Doctor Who Magazine Issue 612, on sale 2nd January 2025 but already in the hands of subscribers, includes a fascinating interview with writer Steven Moffat, talking about the genesis of the latest Christmas Special, Joy to the World. Find out how the story evolved, how it was reworked, and what never made it to screen, for reasons of timing and budget.
There’s also in-depth background on the reworking of The War Games, the final regular Patrick Troughton TV story, adapted into a shorter story with some impressive colourisation work and new effects sequences, including a regeneration scene; and the final episode of “The Monster Makers”, the latest comic strip written by Alan Barnes, with art by an ever busy Mike Collins, coloured by James Offredi, lettered by Roger Langridge; and, of course, another “Daft Dimension” this time featuring the Daft Daleks attempts to ingratiate themselves on social media, courtesy of Lew Stringer!
One particular treat, however, is a short interview with Big Finish producer David Richardson and the writers of the new Fugitive Doctor audio adventures featured on Doctor Who: The Fugitive Doctor: Most Wanted, out next month. Jo Martin reprises her role as this mysterious incarnation of the Time Lord, in stories also starring Star Trek actress Alice Krige as Cosmogon. It offers some interesting insights into how the Big Finish team approached creating these new adventures, given how little is known about this aspect of The Doctor.
• Grab a copy of Doctor Who Magazine 612 here from Panini UK direct
Inside this issue:
- An in-depth look at the making of The War Games in Colour, including the brand-new model work and the Troughton/Pertwee regeneration sequence.
- EastEnders veteran Rudolph Walker recalls his role in The War Games…
- Writer and exec producer Steven Moffat discusses Joy to the World, including scenes that never made it to screen.
- Russell T Davies explains what connects The Pirate Planet, The Christmas Invasion’s ill-fated Danny Llewellyn, and a branch of Marks and Spencer…
- Build your own half-scale Dalek with a new Doctor Who partwork. DWM talks to the team behind this exciting new project…
- Script to Screen – on the creation of BabyStation Beta – as seen in the 2024 season debut Space Babies.
- Lisa Bowerman, James Goss and Gary Russell reflect on the enduring appeal of archaeologist adventure Professor Bernice Summerfield.
- In the second part of DWM’s coverage celebrating 50 years of stage play Seven Keys to Doomsday, the magazine talks to James Matthews, who played companion Jimmy.
- The Memory Worm gets its teeth into Yee Jee Tso – Chang Lee in the 1996 TV movie.
- DWM looks at how fandom reacted to the casting of Bonnie Langford as companion Mel in 1986…
- Alison Zrada asks us what advice can be found in Doctor Who for New Year’s resolutions.
- The Fact of Fiction looks at the opening episodes of 1968’s The Dominators.
- The finale of “The Monster Makers”, Doctor and Ruby’s latest comic strip adventure!
Plus, regular features:
- Gallifrey Guardian – looking ahead to the 2025 series!
- Shelf Life – featuring reviews of the latest books and audio releases.
- Other Worlds – the essential guide to new stories in Doctor Who’s expanded universe.
- Prizes to be won including a special Blu-ray bundle!
• Grab a copy of Doctor Who Magazine 612 here from Panini UK direct
- About the Author
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “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.
Categories: British Comics, Comics, Doctor Who, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Magazines, Other Worlds, Science Fiction, Television
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