Podstallions, the plaid Stallions Podcast

I am a big fan of the Plaid Stallion blog, a place where I can reminisce over old Star Wars newspaper ads, watch crusty off-air videos of Mego dolls and leer at the weirdest vintage lingerie ads I have ever seem. This week, a podcast was started up and happily enough it is about a fan favorite topic, Doctor Who.

Doctor Who Signature tune 45 record

Genesis of the Daleks- the record narrated by Tom Baker

An off-air shot of Sarah Jane Smith in Pyramids of Mars

As an American fan, I am most familiar with the PBS airings of Tom Baker which ran from 1978 until Peter Davison was introduced in the 80′s.There were no tie-ins until 1982/3 when the Target books, Marvel Comics reprints, the role playing game, rusty home-made badges, posters and the 45 records of the signature tune along with a few cassettes of sound effects. There was just so little to get and so few places to get them aside from the odd comic book convention.

I’ll have to upload a newspaper cover featuring me in my weird Colin Baker costume.

The podcast is fascinating because it is about the experience of growing up with the program and how it differed in Canada, where it started much earlier with Jon Pertwee episodes as well as being preceded by… get this… an educational introduction. There are so many gems in this podcast about how frustrating it was to be a fan in the 70′s/80′s compared to today.

Vintage Doctor Who talking Dalek toy ad

Give this a listen, visit the blog, and be happy.

Also, please feel free to chime in with your stories about what your childhood relationship is with Doctor Who, where you grew up, and how it impacted your life.

This week at your comic shop – 3/13/13

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.

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Doctor Who K-9 Action Figure W/TARDIS Play Set

Doctor Who K-9 Action Figure W/TARDIS Play Set
Travel through time and space with the Doctor! This extraordinary TARDIS Playset based on the sci-fi TV series Doctor Who. The TARDIS Playset’s amazing interior features a detailed Master Control Console! Made of thick dollhouse-like cardboard in a retro 1970s style, in scale with Bif Bang Pow!’s 8″ Doctor Who action figures, the playset includes a bonus figurine of the Doctor’s trusty cyberdog, K-9! Playset measures 11″ tall x 5 1/2″ wide x 5 1/2″ long.
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Wolverine #1

Wolverine #1
By: Paul Cornell, Alan Davis
IT’S HUNTING SEASON!

The best there is at what he does gets an all-new on-going! Pay attention very closely: there’s a mystery here that even Wolverine hasn’t sniffed out yet. When Wolverine finds himself the bargaining chip in a hostage situation, he must make a decision to save a little boy that will follow him forever. . . literally!

How can a berserker fight what he can’t see? And how far will he go to assert his humanity in the face of the Unknown?

Find out when superstars Paul Cornell (CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI:13, Doctor Who, Action Comics) and Alan Davis (AVENGERS, CLANDESTINE, EXCALIBUR, UNCANNY X-MEN) take on the Wolverine!

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The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 (2nd Printing)

The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 (2nd Printing)
By: Francesco Francavilla
* After launching to rave reviews The Black Beetle: No Way Out #1 sells out!

*Dark Horse goes back to press for a 2nd printing, this time with a completely new cover by Eisner Award winner Francesco Francavilla!

Black Beetle’s investigation of two local mob bosses is interrupted when a mysterious explosion murders them and a pub full of gangsters-taking out most of Colt City’s organized crime in one fell swoop. Who could pull off such a coup, and what danger might that murderous bomber do to Colt City and Black Beetle?

“Francavilla delivers the pulp noir that suits his style perfectly.”-Comic Book Resources

“The hard-boiled mystery hits the ground running and doesn’t pause to catch its breath.”-Nerdist
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Star Wars #3

Star Wars #3
By: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, Gabe Eltaeb, Alex Ross
Princess Leia formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wings to help expose a spy within the Rebel ranks. But taking command puts her at odds with Luke Skywalker at a time they need solidarity more than ever-especially when the spy has alerted the Empire to Han Solo’s latest venture!

* Dream team: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, and cover artist Alex Ross!

* Perfect starting point for new readers!

* Fan-favorite Star Wars classic-era characters!
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Batman #18 Variant Ed

Batman #18 Variant Ed
By: Scott Snyder, Andy Kubert
Welcome guest-artist Andy Kubert!

In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, Batman is in danger of losing his humanity!

Fan-favorite character Harper Row returns-will she be able to pull Batman back from the brink?
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Crime Does Not Pay Archives Volume 4 HC

Crime Does Not Pay Archives Volume 4 HC
By: Dick Wood, Lev Gleason, Rudy Palais, Charles Biro, Bob Q. Siegel, Richard “Dick” Briefer, R.W. Hall, ARt Gates, Art Mann, Alan Mandel
Crime Does Not Pay-the true-crime comic that enjoyed massive circulation throughout the forties and fifties-was a hit with readers. Issues #34-#37 of this visceral, provocative series are now collected into one fine, head-walloping hardcover.

* new foreword by David Lapham (Stray Bullets, The Strain)!

* Set the pace for the violent pre-Code comics era.

* Look for new Crime Does Not Pay in Dark Horse Presents!
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Monsters From The Vault #31

Monsters From The Vault #31
The issue will feature first-time MFTV contributor, John McElwee’s look at the Ballyhoo that helped promote Bride of Frankenstein during its original release as well as re-releases over the years. Greg Mank returns to our pages with a look at the James Whale film, One More River (1934). Rounding out the issue is Gary Rhodes’ article on the 1947 Bela Lugosi Film, Scared to Death, an excerpt from Candace Hilligoss’s upcoming memoir on the making of Carnival of Souls, and Larry Underwood’s article on who’s truly responsible for the Monster’s look in 1931′s Frankenstein.
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Green Lantern Corps #18

Green Lantern Corps #18
By: Peter J. Tomasi, Fernando Pasarin, Juan Jose Ryp
‘WRATH OF THE FIRST LANTERN’ continues!

The First Lantern has already devastated Kyle Rayner. Now he sets his sights on Carol Ferris and the rest of the New Guardians.

How will the First Lantern’s unique, sadistic power shatter the lives of Larfleeze, Saint Walker, Arkillo and the rest?

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X-Men Legacy #7

X-Men Legacy #7
By: Simon Spurrier, Tan Eng Huat, Mike Del Mundo
Refusing Wolverine’s offer to join the X-Men, David Haller must now decide exactly how he will carry out his father’s legacy.

But upon venturing into the world on his own, will he be beaconed back to Westchester by his budding fascination with young X-Man Blindfold? And more importantly: How will their future together change the fate of mutantkind?

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Fantastic Four #5

Fantastic Four #5
By: Matt Fraction, Mark Bagley
The F4 travel back to ancient Rome and dine with Caesar on the Ides of March.

Did somebody say, ‘Pass the knife’?

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Ghostbusters Elite Ecto-1 1/18 Hotwheels

Ghostbusters Elite Ecto-1 1/18 Hotwheels

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Uncanny X-Men #3

Uncanny X-Men #3
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo
Everything has changed for Magneto in the last few weeks. Can he prove he is still the Master of Magnetism?

