on top. His dialog rises to a declaration of egocentricity seen only in dictators such as Mussolini or Hitler then crawls to a sinister whisper in true Shakespearean style. His performance wavered a bit in later stories, but it is on form here.

Janet Fielding, one of the longest reigning companions on Doctor Who at the time, also has a fair share of screen time and development. The feisty and rambunctious Australian who forced her way into the Doctor’s life is seen in this adventure nearly on the point of emotional collapse in the wake of the death and destruction around her. It was a statement of the times as entertainment had turned decidedly more violent and Doctor Who was not immune to the trend. However, unlike many other TV programs Doctor Who used violence to make a statement and Tegan’s tearful departure is a clear example. The character was afraid if losing her innocence and her courage in the face of such bloodshed while a mercurial TV character like the Doctor was adapting to meet the changing conditions he found himself.  It’s a very moving exchange that brings tears to many fans even today. You think Rose’s departure was a sorrowful affair? Watch this one and you’ll see it’s no contest.

Due to the transmission of the 1984 Olympics, this story was shown as two 45 minute-long installments rather than the traditional 22 minute episodes. When it was sold oversees there was an oversight in the audio files causing parts 2 and 4 to have lost all special sound effects and music. I recall watching this on my local PBS station and being terribly confused. It looked just like my friends and I playing Doctor Who with only the pow! sounds missing.

Released in limited edition packaging in 2002, the program was re-edited into 4 parts rather than the 2-part version that was aired in the UK. Next year, both versions will be released as part of the 2nd Re-visitations box set along with Carnival of Monsters and Seeds of Death.

Finally announced in action figure format are several long-awaited Doctor Who characters including the Resurrection-style Dalek and the Supreme Dalek but the most anticipated additions are the series 22 5th Doctor and classic series Davros. Previously the only version of the Doctor in his series 22 costume was the regeneration figure from Caves of Androzani. Likewise, the only version of Davros in the 5 inch Character Options line was from the new Doctor Who. A fan favorite story with many fond memories, this set is sure to fly off the shelves!

Click to pre-order the Resurrection of the Daleks set in the UK

UPDATE: Please pre-order in the US from MikesComics (and be sure to mention this article!)

Available on DVD:

Buy Doctor Who: Resurrection of the Daleks from Amazon

New releases 11/3/10

For the complete list of this week’s comics, click here.

Not sure where your local comic shop is? Try comicshoplocator.com!

(note: all information including ad copy is from the publisher)

If you can’t make it to the shop, just click on any of the images below to be taken to an online retailer. I don’t get any referrals for these sales, I’m just doing my bit to spread the word on some neat products.

Watchmen Rorschach Bobble Head

Watchmen Rorschach Bobble Head
Watchmen aren’t over…they’re just smaller!
First-ever Watchmen bobble head, featuring Rorschach!
Stands over 7-inches tall.
This first-ever Watchmen bobble head based on the hit movie adaptation of the classic graphic novel is the one and only Rorschach! Posed on a Doomsday clock base, Rorschach stands over 7-inches tall and features movie-accurate details. Order yours today!

Size: 7-inches tall

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Squadron Supreme By Mark Gruenwald HC Omnibus

Squadron Supreme By Mark Gruenwald HC Omnibus
By: Mark Gruenwald, Bob Hall, Paul Ryan, Paul Neary, John Buscema, Alex Ross
Hyperion! Power Princess! Dr. Spectrum! The Whizzer! Nighthawk!

What happens when the greatest heroes of an alternate world institute the Utopia Project, vowing to abolish war and crime, to eliminate poverty and hunger, and to cure death itself! Can they possibly succeed? And when do heroes stop being heroes? Mark Gruenwald explores the ethics of heroism in his best-known story. Guest-starring Captain America and featuring the end of a world at the hands of the Scarlet Centurion!

