Episode 8: "The Daleks Destroyed Their First Planet" - Classic Doctor Who Comics Double Feature - Patreon Exclusive

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #1: "The Gyros Injustice" (May 3 - June 7, 1965) TV Comic, Six Parts Writer/Artist: Neville Main

Jim's birthday comic! Born right in the middle of this strip's run, Jim celebrates with poetry: "Through space and time, through a million nowheres, past a billion whirling unnamed starlights across the darkness that holds the mysteries of science and life, travels Doctor Who's spaceship, the TARDIS." The First Doctor, John, and Jillian encounter the Gyros (or Euros?) - robots who've taken control of their world after their organic creators fell ill. The planet's unique position leaves only the equator habitable, with one side in perpetual darkness and the other scorched by constant sunlight.

Call for Listener Feedback - The hosts request Patreon subscriber opinions: Is this strip engaging or merely a curious artifact? They receive regular feedback on main episodes but silence on comics, despite releasing complete stories before recording.

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #2: "The Emerald Challenge" (May 22 - July 3, 1965) TV Century 21, Seven Parts Writer: David Whitaker (from Terry Nation's plot) Artist: Richard Jennings

Jim's favorite Dalek story yet! The Daleks achieve faster-than-light travel after 13 failed test flights (destroying numerous Daleks in the process), then encounter their first truly alien opponents - sentient plant creatures on an emerald world. This isn't humanoids vs. machines but mechanized beings versus nature itself, with the planet rejecting the invaders through biological warfare. Plants infest Dalek casings in gorgeously rendered sequences before the ultimate confrontation with the planetary consciousness at the world's heart.

Rooting for the Bad Guys - Jim explores the fascinating psychology of villain-centric storytelling: "Who are you rooting for? Because I found myself going 'Yeah, go Daleks, conquer space!' and then stopping to question my own psyche." The strip maintains perfect tension between wanting Daleks to succeed (achieving their goals is narratively satisfying) and recoiling from their monstrous actions.

Comic Daleks > TV Daleks? - Jim declares at this moment he prefers comic strip Daleks to TV Daleks, wanting the "weighty, bigger stuff" on screen. The budget-free medium allows grander concepts. John notes the TV show won't feature named individual Daleks like Zeg for a long time, which some fans lament.

Humanizing Villains Debate:

• Jim's position: Doesn't need mustache-twirling villains humanized (cites overexplained Klingons in Next Generation)
• John's caution: Naming individual Daleks risks making them relatable when their core concept is absolute otherness
• Future preview: The Doctor eventually becomes "the Predator" in Dalek mythology - their species' natural enemy

Terry Nation's Golden Ticket: The hosts explore how Nation retained Dalek rights (opposite of American work-for-hire practices). His 1963 script seemed like just another job, but lucky ownership meant the BBC must negotiate with Nation's estate for every Dalek appearance even today. "The Daleks bought me a manor" - actual British newspaper headline about Nation's wealth. The proposed 1960s Dalek TV series (with ABC showing interest) led to a five-year gap in Dalek TV appearances as Nation pursued American deals.

LOOKING AHEAD: Next strip: "Challenge of the Piper" - a fantasy-oriented story that has both hosts concerned about more sameness, though Jim's interest is piqued by the format change.

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