The Doctor Who Appreciation Society has just published the Celestial Toyroom Annual 2017 as a free digital download, spotlighting the era of the Seventh Doctor, played by Sylvester McCoy.
Released as a “Christmas present to everyone” as part of the Society’s 40th Anniversary year, wrapped in a cover by Simon A. Brett, it’s been put together by the CT editorial team and features a wide range of writers and along with a range of articles offering option and analysis of an often controversial era of the show, it’s crammed with some great illustrations including a gorgeous Remembrance of the Daleks piece by Andy Hackett – and an affectionate cartoon strip by Anthony Moorin.
The issue also includes an afterword on the series from actress Lisa Bowerman, best known to fans as the voice of Who companion Bernice Summerfield in the Big Finish audio adventures, created by Paul Cornell, but who also appeared in the final regular Seventh Doctor story, Survival, as Karra. Lisa rightly points out what an ambassador for the show Sylvester has been in an affectionate tribute to the time.
It’s a smashing overview of the period, one which I was heavily involved with as Doctor Who Magazine editor. (My only disappointment with this Annual is its distinct lack of coverage, beyond brief mention, of that aspect of the mythos). It’s interesting to read so many diverse opinions of the show, which I’m sure that as ever, will have some spluttering their Christmas cocoa, some nodding in agreement and some wondering if some writers have been sniffing their Christmas cocoa, instead of drinking it.
Well worth a read – and free, too!
As with the Society’s Cosmic Masque magazine which offers new Who stories every issue, the Annual is presented for download in two versions – a simple ‘single page view’ edition for use on smaller screens, tablets and eReaders, and a ‘two page spread’ version for use on wide screen monitors.
• Celestial Toyroom 2017 Annual Single Page View (best for most users)
• Celestial Toyroom 2017 Annual Two Page View
• Comments and contributions are welcome as always at ct@dwasonline.co.uk
All DWAS files for download have been scanned by Symantec to ensure they are virus-free, but if in doubt we advise you to check it with your own software before opening
Doctor Who copyright 2016 BBC
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: Doctor Who, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Television