This title collects
SQUADRON SUPREME (1985) #1-12, CAPTAIN AMERICA (1968) #314 and SQUADRON SUPREME: DEATH OF A UNIVERSE
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Bullseye Perfect Game #1 (of 2)

Bullseye Perfect Game #1 (of 2)
By: Charlie Huston, Shawn Martinbrough, Tim Bradstreet
There was a year when no one knew where he was. When Bullseye – the world’s greatest assassin – simply vanished without a trace. In the glare of the white hot lights, no one noticed the lanky stranger with the rubber arm, throwing heat that could, well, take off a man’s head.

See, every man needs a challenge, a moment when he faces impossible odds, when he looks deep inside himself and sees what he’s really made of. Bullseye’s next pitch is one for the history books.

Parental Advisory

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Berlin #17

Berlin #17
By: Jason Lutes
The beginning of the third book of the acclaimed historical trilogy!

Kurt Severing, having forsaken his career as a writer, is a lost man. He finds himself drawn to the Communist party, the only viable opposition to the National Socialists, who in the election of 1930 have gained legitimacy in the national government.

Silvia Braun, bent on asserting her strength in memory of her murdered mother, comes into her own as a Communist street fighter, compromising her relationship with the Jewish family that has taken her under its wing. And the true nature of the relationship between Marthe Muller and Anna Albrecht is discovered when their landlady surprises them in bed together.

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Chaos War #3 (of 5)

Chaos War #3 (of 5)
By: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente, Khoi Pham, Bryan Hitch
THE END OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE IS NIGH! As the penultimate step in the destruction of all creation, the CHAOS KING’S annihilating army of slave gods — including an undead (and angry) ARES, GOD OF WAR — takes on every divine pantheon on this mudball called Earth!

Can Thor, Allfather Hercules and the God Squad rally Earth’s feuding gods to beat back their common enemy and save existence itself? Or will a shocking betrayal pave the way for the triumph of chaos and darkness?

More epic, divine madness from New York Times Bestselling ‘Incredible Hercules’ writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente and fan-favorite penciler Khoi Pham!

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Coffin HC 10th Ann Ed

Coffin HC 10th Ann Ed
By: Phil Hester, Mike Huddleston
The legendary cult classic returns to print in this deluxe hardcover tenth anniversary edition. Dr. Ashar Ahmad is a brilliant but heartless scientist intent on proving the physical existence of the soul, going as far as to create an impenetrable cybernetic skin that will trap the human soul after the body within has died-a walking coffin. Only when a dying Ahmad is encased in one of his prototypes does he realize the value of the life he has wasted.

A desperate race to reclaim his technology from an evil corporate overlord, and save the life of the daughter he once disavowed, force him to become the man he never was in life. An amazing combination of science fiction, horror, and spiritual awakening, The Coffin is one of the classics of independent comics.

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Iron Man Thor #1 (of 4)

Iron Man Thor #1 (of 4)
By: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Scot Eaton, Ron Garney
Thor, God of Thunder, Son of Asgard, heir to the ancient and mythic heritage of divine power! Iron Man, invincible hero, miracle of technology, offspring of scientific genius and engineering wonder!

These two mightiest of Avengers come together to face a menace that is both magical and technological, and which threatens to wipe away the pantheons of legend and science so it can replace them with a shocking new order for the Twenty First century!

Written by fan favorites DAN ABNETT and ANDY LANNING (Guardians of the Galaxy) and penciled by SCOT EATON (Doomwar).
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Graphic NYC Presents Vol. 01 Dean Haspiel Early Years SC

Graphic NYC Presents Vol. 01 Dean Haspiel Early Years SC
By: Christopher Irving, Dean Haspiel
Graphic NYC Presents: Dean Haspiel-The Early Years gives the low-down on the revolutionary indie artist, from his salad days working for Howard Chaykin on American Flagg! to his digital days spearheading the ACT-I-VATE Web collective.