Cyclops and the rest of his crew take the revolution on the road gathering up more new mutants.

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Saucer Country #13

Saucer Country #13
By: Paul Cornell, Ryan Kelly
On election night, Arcadia’s chances of reaching the highest office in the land are too close to call. . . just like Prof Kidd’s chances of holding on to his sanity. In Part Two of ‘President’s Day,’ our heroes are forced to ask: Whose side are the flying saucers on?
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Thunderbolts #6

Thunderbolts #6
By: Daniel Way, Steve Dillon, Julian Totino Tedesco
The team reaches the bloody end of their first mission! The final deadly team member is revealed!
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Threshold #3

Threshold #3
By: Keith Giffen, Tom Raney, Howard Porter
Former Green Lantern Jediah Caul leads an assault on the powers behind the game. . . a very ill advised assault.

Introducing CAPTAIN K’ROT!

In the backup feature, the hunt for Larfleeze’s stuff turns up evidence that the theft was an inside job!

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Thor God Of Thunder #6

Thor God Of Thunder #6
By: Jason Aaron, Esad Ribic
GODBOMB Part One

Somewhere at the end of the time, all the gods of the universe are enslaved, working to build a machine that will forever change the face of creation.

What is. . . the Godbomb? And what can Thor, the last free god in all the cosmos, do to stop it?
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Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #7

Peter Cannon Thunderbolt #7
By: Steve Darnell, Jonathan Lau, Alex Ross
In ‘Pyramid Schemes,’ Peter Cannon is in Egypt, where he learns some disturbing facts about the missing Princess Ahmoset.

Meanwhile, as Thunderbolt, his plans to summon the dragon once more bring him into contact with the explosive Sons of Adam!
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Fearless Defenders #2

Fearless Defenders #2
By: Cullen Bunn, Will Sliney, Mark Brooks
DANI MOONSTAR joins the Defenders!

Valkyrie and Misty prepare to take on the Doom Maidens.

Plus: A closer look at our sadistic new villain!
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Shadow #10

Shadow #10
By: Victor Gischler, Aaron Campbell, Alex Ross
Revolutionary Part 3 (of 4) – The Shadow, along with faithful sidekick and pilot Miles Crofton and new partner in adventure George Orwell, pursues The Black Sparrow across the war-torn Spanish countryside. Cranston must decide how he’s going to confront the woman who is both former lover and current adversary, but there is a new player in the mix! Just who is the maniacal El Rey? The Shadow must thwart El Rey’s plot to rise from the debris of a war shattered nation and install himself as supreme ruler.
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Secret Avengers #2

Secret Avengers #2
By: Nick Spencer, Luke Ross, Tomm Coker
‘Bagalia’

Nick Fury knows who he wants for the new Secret Avengers–the deadly mercenary known as Taskmaster!

Trouble is, how to extract S.H.I.E.L.D.’s newest prospective agent from the only prison cell in Bagalia — the nation-state built by and for super villains!
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Doctor Who Classics #1

Doctor Who Classics #1
By: Richard Starkings, Andy Lanning, Matthew Dow Smith
Doctor Who Classics is back!

This new series presents strips never before reprinted, and in color for the very first time! In this inaugural issue, enjoy two complete stories featuring the Seventh Doctor, ‘Time and Tide’ and ‘Follow That TARDIS!’ by such luminaries as Richard Starkings, Andy Lanning, and Dougie Braithwaite!
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Age Of Ultron #2 (of 10)

Age Of Ultron #2 (of 10)
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Bryan Hitch
For years the heroes of the Marvel Universe have lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its desire to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth — that day has arrived.

This massive 10-part Marvel Universe-spanning event is brought to you by Eisner award-winning writer Brian Michael Bendis and comics legend Bryan Hitch.
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Rocketeer Hollywood Horror #2

Rocketeer Hollywood Horror #2
By: Roger Langridge, Jason Bone, Walter Simonson
Cliff Secord on the run! Betty in the clutches of the ghastly Otto Rune! And what is Peevy’s connection to the missing scientist? All this and more. . . as the Rocketeer must prevent nothing less than the wrath of the Lord Himself!

More pulp action in the great Dave Stevens tradition!
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Cable And X-Force #5 (Yu Variant Cover Edition)

Cable And X-Force #5 (Yu Variant Cover Edition)
By: Dennis Hopeless, Salvador Larroca, Greg Land
X-FORCE is officially on the run.

Cable must face his daughter Hope, the savior of AVX.

The Uncanny Avengers are hot on their trail!

This variant cover edition comes bagged and boarded.
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Illustration Magazine #40

Illustration Magazine #40
This issue features the lurid and sensational men’s adventure illustration of Bruce Minney. The feature showcases numerous examples of rare original artwork, printed covers, and previously unpublished photographs.

Next up we feature the work of Norman Lindsay, our second feature on the legendary Australian artist.

Our final feature concerns the work of George Stavarinos, a brilliant and influential illustrator from the 80s whose life was cut tragically short.
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This week at your comic shop – 2/20/13

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.

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Guardians Of Galaxy #0.1

Guardians Of Galaxy #0.1
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven
Move over Avengers the Guardians got this. Star-Lord. Gamora. Drax. Rocket Raccoon. Groot. and the Invincible Iron Man?!

The Marvel Universe just got bigger as the legendary cosmic epic returns in the hands of superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, All-New X-Men) and Steve McNiven (Civil War; Old Man Logan). In this special prelude issue meet the man behind the Guardians: Star-Lord and discover how this child of Earth became the leader of the rag-taggiest of teams in all the Galaxy.

All setting the stage for next month’s historic Guardians of the Galaxy #1. This is the start of something big, Marvel fans.
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Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #2 (of 12)

Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #2 (of 12)
By: David Tipton, Lee Sullivan, Francesco Francavilla
Our yearlong celebration of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary continues! Oh my giddy aunt! It’s time to break out the recorders, as the Second Doctor takes the spotlight in this issue of a 12-part epic adventure featuring all 11 incarnations of the Doctor!
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Masks #4

Masks #4
By: Chris Roberson, Dennis Calero, Alex Ross
With the law twisted and perverted to benefit the unjust, those who serve justice have no choice but to operate outside the law. The Spider digs into the shadowy past of the new governor, but what he finds raises more questions than it answers.

Back in New York City, the Shadow and Green Hornet are marshaling their forces, as vigilantes and heroes like the Green Lama, Miss Fury, and the Black Terror join their cause.

Meanwhile, a blind lawyer and a fugitive artist find themselves standing alone against the might of the Black Legions.
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Flash #17

Flash #17
By: Francis Manapul
The finale of ‘GORILLA WARFARE’ as Barry’s battle with Grodd comes to its bone-crunching conclusion! Don’t miss the introduction of one of The Flash’s greatest foes!

