Doctor Who-inspired “Lethbridge-Stewart Colouring Book” in the works

By John Freeman on November 16, 2020

Publisher Candy Jar have begun taking orders for their Lethbridge-Stewart Colouring Book, featuring art by Doctor Who and Thunderbirds artist Martin Baines.

This collection of art is surely a must for fans if the “UNIT Era” of Doctor Who, as well as collectors of adult colouring books. It features 20 brand new pieces of art, concentrating on the Lethbridge-Stewart series of novels and features the Dominators, Quarks, Yeti, Anne Travers, Bandrils and much more.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar Books, says: “2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. Lockdown has taken its toll, and it is quite likely that we still haven’t seen the end of COVID-19.

“Normally, we do something special for Christmas. For instance, in 2016 we released The Xmas Files – a collection of Lethbridge-Stewart-inspired Christmas stories, in 2018 our online advent calendar (still available on the Candy jar Books website), and last year The Lucy Wilson Mysteries: Christmas Crackers collection of stories.

“Sadly, due other commitments, this has not been possible this year. So, when Martin approached me to do the colouring book, Ithought why not. This is not strictly a Christmas project, but it certainly is a great stocking filler.”

Comics and storyboard artist Martin Baines many comics and Illustration credits include Danger Mouse, Doctor Who, and Thunderbirds, as well as colouring the “Garth” strip for the Daily Mirror for several years.

Martin created some of Candy Jar’s most popular covers this year, including the Downtime sequel Child of the New World, as well as Kiss of the Ice Maiden and 100 Objects of Doctor Who, both of which are due out in a couple of months.

“Shaun and I chat regularly about future projects,” says Martin. “The conversations are always great fun, particularly when it’s about Lethbridge Stewart and Doctor Who.

“Don’t tell anyone, but we are currently developing an epic comic strip starring the Brig(which will hopefully be released 2021). So, having worked on this artwork, I thought aLethbridge-Stewart colouring book would be something special to end the year. I was so glad when Shaun agreed.”

“Early Doctor Who has for me been a real discovery and I hope this book adds to the legend,” he continues. “I have put in a lot of research and fleshed out certain elements. The Bandrils were particularly interesting to draw and fleshing out the Lucy Wilson characters was quite fun. I alsoloved drawing Professor Travers and Sergeant Benton.”

Shaun concludes: “I suspect some people will prefer not to colour Martin’s images, but instead keep them as a lockdown memento. I’m certainly considering framing one or two of his striking pieces myself.”

• Pre-order your copy of the Lethbridge-Stewart Colouring Book here directly from Candy Jar

• Check out more of Martin Baines work at www.martin-baines.co.uk

Characters from The Abominable Snowmen, The Web of Fear, The Dominators © Mervyn Haisman & Henry Lincoln 1967, 2018 | All other characters © Andy Frankham-Allen & Respective Authors 2014, 2018 | Kate Lethbridge-Stewart © Marc Platt & Reeltime Pictures | Website content © Andy Frankham-Allen and Simon Forward 2017, 2018

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John Freeman

John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.

He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.