The creators of nycgraphicnovelists.com, Christopher Irving and Seth Kushner, bring you Dino’s early Billy Dogma and semi-autobio comics presented against the framework of Irving’s essays and Kushner and Ryan Roman’s photography.

Along with a color section, this trade also features a never-before seen Billy Dogma story and artwork, all selected by Dean himself.

Enjoy 192 pages of Dino’s aggro-moxie in this sexy, black-and-white trade with a 16-page color section, the first of a new series by Graphic NYC!

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Hawkeye & Mockingbird #6

Hawkeye & Mockingbird #6
By: Jim McCann, David Lopez, Paul Renaud
Attention new readers: This shock-filled issue is a great jumping-on point! After last issue’s daring developments, learn what will impact our deadly duo next!

What is Hawkeye’s new mission? Why is Mockingbird in the Savage Land? What secret is Dominic Fortune keeping? And who is the mysterious organization that is launching plans to destroy the lives of our troubled tandem?

Time to leap on the rollercoaster that has Newsarama.com’s Best Shots raving ‘It’s lighthearted swashbuckling with romance and intrigue…just like the skills of its titular heroes, this is a book you can’t miss.’
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Marvelman Familys Finest #5 (of 6)

Marvelman Familys Finest #5 (of 6)
By: Mick Anglo & Various, Mike Perkins
With one word – KIMOTA! – newspaper copy boy Micky Moran becomes the invincible, indestructible Marvelman! In 1954, MARVELMAN #25 began the saga of one of the most storied characters ever to emerge from the British comics market.

Now, thrill to the adventures of Marvelman, Young Marvelman and Kid Marvelman as they take on enemy agents, mad scientists and more in this ‘best of’ series!

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Punisher In Blood #1 (of 5)

Punisher In Blood #1 (of 5)
By: Rick Remender, Roland Boschi, Francesco Mattina
Frank Castle is back. Back for revenge. Back in New York. Back to cleaning its streets. Back together, healed and strong, his mission resumed as he partakes in the sweet wet work, and notches up one of the highest body counts in Punisher history.

Cyber sensei Henry Russo is back, keeping Frank proficient with an eye in the sky. Others are back as well – two of Frank’s most sadistic enemies united in a new vindictive plot: Enter the Jigsaw Bothers!

Parental Advisory
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Doctor Who 5th Doctor & Master Action Figure Set

Doctor Who 5th Doctor & Master Action Figure Set
Imported from the UK! In the penultimate adventure of the fifth Doctor’s era, ‘The Planet of Fire,’ the fifth Doctor, Turlough, and Peri became embroiled in one of the Master’s latest schemes on the distant planet of Sarn.

This action-figure two pack features new figures of the fifth Doctor (portrayed by Peter Davison) and the Master (portrayed by Anthony Ainley) as they appeared in the 1984 Doctor Who story.

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Scarlet #3

Scarlet #3
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev
Here it is!! The latest chapter in the best reviewed, creator-owned comics sensation of the year! Scarlet has had enough and has planted her flag. The world is broken and she’s going to fix it. But there are those who will not let this stand. In this issue you meet them.

The sides are being drawn. The first issue sold out the same week it shipped! Are you going to let that happen to you again? Hop on the Scarlet train for a comic book experience unlike anything else out there!From the Eisner award-winning team behind Daredevil, Spider-Woman, the Avengers and Halo.

Parental Advisory
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Cthulhu Dice Bag Plush

Cthulhu Dice Bag Plush
When Cthulhu eats your sanity, you’re in trouble. But when he eats your dice, he’ll give them back! The Cthulhu Dice Bag is soft plush (15″ long, 9″ wide) with far more eyes, tentacles, and wings than any ordinary dice bag. He’ll hold dozens of ordinary six-siders or non-Euclidean polyhedrons in his zippered pouch. Or, of course, Sanity tokens from Cthulhu Dice. Using the Cthulhu Dice Bag in summoning rituals is not recommended, but mostly because summoning Cthulhu is really a bad idea…
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Bela Lugosi Tales From Grave #1

Bela Lugosi Tales From Grave #1
By: John Cassaday, Gammill, Basil Gogos
An anthology of stories in the classic horror comics tradition, presented by horror film icon Bela Lugosi with the help of his assistant, Hugo, and his sexy vampire groupie, Nosferina.