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Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #5

Steed And Mrs Peel Ongoing #5
By: Caleb Monroe, Will Sliney, Lorena Carvalho
Mods IN SPACE. It’s well established that our spies are the swingingest secret agents in all the land, but what about in the galaxy? Emma Peel and John Steed enter the Space Race, thanks to the rocket-fueled talents of Caleb Monroe and Will Sliney!
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Hawkeye #8

Hawkeye #8
By: Matt Fraction, David Aja
Cherry’s got a gun. And she looks good in it. Hawkeye gets distracted. Just like you are right now.
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Aquaman #17

Aquaman #17
By: Geoff Johns, Paul Pelletier
A startling epilogue to ‘THRONE OF ATLANTIS’!

With the secrets of Atlantis revealed, Aquaman is confronted by a horrible myth from Atlantis’s past that’s connected to his own. Plus: Mera confronts a longtime enemy.
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Marvel Noir Marvel Noir Wolverine And X-Men TPB

Wolverine And X-Men TPB
By: Fred Van Lente, Dennis Calero
The Marvel Universe – shot in noir!

Hard-boiled, hard-drinking private eye Jim Logan is the best there is at what he does. And when Mariko Yashida saunters into his office, he knows she’s trouble when he sees it. It’s the case of Logan’s career – if he survives.

Meanwhile, discredited quack Charles Xavier rots in jail. He used to train desperate teens into canny grifters, but now one of his ‘X-Men,’ Jean Grey, is dead – and corrupt police chief Eric Magnus is closing in on the rest.

Then: Logan, Cyclops and the avenging Angel find the Gem of Cyttorak in the stinking jungles of Madripoor – but all it’s done is put a target on their backs. And what kind of monster is Nightcrawler?

This title collects
X-MEN NOIR #1-4, WOLVERINE NOIR #1-4, X-MEN NOIR: MARK OF CAIN #1-4 and WEAPON X NOIR #1.

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Uncanny X-Force #2
By: Sam Humphries, Ron Garney, Olivier Coipel
BISHOP VS. UNCANNY X-FORCE!

What secrets does the man with the ‘M’ on his face bring from the future?
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Batman The Black Mirror TPB

Batman The Black Mirror TPB
By: Scott Snyder, Jock, Francesco Francavilla
Originally published in DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877, this epic from the writer of BATMAN, SWAMP THING and AMERICAN VAMPIRE forces Batman to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils!

Plus: The corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City’s foremost banks, setting a deadly mystery in motion!

This title collects
DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877

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Uncanny X-Men #2

Uncanny X-Men #2
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo
There is a mole on Cyclops’ team, but who is it? When you hunt the UNCANNY X-MEN you use Sentinels, but when you find out WHO’S DOING THE HUNTING your jaw will drop!
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Batman The Dark Knight #17

Batman The Dark Knight #17
By: Gregg Hurwitz, Ethan Van Sciver
Ethan Van Sciver’s first storyline as regular artist continues as the gory details of The Mad Hatter’s past are revealed! With The Mad Hatter kidnapping citizens all over Gotham City, not even Batman can figure what he’s after.
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Uncanny Avengers #4

Uncanny Avengers #4
By: Rick Remender, John Cassaday
Red Skull and his S-Men move forward their take over of New York. A member of the Uncanny Avengers joins the S-Men! When the chips are down, the fight all but lost, one Avenger must rise and face the terrible might of The Omega Skull!
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Dark Shadows #14

Dark Shadows #14
By: Mike Raicht, Guiu Vilanova, Francesco Francavilla
The future of Collinwood has been glimpsed. Barnabas and his clan are headed towards dark days. What are those who endured it willing to sacrifice to make sure it never happens? Is it too late for some, or is there one last drastic measure one member of the clan can make to make the future unknown again?
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Avengers Arena #5

Avengers Arena #5
By: Dennis Hopeless, Kev Walker, Dave Johnson
The Braddock Academy vs. . . themselves?
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Justice League Dark #17

Justice League Dark #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Mikel Janin
Constantine and the others are trapped on a world where magic has been outlawed, and Tim Hunter is king! Their only hope of returning home is in the hands of Colonel Steve Trevor-but will the A.R.G.U.S. chief decide to protect the Earth by leaving Team Dark where they are?
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FF #4

FF #4
By: Matt Fraction, Mike Allred
It’s Valentine’s Day at the Baxter Building! So why does that spell trouble for She-Hulk?

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The Lone Ranger #13

The Lone Ranger #13
By: Ande Parks, Esteve Polls, Francesco Francavilla
‘Ghost Town’.

The first in a series of single issue stories, and a perfect jumping on point. The Lone Ranger and Tonto come across a small Western town that harbors great suffering. That suffering resonates through time, to the Ranger’s own past, and to the future.

Can the Lone Ranger and Tonto find a way to replace that suffering with hope?
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Journey Into Mystery #649

Journey Into Mystery #649
By: Kathryn Immonen, Valerio Schiti, Jeff Dekal
Guest starring the Superior Spider-Man + a collection of superstars from the MU firmament!

Ancient Viking Monsters? Eerily Familiar Freaks? Whatever they are, they’re invading Midgard!

Sif and her three hench-Berzerkers slither back to Earth in time to help put down this new assault. But can the berserkers keep their bloodlust in check?
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Doctor Who – An Adventure in Space and Time production photos

The story of Doctor Who’s origins is steeped in legend and meaning… it is also a story that touches on the history of television in general and the BBC in particular. A program that would appeal to a family audience while challenging their intelligence and entertaining them as well, Doctor Who was inspired by the pulps but blazed its own trail as well. Historical, fanciful, exciting and humorous, Doctor Who is a TV series unlike any other.

On its 50th anniversary, at arguably the peak of its international popularity, the story of Doctor Who will be told.

The initial cast from ‘An Unearthly Child’

(Via TardisNews)

Radio Times is chuffed that Mark Gatiss is calling his drama about Doctor Who’s birth An Adventure in Space and Time. This was the tagline RT printed on the billing for episode one in 1963 and indeed on all 253 editions in the 60s. For Gatiss, the 90-minute special (filming now and due to air in November on BBC2) is “quite simply a dream come true”. He describes it as “the story of how an unlikely set of brilliant people created a true television original”.

David Bradley (Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films) is playing William Hartnell, the actor who was initially reluctant to take on the role of the mysterious time traveller. He soon fell in love with the character and was sad to leave in 1966. He died in 1975. Bradley says when Gatiss offered him the part, “I almost bit his hand off.” Our first picture of Bradley in character shows him on the second day of shooting last week, with Lesley Manville as Hartnell’s devoted wife, Heather.

Call the Midwife star Jessica Raine has been cast as producer Verity Lambert (then just 27), while Brian Cox (the international film star, not the prof ) is playing the “father” of Doctor Who, Sydney Newman, a flamboyant Canadian who was BBC head of drama.

The only surviving member of the quartet who created the series is Indian-born director Waris Hussein. He’s helped Gatiss with his “meticulous research” and is delighted to be a key character in the drama. “I am to be portrayed by my doppelganger, Sacha Dhawan, a handsome actor. Vanity prevails!” he jokes. Recently seen in Last Tango in Halifax, Dhawan was one of the original History Boys (in the play and movie).