Also featuring Lugosi portraits by various artists, a short claymation-style photo strip starting the aging Lugosi and his Ed Wood film co-star, Tor Johnson and a text piece by eminent Lugosi scholar and author Gary D. Rhodes. Creators include Kerry Gammill, John Cassaday, Terry Beatty, Bruce Timm, and many more.

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Doctor Who Classic Season 18 4th Doctor Action Figure

Doctor Who Classic Season 18 4th Doctor Action Figure
Imported from the UK! The Doctor, as portrayed by Tom Baker, the fourth actor to essay the role of the enigmatic Time Lord from Gallifrey, masked his brilliant and inventive mind behind a facade of bohemian eccentricity. The longest-lived incarnation of the Doctor thus far, he was forced to regenerate after losing a fight with his old enemy, the Master, and falling from a radio telescope to the ground beneath him. This Doctor Who action figure pack comes with the fourth Doctor, wearing his burgundy jacket, accompanied by his trusty robotic companion, K-9. Blister card packaging.
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Jack Kirby Collector #55

Jack Kirby Collector #55
‘Kirby Goes To Hollywood’ as the Jack Kirby Collector examines the King’s forays in and out of Hollywood.

Inside you will find a comparison of the most recent Star Wars films to ‘The Pact’ and ‘Himon’ Fourth World issues, a look at his time at Ruby-Spears animation as a designer on Thundarr the Barbarian, how Kirby inspired Hollywood productions from the 1940s through today, plus how television and film were worked into Kirby’s comics work.

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Venture Bros Brock Samson Bobble Head

Venture Bros Brock Samson Bobble Head
The Venture Bros. has been one of [adult swim]’s top animated series since its debut, and this autumn the characters from the sardonic and slapstick series come to life as a series of 7″ tall bobble heads from Bip Bang Pow! Choose from stalwart secret agent Brock Samson, super-villain The Monarch, or expert necromancer Dr. Orpheus. Each comes atop a logo base. Window box packaging.
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Iron Man Legacy #8

Iron Man Legacy #8
By: Fred Van Lente, Steve Kurth, Juan Doe
Caught between the SERPENT SOCIETY on one side and THE PRIDE on the other in his attempts to remake the impoverished Imperio neighborhood in Los Angeles, TONY STARK makes the daring move to take his case directly to the people themselves-but can anything make them stand up against the super villain masters of L.A.?

One thing might, when IRON MAN makes an appearance-except at the moment it’s JIM RHODES under the golden mask, and he’s not too thrilled with what Tony is doing! Find out why here!

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Baltimore: The Plague Ships #4

Baltimore: The Plague Ships #4
By: Mike Mignola, Christopher Golden, Ben Stenbeck, Dave Stewart
While hunting the vampire responsible for the death of his family, Lord Baltimore gets stranded on a haunted island, where horrible fungus spores cover the beaches and rotting corpses don’t stay dead.

* Based on the novel by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden.