Filming began on 3 February at BBC Television Centre, on what is likely to be the last drama made on the site before it’s redeveloped. Executive producer Caroline Skinner tells RT: “As the BBC moves out of TV Centre, we are moving the cast and crew for An Adventure in Space and Time in! It’s a fantastic opportunity to film this momentous story in the actual location – a little bit of television history.”

Get exclusive Doctor Who postcards – free with this week’s Radio Times magazine.

So… anyone in the UK gonna get me those postcards?

This week at your comic shop – 2/13/13

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.

Doctor Who Voyages To New World Audio

Doctor Who Voyage To New World Audio
By: Matthew Sweet
Roanoke Island, 1590. The TARDIS materializes in the past, and the Doctor’s companions Professor Litefoot and Henry Gordon Jago find themselves prisoners of the natives in the New World. But there’s something strange here, stranger than even the colonists, led by Englishman John White. What are the ghostly children? And who is the Old Man of Croaton? The travelers are about to discover the secret of the Lost Colony – and it may cost Jago’s life.
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Uncanny X-Men #1

Uncanny X-Men #1
By: Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo
The true flagship book of the X-Men returns. In the wake of the Phoenix, the world has changed and is torn on exactly what Cyclops and his team of X-Men are–visionary revolutionaries or dangerous terrorists?Whatever the truth, Cyclops, Emma Frost, Magneto, and Magik are out in the world gathering up new mutants and redefining the name UNCANNY X-MEN.
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Planet of the Apes Special #1

Planet of the Apes Special #1
By: Daryl Gregory, Diego Barreto, Marek Oleksicki
Daryl Gregory returns to the PLANET OF THE APES in this epic over-sized issue, featuring fan-favorite artist Diego Barreto (IRREDEEMABLE)! Featuring 32 pages of new story and art!

When the Lawgiver, the revered ape leader, was assassinated by a human, Ape City fell into a vicious civil war. Ten years have passed since the horrific violence fell on Ape City and a fragile peace is finding footing. Voice Alaya, once the revered leader of the ape ruling class, has been deposed and awaits sentencing in Ape City’s prison; meanwhile Sully, the exiled leader of the human resistance has begun to rally forces, both human and ape. Little do they know they’re both on a collision course towards an even greater danger neither can even begin to imagine…

Called ‘The best PLANET OF THE APES comic ever. And one of my favorite comics of the year, period.’ by Jason Aaron (SCALPED, WOLVERINE AND THE X-MEN), Daryl Gregory’s epic continues!
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Animated Batman Symbol Zip Hoodie

Animated Batman Symbol Zip Hoodie
With the cool weather ahead, keep warm while looking great with this wide selection of hoodies we have available.

New this month are the Animated Batman Symbol Full-Zip Hoodie with features the classic bat screenprinted on the left chest of an Oxford Grey zippered, heavweight, 10 oz., 90% cotton/10% poly garment.

Also new this month is the AB: Nightwing Symbol Hoodie on a black pull-over hoodie. Still cold?

Check out the assortment of other symbol hoodies were re-offering again this month. Not only do we have you covered this month, but we also promise to keep you warm!
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Cable And X-Force #4

Cable And X-Force #4
By: Dennis Hopeless, Salvador Larroca
Witness the massacre that makes Cable and X-Force criminals. They can’t go back from here.
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Doctor Who 1001 Nights

Doctor Who 1001 Nights
By: Emma Beeby
A new adventure in time and space for the fifth Doctor and Nyssa.

A long time ago, two travelers came from far away. In the perfumed palace of an omnipotent Sultan, a girl must tell stories to keep the man she cares about from a cruel and horrible death. She spins tales of distant lands she has visited with a mysterious traveler, of fabulous creatures and fantastic adventures – and of a blue box that can travel in time and space.

Meanwhile, in the dungeons below the throne room, there lurks a secret which will bring down the kingdom. Can the Doctor and Nyssa escape from this never-ending story before the final chapter spells their end?
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Manhattan Projects #9

Manhattan Projects #9
By: Jonathan Hickman, Nick Pitarra
‘BRAVE NEW WORLD’, Part One Everything clicks into place as we learn about the competing plans of Oppenheimer, Groves, Einstein and von Braun for world domination. Part one of two. The thrilling FEEL GOOD, BAD SCIENCE series continues in THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #9: BRAVE NEW WORLD!
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Genius Illustrated Life & Art Alex Toth HC Vol. 02

Genius Illustrated Life & Art Alex Toth HC Vol. 02
Dean Mullaney and Bruce Canwell continue their comprehensive review of the life and art of Alex Toth in Genius, Illustrated.

Covering the years from the 1960s to Toth’s poignant death in 2006, this oversized book features artwork and complete stories from Toth’s latter-day work at Warren, DC Comics, Red Circle, Marvel, and his own creator-owner properties, plus samples of his animation work for Hanna-Barbera, Ruby-Spears, and others-as well as sketchbook pages, doodles, advertising art, and other rarities provided through the cooperation of Toth’s family and his legion of fans.

Two of Toth’s best stories are reproduced complete from the original artwork: ‘Burma Skies’ and ‘White Devil…Yellow Devil.’ A full-length text biography will chart the path from Toth’s increasingly reclusive lifestyle to his touching re-connection to the world in his final years.

Fans of comics, cartoons, and all-around great artwork revere Alex Toth. See why Genius, Illustrated-along with its companion volume, 2011′s Genius, Isolated-are being praised as the definitive examination of the life and art of The Master, Alex Toth!

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Batman #17

Batman #17
By: Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo
This is it: The stunning conclusion to ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’! Who lives? Who dies? Who laughs last? Find out as Batman and The Joker face off one last time!
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Ghostbusters #1

Ghostbusters #1
By: Erik Burnham, Dan Schoening
The Ghostbusters are gone, spirited away by some dastardly demons from another dimension! But spectral shenanigans haven’t ceased in the city that never sleeps, meaning a new group will need to step up and don the proton packs.

Will the New Ghostbusters be able to rescue their predecessors, or will they share the same fate?

The Ghostbusters creative super-team of Erik Burnham and Dan Schoening return to bust out more ectoplasmic excitement in this all-new Ghostbusters ongoing volume!
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Wolverine and the X-Men #25

Wolverine and the X-Men #25
By: Jason Aaron, Ramon K. Perez
The hottest new X-Book turns 25!

Jason Aaron (THOR:GOD OF THUNDER) and Eisner-Award winner Ramon Perez (Tale of Sand, JOHN CARTER) kick off the mega story that will define WXM in 2013!

Wolverine and the students go to the Savage Land!

Plus, Wolverine’s brother Dog, from the super hit ORIGIN, returns and becomes the biggest new X-Villain in years.
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Morning Glories #24

Morning Glories #24
By: Nick Spencer, Joe Eisma, Rodin Esquejo
‘Truants.’
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Age Of Apocalypse #12

Age Of Apocalypse #12
By: David Lapham, Renato Arlem, Kris Anka
The battle is over and the world has changed. But is anyone better off? Those who are left of the Exterminated try to pick up the pieces.

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Elephantmen #46

Elephantmen #46
By: Richard Starkings, Shaky Kane
‘BIOHAZARD’

The artist behind BULLETPROOF COFFIN returns to ELEPHANTMEN to tell the disturbing tale of Harry Hazard — a man will quite probably fill you with his disease.
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Marvel Firsts TPB WWII Super Heroes

Marvel Firsts TPB WWII Super Heroes
In 1939, Timely Comics – precursor to modern Marvel – burst onto the scene with a wild and unmatched energy, populating the Golden Age of Comics with hundreds of new characters!

Travel back to the Marvel Universe’s embryonic beginnings, and relive the dynamic debuts of the Sub-Mariner, Captain America, Laughing Mask, Ferret, Dynamic Man, Marvex, Black Marvel, Blazing Skull, Patriot, Young Allies, Whizzer, Rockman, Jack Frost, Destroyer, Witness, Miss America and more – plus the Golden Age incarnations of the Human Torch, Angel, Falcon, Black Widow and Vision!
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Iron Man By Michelinie Layton John Romita Jr. Omnibus HC Vol. 01

Iron Man By Michelinie Layton John Romita Jr. Omnibus HC Vol. 01
Up-and-coming talents David Michelinie, Bob Layton and John Romita Jr. joined forces to take on Marvel’s Golden Avenger in 1978 – and captured lighting in a bottle! Now, their history-making first run is collected in one massive volume! From Tony Stark’s taboo-shattering struggle with alcoholism to Iron Man’s legendary clash with Dr. Doom during King Arthur’s time, this one’s got it all – including Justin Hammer’s introduction; a brutal battle against the Hulk; the menaces of Madame Masque, the Melter, Blizzard, Whiplash, the Dreadnoughts, the Titanium Man and more; and the debut of Tony’s outer-space and stealth armors! Guest-starring Ant-Man, Namor and more! Collecting IRON MAN (1968) #115-157.
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Secret Avengers #1

Secret Avengers #1
By: Nick Spencer, Luke Ross, Tomm Coker
‘The Most Dangerous Secrets We Have… Are The Ones We Keep From Ourselves.’

The new Nick Fury leads a covert Avengers strike team including but not limited to Hawkeye, Black Widow, The Hulk, The Winter Soldier, Maria Hill and Phil Coulson on missions so dangerous, even the team members themselves can’t know about them!
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This week at your comic shop – 2/6/13

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.

Thor Red Letters Belt Buckle

Thor Red Letters Belt Buckle
Dress with some Marvel Comics style with these belt buckles that feature the characters and logos of some of the world’s most famous characters!Choose from the Spider-Man logo, Captain America’s A-wings, the Punisher’s silver/black shield, or Thor in red letters.
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Star Wars #1 (2nd Printing)

Star Wars #1 (2nd Printing)
By: Brian Wood, Carlos D’Anda, Gabe Eltaeb, Alex Ross
This is Star Wars as you remember it . . . and as you have never seen it before! We’re taking you back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star-when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!

* After launching to rave reviews Star Wars #1 sells out the day of release!

* Dark Horse goes back to press for a 2nd printing, this time with a completely stripped down Alex Ross cover.

“Brian Wood and Carlos D’Anda truly have the making of a classic on their hands. If you ever wondered if Star Wars could ever recapture that childlike glee of those earliest of memories, wonder no more. Star Wars is back and it’s never been better.” Newsarama

“It all just feels like Star Wars, and for a franchise that has been around for over 30 years, D’Anda somehow finds a way to inject new life into it.” Complex
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Wasteland #43

Wasteland #43
By: Antony Johnston, Russell Roeling, Christopher Mitten
Separated from Abi, Michael does what he’s always done–walks the desert alone, for as long as it takes. But not everything out here is a barren wasteland, and maybe Michael isn’t as alone as he thinks! When he meets an old Artisian called Collyn, Michael’s journey reverts to violence, and… a new friendship?
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Secret Avengers #37

Secret Avengers #37
By: Rick Remender, Matteo Scalera, Arthur Adams
FINAL ISSUE!

The conclusion to the Rise of the Descendants! All secrets revealed!

Father and the Descendants begin Contagious Robotic Evolution, merging the Descendants with all of humanity!

What is the secret behind the power of Parvez?

The ultimate test of Hawkeye!
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Hellboy in Hell #3

Hellboy in Hell #3
By: Mike Mignola, Dave Stewart
Hellboy meets more of his family members, and it’s not a fond reunion, as blood sprays through the air in Hell.

* This is what it’s all been building to!

* Mike Mignola writes and draws Hellboy!

* Featuring one of the strangest twists ever!

Death was only the beginning.
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Superior Spider-Man #3

Superior Spider-Man #3
By: Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman
‘Everything You Know Is Wrong’

Is this all-new Spider-Man in cahoots with… J. Jonah Jameson?!

Has Carlie Cooper figured out the Superior Spider-Man’s secret identity?

All this and the return of the villainous Vulture!
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Chiller Comp Tv Series DVD

Chiller Comp Tv Series DVD
From Synapse Films!

The television series Chiller was a five-episode horror anthology that aired in the UK in 1995. Presented here for the first time in the United States, these supernatural shockers feature malevolent spirits, a brutal serial killer, and a haunted house set in contemporary England.

Starring many of Britain’s leading actors like Nigel Havers, Martin Clunes, Sophie Ward, and Kevin McNally, this compelling collection will leave you chilled to the bone!

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Shorts Pres Oscar Shorts Coll Bd + DVD

Shorts Pres Oscar Shorts Coll Bd + DVD
From Funimation!

Short films include: God of Love, The New Tenants, Toyland, West Bank Story, The Lost Thing, The Danish Poet, Ryan, and Harvey Krumpet.
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Buck Rogers Asterite Space Ship Desk Model

Cool Rockets launches their line of Buck Rogers models, recreating the spaceships from the 1930s and 1940s, with the Asterite. Made of resin, taken from a master by Jeff Brewer, the Asterite features the clasic retro spaceship style.

The Asterite model measures 12″ long and is limited to 500 pieces.
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Planet of the Apes Cataclysm #6

Planet of the Apes Cataclysm #6
By: Corinna Bechko, Damian Couceiro, Charles Paul Wilson III
Eight years before Astronaut George Taylor fell from the stars…the stars fell on the PLANET OF THE APES! As Ape City struggles to build itself back together, tensions between the ape races are reaching a boiling point as aid quickly runs out. Zira and Lucius struggle to find help before chaos descends, once again, on the planet of the apes!
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Doctor Who Highlanders Audio CD

Doctor Who Highlanders Audio CD
Starring Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor. The TARDIS brings the Doctor, Ben, and Polly to Culloden in 1746, during the famous battle between the Scots and the English. There they become embroiled in events and meet a new friend: Jamie McCrimmon. This is an unabridged reading of the novelization by Gerry Davis, read by Anneke Wills.
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Doc Savage New Adv SC Vol. 04 Deaths Dark Domain

Doc Savage New Adv SC Vol. 04 Deaths Dark Domain
By: Lester Dent, Joe Devito
Doc Savage races to stop a Balkan war fueled by weapons stolen from his Fortress of Solitude-a war in which gigantic vampire bats play a deadly role!
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Star Trek Landing Party Roleplay 3-pk

Star Trek Landing Party Roleplay 3-pk
A Diamond Select Release! Designed by Art Asylum! Do you own a red shirt? Do you like adventure? Do you have no plans past tomorrow? Then pick up a set of realistic Star Trek role-play items and join the away team! Even if it’s just pretend, the realistic lights and sounds on this show-accurate phaser, tricorder and communicator will make your backyard feel like a strange new world, where new life forms and suden death wait around every corner! Sold in a window box with ‘Try-Me’ packaging.
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Animal Man #17

Animal Man #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Steve Pugh
The epic climax of ‘ROTWORLD’ starts here and continues into this month’s SWAMP THING #17! All hope seems lost! Can Buddy find a way to stop the Rot before it takes over the world?