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Strange Tales 2 #2 (of 3)

Strange Tales 2 #2 (of 3)
By: Jaime Hernandez
Marvel’s critically acclaimed indie anthology returns! The best, most exciting cartoonists working today re-imagine Marvel’s greatest characters in three giant-sized issues! And with no ads! Get excited, folks. Comics absolutely do not get more awesome than this! Don’t miss out on what’s guaranteed to be one of the best reads of the year!!!
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What to Do When You Meet Cthulhu: A Guide to Surviving the Cthulhu Mythos

Providing insight into the famed Cthulhu mythos of H. P. Lovecraft as well as the countless mythical threats that creep among Earth’s population, this comprehensive handbook explores the transdimensional beings, subterranean creatures, and fantastical beasts that lurk in the corners of time. From encounters with Barnabas Marsh and Wilbur Whateley to dangerous seaside communities, this witty exploration covers the multitude of imaginary dangers, escape options, and chances of survival when confronting these horrors. Shoggoths, Nightgaunts, ghouls, and Cthulhu all have ventured into popular culture in the form of cuddly toys, but as this entertaining overview proves, these monsters are not so warm and fuzzy when met face-to-face, face-to-muzzle, or face-to-tentacles. Authoritative and hilarious, this “survival guide” sheds light on the mysterious and often unimaginable world of Cthulhu.
About the Author
Rachel Gray is a software writer. She has worked as a freelance copy editor, author, and designer for numerous publishers specializing in H. P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. She is the author of several dark fiction, fantasy, and science fiction stories. She lives in Detroit, Michigan. William Jones is an English professor and game designer. He is the author of The Strange Cases of Rudolph Pearson and Voodoo Virus and the editor of Dark Wisdom magazine as well as the anthologies Arkham Tales, High Seas Cthulhu, Horrors Beyond, and R’lyeh Rising. He lives in Metamora, Michigan.
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Classic Mummy 7 Inch Plush

Classic Mummy 7 Inch Plush
Frankenstein’s Monster. The Wolfman. The Mummy. The Creature from the Black Lagoon. For eighty years these cinematic legends have frightened and delighted audiences, and their adventures have become legendary. Now these classic Universal Monsters are ready to terrorize a new generation with Funko’s 7″ tall plushes!

Each of these iconic monsters are given a soft, loveable, and huggable makeover to bring their owners pleasant dreams, not horrific nightmares! Collect all four!

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Superboy #1

Superboy #1
By: Jeff Lemire, Rafael Albuquerque
Superboy is back in a brand-new ongoing series! Join Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH) and amazing up-and-coming artist Pier Gallo as they take Superboy on a journey to a side of Smallville not even Superman knows about!

What mysteries lurk beneath the surface of this all-American town – and what are their direct ties to Superboy? The start of the next great DC Universe epic begins right here!

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Godland #33

Godland #33
By: Joe Casey, Tom Scioli
BOOK THIRTY-THREE: DØGLAND

Sometimes, there are no words… Thank Iboga we’ve got a cover to show! And what a cover! Guess where Commander Adam Archer is goingÖ? GØDLAND’S TICKING CLOCK IS POUNDING IN THE EARS OF ALL HUMANITY!

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Thor By Michael Straczynski Omnibus HC Dm Variant Ed

Thor By Michael Straczynski Omnibus HC Dm Variant Ed
By: J. Michael Straczynski, M Djurdjevic, O Coipel, D Aja, Michael Turner
Witness the return of Thor in a story only J. Michael Straczynski could tell!

Returned to the pantheon of great Marvel heroes, the Asgardian God of Thunder is reunited with the mortal form of Dr. Don Blake. Together, they must reckon with the legacy of the mythic Norse kingdom and the awakening of its immortal heroes – but in a world that may not want them back! J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5 creator, Changeling screenwriter) hits a grand slam with his reappraisal of the Thor mythos, a creative success on so many levels the glowing praise from fans and critics alike is becoming routine.

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Walking Dead TPB Vol. 13 Too Far Gone

Walking Dead TPB Vol. 13 Too Far Gone
By: Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard
Life in the community is as near as Rick and his group can ever hope to come to returning to normal life. So why is Rick so on edge? Will his behavior spell doom for everyone else? Will they let it get that far?

MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

This title collects
The Walking Dead #73-78
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Mystery Society #4

Mystery Society #4
By: Steve Niles, Fiona Staples

After being framed for murder by the government, Nick and Anastasia are forced to abandon their home for a new, secret headquarters.