Before that can even happen, Buddy must confront the horrible truth about the fate of his family.
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Avengers #5

Avengers #5
By: Jonathan Hickman, Adam Kubert, Dustin Weaver
‘SUPERGUARDIAN’

Meet Smasher, the first human member of the IMPERIAL GUARD and an Avenger.

Watch as the Avengers travel across the galaxy to fight off an invading force.

Watch as the Imperial Guard are broken on a dead moon.
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Detective Comics #17

Detective Comics #17
By: John Layman, Jason Fabok
The repercussions of ‘DEATH OF THE FAMILY’ spread as Batman tracks down the League of Smiles, a criminal group of psychotic killers that worship The Joker!

Deadly new villains are introduced-and you won’t believe their horrific ties to Arkham Asylum! Plus: In the backup story, learn the secrets behind The League of Smiles’ beginnings!
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Star Trek Red Shirt Costume T-Shirt

Star Trek Red Shirt Costume T-Shirt
Be careful when you wear this red shirt on your next landing party!
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New Avengers #3

New Avengers #3
By: Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Jock
The Illuminati experience their first incursion since reforming. Can the loose brotherhood of end times trust each other enough to use the Infinity Gems in unison? And a new member joins the Illuminati!
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Green Arrow #17

Green Arrow #17
By: Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino
Welcome the new team of writer JEFF LEMIRE and artist ANDREA SORRENTINO!

As Ollie struggles to come to terms with the loss of his fortune, his company and his heritage, he discovers a shocking truth about his father that ties to his time stranded on an island before he became Green Arrow.

Plus: Green Arrow battles the deadly archer known as Komodo!
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Heavy Metal Yellow Distressed Logo T-Shirt

Heavy Metal Yellow Distressed Logo T-Shirt
The legendary logo of the long-running graphic magazine is sprawled across this Previews Exclusive t-shirt!
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Phantom Stranger #5

Phantom Stranger #5
By: Dan DiDio, Brent Anderson, Jae Lee
The Phantom Stranger’s family has gone missing! He’ll stop at nothing to find them, even if it means going up against Pandora and the vengeful wrath of The Spectre!
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Red She-hulk #62

Red She-hulk #62
By: Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan, Jana Schirmer
CAPTAIN AMERICA is forced to make a grave decision! Betty Ross loses what’s most precious to her! RED SHE-HULK reacts BADLY!!!
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Swamp Thing #17

Swamp Thing #17
By: Scott Snyder, Marco Rudy, Yanick Paquette
The epic finale of ‘ROTWORLD’ continues from this month’s ANIMAL MAN #17!

What will it cost our heroes to stop this apocalypse from happening? The answer will blow your freaking mind.
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New Deadwardians TPB

New Deadwardians TPB
By: Dan Abnett, I. N. J. Culbard
In this collection of the 8-issue miniseries, nearly every member of upper class, post-Victorian England has voluntarily become a vampire in order to escape the lower classes – who are all zombies!Into this simmering cauldron is thrust Chief Inspector George Suttle, a lonely detective who’s got the slowest beat in London: investigating murders in a world where everyone is already dead!
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Batman Unlimited 6-Inch New 52 Batman Action Figure

Batman Unlimited 6-Inch New 52 Batman Action Figure
Explore the history of Batman with Mattel’s Batman Unlimited Action Figures which feature a variety of characters in their different incarnations from the Golden Age through film and video games to the present day!

Each figure is highly detailed, stands 6″ tall, and includes a display stand and mini-collector poster. In this wave, fans can choose from the “New 52″ Batgirl, the “New 52″ Batman, and the Penguin. These are the Batman figures pop culture fans and Batman collectors have been looking for!

Blister card packaging.
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All New X-Men #7

All New X-Men #7
By: Brian Michael Bendis, David Marquez, Stuart Immonen
Mystique targets our young time-travelers, starting with Cyclops.
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Judge Dredd Megazine #332

Judge Dredd Megazine #332
More action and adventure in the future-shocked world of Judge Dredd! Dredd and Anderson investigate the body-pits outside the city; Hondo-City Justice returns, as Judge Inspector Inaba faces the ‘Revenge of the 47 Ronin’; and in the bonus Dredd story the lawman is trapped in a psychic maze in ‘Inversion.’

Plus, there’s more I.D. theft in ‘American Reaper.’ In addition, there’s the usual articles, stories, and more, and in the bagged graphic novel, the conclusion to the retro thriller ‘Disaster 1990.’
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Winter Soldier #15 (Variant Cover Edition)

Winter Soldier #15 (Variant Cover Edition)
By: Jason Latour, Nic Klein
All new mission! All New creative team! All new status quo!

Join writer Jason Latour (Loose Ends, Wolverine) and artist Nic Klein (Dancer, Viking, Doc Savage) as they take the reins to the critically acclaimed series!

In the wake of the hunt for the Black Widow, a broken and beaten Winter Soldier begins perhaps his most personal mission yet: a quest for redemption.

But as Bucky looks to make peace with his deadly past, a new villain from his future is out for war and blood.
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Robocop W/spring-loaded Holster 7-in Action Figure

Robocop W/spring-loaded Holster 7-in Action Figure
Celebrate the 25th-anniversary of the original Robocop with this brand new Robocop figure featuring a Spring Loaded Holster.

A screen accurate version of Robocop as he appears in the classic 1987 film but upgraded featuring a a hidden lever on the back of his right thigh that allows the leg to spring open in 2 different sections just like in the movie revealing his Auto-9 pistol inside. A marvel in toy engineering in this scale.

Figure stands 7″ tall and comes with interchangeable right hand and Auto-9 pistol accessory.
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Fearless Defenders #1

Fearless Defenders #1
By: Cullen Bunn, Will Sliney, Mark Brooks
NEW TEAM! NEW VILLAINS! NEW CREATORS!

Valkyrie and Misty Knight are the Fearless Defenders and not since Power Man and Iron Fist has an unlikely duo kicked this much-well, you know.

Writer Cullen Bunn (Venom, Sixth Gun, The Fearless) and new-to-Marvel artist Will Sliney (MacGyver, Star Wars) bring you the book everyone is going to be talking about on Thursday morning.
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More details on Doctor Who- An Adventure in Space and Time Docudrama

More details are coming in regarding the celebratory docudrama exploring the genesis of Doctor Who as a TV program. Written by Mark Gatiss (Dr Who, League of Gentlemen, Sherlock), the special arrives on the 50th anniversary of the highly successful science fiction adventure series that continues to attract new viewers young and otherwise. Canadian Sydney Newman had envisioned an educational serial that appealed to the intelligence in his audience and drove the program toward that end, refusing to talk down to viewers or use ‘bug eyed monsters’ as a fall back. Directed by Waris Hussein, the pilot An Unearthly Child is a testament to that dedication in producing a sophisticated and atmospheric TV drama that took viewers away from the common place and into a realm of pure adventure. Hussein’s direction of the pilot is stunning and utilizes the limited space of the sets exceptionally well, pulling in massive cameras the size of Mini Coopers for precise close-ups focusing on the delicate performances by Carole Ann Ford, William Russell, Jacqueline Hill and William Hartnell. From the humble halls of Coal Hill School to the confines of a scrap yard and into a space-time craft, An Unearthly Child stretched the possibilities of a TV sci-fi drama and took the first steps into what would become a long running journey through all five dimensions and beyond.

Vintage picture of William Hartnell as the Doctor at hospital opening

(Via radiotimes) We’ve been keeping a tight lid on this story for weeks now, but RT’s Patrick Mulkern was at London’s British Film Institute on 12 January to capture a small but important moment in Doctor Who history. It was the day that director Waris Hussein met Sacha Dhawan, the actor who’ll be playing him as a young man in An Adventure in Space and Time, Mark Gatiss’s hotly anticipated 90-minute BBC drama about the early days of Doctor Who. Hussein directed An Unearthly Child, the very first adventure in 1963, at the tender age of 24, and is delighted to be a key character in the drama. Still a working director, Hussein has helped Gatiss in his “meticulous research” and tells RT he couldn’t be happier with the choice of actor. “I am to be portrayed by my doppelganger, Sacha Dhawan, a handsome actor. Vanity prevails!” he jokes.

Director Waris Hussein (cir. 1963)

Manchester-born Dhawan is perhaps best known for his role as Akhtar, one of the original History Boys in Alan Bennett’s multi-award-winning play (and subsequent movie). He was at the BFI to watch An Unearthly Child for the first time – and to meet Waris and start thinking about how he’ll play the young director.After yesterday’s casting announcement, Dhawan tweeted: “Can’t wait to start this! Incredibly honoured to be part of this…” He’s actually nearly five years older than Hussein was when he masterminded Who but, as this 1960s picture of Waris shows, there’s an uncanny resemblance. “He’s taken a lot of effort to emulate how I speak,” Hussein tells RT today. The full-cast read-through for An Adventure in Space and Time was held in central London on Tuesday afternoon, with Hussein in attendance. He tells RT: “I was very moved by it. We went round the table introducing ourselves and when it got to me there was huge applause!” He laughs and goes on to mention several other Doctor Who luminaries who also got applause – but we cannot reveal their names at this stage! Flushed after the momentous read-through, Gatiss tweeted: “Thrilling and moving day. I’m spent!” Filming starts imminently in London at BBC Television Centre and Wimbledon Studios. More news to follow at RadioTimes.com

Of course Mark Gatiss has taken a stab at depicting the origins of Doctor Who before, back in 1999 with Little Britain’s David Walliams. I love how this skit states that the series’ convoluted history was all planned out, including its decline in the late 1980′s.

Doctor Who and The Castle of Fear

‘The Castle of Fear’

Story 127
Written by Alan Barnes, directed by Barnaby Edwards
Released October, 2009

The Doctor is introducing Nyssa to some Earth culture by showing her a Mummer’s play in 1899 Stockbridge. The performance is confusing as it uses half-remembered facts muddled by the passage of time. Nevertheless the Doctor is amused until a blue box is wheeled on stage and a white-coated stranger wearing a vegetable in his lapel makes an appearance in the play. Clearly this demands investigation, leading to a trip back in time to 1199 Mummerset.

The Doctor and Nyssa find a cursed castle haunted by strange spirits. The returning Earl of Mummerset, having arrived fresh from the crusades to reclaim his birthright, is dismayed to find that it is infested by demons. Offering up portions of land as incentive, the Earl requests help from anyone brave enough to free his home from evil. A visiting knight, Roland of Brittany, answers the call only to get wrapped up in proceedings that are far above his understanding as the castle is protected by what appears to be an electric barrier put up by a very real evil intelligence waiting in the center of the castle like a wicked spider.

The Doctor braves the curse of Mummerset Castle and comes face to tentacle with an old enemy.

Comedy is a very risky thing in Doctor Who and even Alan Barnes acknowledged this in the behind-the-scenes extra material. It is often used to soften an otherwise horrific situation and this story does have its share of nail-biting tension, yet in the end half of this adventure ends up sounding like a poor-man’s Monty Python sketch. Davsion has a very sharp wit and as he has appeared on stage in Spamalot and Legally Blond he is no stranger to humor. He handles the rather lousy jokes and puns quite well, all things considered. The real offender here is guest artist John Sessions who positively devours each scene in glaring obnoxious over the top acting as Roland of Brittany, the ‘Freunch Ka-night.’ Equally grating is Joe Thomas as Hubert, the doddering Earl of Mummerset… and Susan Brown is positively gut-wrenching as the crone Maud the Withered wailing ‘DOOOOOOOM!’ for far too long. The supporting characters are just deadly and the dialog even worse.

Listening to the extras, I learned that these Big Finish productions are created in a very short window of time, so that may be why there was no opportunity to reign in the comic performances, but the end result is a garish story that is so unfunny that the Mummers play looks almost dignified by comparison. Yet the worst comic story was a long way off, in the dire Heroes of Sontar.

So why bother listening to this at all? The third part, often referred to as the ‘run around’ episode on TV actually saves the story with the appearance of the Rutans, a monster only glimpsed once (to date) on screen 1977′s The Horror of Fang Rock. A chameleonic being, Rutans were represented by what looked like a party balloon covered in snot and fly paper, but presumably the intention was that they were green jellyfish-like creatures. I adore obscure monsters like the Rutans, Voord, Yeti and the like, so I was very happy and surprised to hear them crop up here and raise the drama from silly to deadly. The Doctor presumes that the Rutans are hot on the trail of Jingo Linx who crash-landed in the 12th Century (referencing 1973/4′s The Time Warrior), but is mistaken. The Rutans are stranded, desperately attempting to build a power source using their crippled craft and the primitive technology of the era. Using their cloning techniques, the Rutans have created an army of drones to do the hard work and develop a hospitable environment for the aliens.

Of course, the Doctor cannot just stand by and let any of this come to pass. Luckily Nyssa is on hand to assist him in thwarting their plan, but it has long-ranging effects into the 19th Century. Arriving back in 1899 Stockbridge, the travelers find that they may have saved the past but the Rutan clones are no less effective in unearthing a newly grown Rutan ship from the ruins of the old one. Desperate to stop them once again, the Doctor destroys the ship which launches them out of time and space into another adventure.