Meanwhile, in Baltimore, new team members Secret Skull and the robot Verne are hot on the trail of the thief who stole the skull of Edgar Allan Poe!
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Avengers Academy #6

Avengers Academy #6
By: Christos Gage, Mike McKone
Reptil goes Jurassic on Tigra! When Humberto is elected class leader of Avengers Academy, it should be a dream come true but instead it’s a nightmare!

As he struggles with the weight of his repressed grief and anger, added to the responsibility he feels to keep his teammates on the heroic path, something’s got to give…and it might just be Reptil’s humanity!

Plus: more on Quicksilver and Finesse, the villainy of Mentallo, and another Avengers guest appearance in the series that Comic Book Club Live hails as ‘All of the fun of ’90s New Warriors with a dark side.’
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Taskmaster #3 (of 4)

Taskmaster #3 (of 4)
By: Fred Van Lente, Jefte Paolo, Francesco Mattina
GUEST-STARRING NICK FURY AND STEVE ROGERS, SUPER-SOLDIER!

Fan-favorite anti-hero Taskmaster and his thoroughly involuntary sidekick/love interest Mercedes Merced are on the precipice of unlocking Tasky’s secret origin, which is so secret even he doesn’t know what it is.

The final leg of the journey involves storming a foreboding Bavarian castle … high in the South American Andes? And if that wasn’t bizarre enough, Taskmaster finds goose-stepping Seig-Heiling death in ‘THE TOWN WHERE EVERYONE IS HITLER’.

You need to read it to believe it! We guarantee you won’t read a stranger tale this year without the benefit of chemical enhancement!
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Doctor Who Classic 3rd Doctors Sonic Screwdriver

Doctor Who Classic 3rd Doctors Sonic Screwdriver
Imported from the UK! The Sonic Screwdriver is a versatile tool used by the Doctor for opening hatches, panels, and controls. Later uses included cutting through walls and even as a conventional screwdriver. During the third Doctor’s exile on Earth he had a larger and more detailed version, which had a decorated silver handle and stripes. This electronic replica features 2 sounds and spring-loaded sound activation.
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B.P.R.D.: King of Fear TPB

B.P.R.D.: King of Fear TPB
By: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi, Guy Davis, Dave Stewart
A story that began in the first issue of Hellboy concludes with the B.P.R.D. team set to permanently wipe out the subterranean colony of frog monsters that have been a story–driving plague. With Memnan Saa dead, agents Liz and Abe take on the powerful King of Fear–who ultimately reveals that it is, in fact, the B.P.R.D. members themselves who will lead the world to apocalypse, not the supernatural monsters, demons, or colossal squidbots.
* Collects B.P.R.D.: King of Fear issues #1–#5.

* Since being featured prominently in the two Hellboy motion pictures, The B.P.R.D. has established a large readership of its own!

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Green Lantern Agent Orange TPB

Green Lantern Agent Orange TPB
By: Geoff Johns, Philip Tan
The prelude to BLACKEST NIGHT is collected in this trade paperback featuring GREEN LANTERN #39-42! A war of light explodes across the Vega System – and the Green Lantern Corps, led by Hal Jordan, must battle the bizarre Orange Lantern Corps and its leader, Agent Orange, possibly the most vile being in the universe.

Plus, the Guardians’ pact with the criminals of the universe is revealed.

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Tom Strong And The Robots Of Doom #6 (of 6)

Tom Strong And The Robots Of Doom #6 (of 6)
By: Peter Hogan, Chris Sprouse, Karl Story
Has the menace of the Dero robots been eliminated? Have Tom Strong and Albrecht returned to the present day? What happened to Dr. Permafrost?

Will Tesla and Val ever get married? Join Peter Hogan and Chris Sprouse as they answer all these questions and more in our mind-bending finale!

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