Developed as the first of a trilogy of adventures centered on Stockbridge (including The Eternal Summer and Plague of the Daleks, The Castle of Fear is an homage to the Doctor Who comic strip of the 1980′s. As such, perhaps Barnes decided to make the characters broader than usual and the tone quirkier. A writer known for his monumental contribution to Eighth Doctor’s legacy in print and audio, I was surprised to see just how far into the realm of silliness he took this one. Several scenes seem to exist solely to set up unfunny jokes. That said, the general plot is interesting and the notion of tying events and consequences together is a clever one.

Doctor Who and The Castle of Fear can be ordered from The Book Depository with free shipping worldwide by clicking on the link below:

Doctor Who and The Girl Who Never Was

The Girl Who Never Was

Written by Alan Barnes, directed by Barnaby Edwards
Story 103
Released December 2007

After losing C’rizz, Charley has come to the realization that her life with the Doctor was at best a fantasy that has come to an end. The Doctor may appear to be a dashing romantic adventurer, but he is also an ageless alien being who exists outside of time and space. He is incapable of relating to Charley as she would like and the closer the two have become, the more alien he has become. Their journeys through time and space were fun, but the excursion into the Divergent Universe strained their partnership to the breaking point. Despite all this awkwardness, the Doctor is determined to give his best friend one last adventure before they part and takes her to Singapore, where she was headed when they first met.

However, nothing ever goes as planned and the TARDIS has become confused by a temporal anomaly, causing them to land in the right place but the wrong time, New Year’s Eve 2008. But he is not the only person investigating the strange temporal hump centered on the SS Batavia. Charley is convinced that the Doctor redirected the TARDIS to 2008 in order to prevent her from interfering with the ‘web of time.’ She befriends the shifty man named Byron who, along with his mother, is very interested in the anomaly on the SS Batavia. The Doctor and Charley manage to extricate themselves from Byron and travel to the Baravia to find that it is mysteriously abandoned and encrusted with what appears to be rust but is actually temporal corrosion. As the infection spreads for the TARDIS, the travelers become separated and the HADS (Hostile Action Defense System introduced in the Troughton story the Krotons) prompts a sudden displacement.

The Doctor and Charley become separated by decades with Charley back in 1942 and the Doctor, Byron and his mother who identifies herself as Charley Pollard. Meanwhile, Charley attempts to help the crew of the SS Batavia, stranded in the Karimata Strait and under attack from a platoon of Cybermen, stranded om Earth.

Yes, I had intended to listen to the Eighth Doctor adventures in order but after the dreadful pacing of the Divergent Universe stories and the arrival of Dark Eyes in the mail, I decided to skip ahead. The final adventure of the Eighth Doctor and Charley arrived strangely after the BBC4 radio series started with Blood of the Daleks which introduced new companion Lucie Miller. As such, it is a celebration of the early days of the Eighth Doctor era and the beginning of a different approach to the dashing romantic as he became more of a brooding loner. It’s a remarkable idea and The Girl Who Never Was fits the bill, being equal parts melodrama, comedy and action.

I am a fan of the Cybermen, so I was very happy to hear them in this story, earning their place as the second most dangerous Doctor Who monster. It is true that the Cybermen are always on the verge of extinction with each appearance. There is no exception here but I do have to say that I am getting very tired of hearing their battle cry ‘you will become like us.’ As monsters they make a great impact and are suitable creepy, but it does become clear that they are filling the void as the ‘monster of the week’ which could just as easily been Zygons, Ice Warriors… Mechanoids…. whatever.

I am a broken record, I know, but there are so many elements of the Eighth Doctor era that are present in the Russell T Davies material that I cannot ignore, especially the whimsical character of the Doctor and his sharp wit. However, just as Alan Barnes and company deal with the ‘Doctor in love’ idea far better than Davies, so is the Eighth Doctor far funnier and full of vitality than the 10th who serves as a pale imitation (in my opinion, anyway).

Like many, I was overjoyed with Charley at first, but as with everything, her character grated in the Divergent Universe adventures. Happily she is in fine form here and full of spunk and daring courage in the face of the unknown and an army of body stealing Cybermen. The temporal conundrums got a bit confusing at times, but the strength of the emotional story held up very well and paid homage to one of the most beloved of companions (if only to a select few) the ‘Edwardian Adventuress,’ ending on a sour note as the Doctor comes to realize that he must always lose his companions in the end.

I must say that the ending, sign posted by the change in signature theme, was very surprising and I look forward to what comes afterwards for both Charley and the Eighth Doctor in the stories to come. After some major set backs, the Charley/Doctor story ended on a very high note that Big Finish should be proud of.

Doctor Who and The Girl Who Never Was can be ordered from The Book Depository with free shipping worldwide by clicking on the link below:

Happy 49th birthday, Doctor Who!

Click here to buy this print at etsy

It was 49 years ago today that a pair of school teachers followed an unusual student into a graveyard. The encountered a silver-haired stranger and his time/space machine. Their lives changed forever and a legend was born. Long before the sonic screwdriver, K9, timey-wimey writing and River Song there was Sydney Newman, Verity Lambert along with writers Donald Wilson and C. E. Webber. A concept designed to push the boundaries of fantastic entertainment that never talked down to viewers and used the limited resources of the BBC utilized by the special effects boffins and the marvelous Radiophonic Workshop to make a ground-breaking program.

Doctor Who has changed and mutated over the years, adapting to the demands of the public along with the changing visions of the production team. From historical to comedy, Gothic horror to slapstick and even high concept drama, it seems that there is little that Doctor Who cannot do. Doctor Who, unlike any program before or since, has reinvented itself so many times that there’s nothing like it out there.

When I was getting into Doctor Who back in the day, it was entering its hey day thanks to the efforts to publicize the 20th anniversary. It was something that kids my age were interested in. With Star Trek long gone and Star Wars having waned in popularity, this weird TV program screened late at night on PBS stations filled a void. The rich legacy of Doctor Who along with the numerous handbooks, novelizations and a table top role playing game all became available around this time. This was before the internet as we have it now, before DVDs and long before a cable TV station that screened the episodes the same day they were seen in the UK.

Today Doctor Who is a viral phenomenon. When David Tennant’s costume premiered, images with the message ‘oooh, he dresses just like ME’ appeared online of fans dressed in plimsoles, pin stripe suits and NHS specs appeared. When the Master used a device to turn everyone on the planet into duplicates of himself, twitter icons were changed that night to images of John Simm grinning like a loon. Videos of fans trying to eat fish fingers and custard flooded the ‘net after Matt Smith’s Doctor acclimated to his new taste buds.

It is now so cool to like Doctor Who that it is no longer an obscure cult TV series and is now something else entirely. It is hardly the same Doctor Who as viewers had witnessed on their screens back in November 1963, filled with atmosphere and menace. Neither is it the colorful and bizarre oddity disguised as pantomime seen in 1988. It is its own creature, ever-evolving, ever-changing and timeless.

Happy birthday!

I invite you to read my many articles on Doctor Who by clicking on the image below and I hope you will take the time to share your favorite memories of this remarkable TV series.