The Doctor's Beard Podcast

Episode Title: "A Whopping 12 Word Balloons!" - Summer Hiatus Comics & Roberta Tovey's Doctor Who Song - Patreon Exclusive Sample

HOLIDAY GIFT TO OUR LISTENERS: The Doctor's Beard Podcast is unwrapping a special Patreon Exclusive episode for all listeners this holiday season! Join John and Jim as they explore what kept young Doctor Who fans entertained during the 1965 summer break between Seasons 2 and 3.

ROBERTA TOVEY'S "WHO'S WHO" (1965) Before diving into comics, the hosts examine a rare Doctor Who musical artifact: a single released by Roberta Tovey (who plays Susan in Doctor Who and the Daleks). Composed by Malcolm Lockyer (the movie's composer), this track remains mysteriously under-documented compared to other Doctor Who novelty songs like "I Want to Spend My Christmas with the Daleks." The B-side was called "Not So Old" (unrelated to Doctor Who).

BONUS MUSIC DISCOVERIES:

• Malcolm Lockyer also released "The Eccentric Doctor Who" and "Daleks and Dolls"
• "Dance with the Daleks" - The hosts declare this the weakest cash grab yet, a generic instrumental with "Dalek" slapped on the title

Jim's verdict: "We demand more Daleky from our Dalek music!"

SUMMER HIATUS COMIC STRIPS REVIEWED:

"Time in Reverse" (August 9-23, 1965) TV Comic Writer/Artist: Neville Main John appreciates the clever backward storytelling requiring reversed dialogue for all non-TARDIS crew characters, though he notes the Doctor and companions simply wait out events rather than actively participating. The story features "German soldiers" (drawn with distinctive helmets) reminiscent of pre-WWII American comics using sideways Nazis without naming them. Jillian Count: 12 word balloons (chatty Kathy, but still just Greek chorus)

"Lizard World" (August 30 - September 20, 1965) TV Comic Writer/Artist: Neville Main First time John and Jillian are completely separated from the Doctor and on their own! Jim praises Neville's artwork capturing the massive scale of the lizard creatures. John questions the Doctor complaining about being "an old man" while climbing when he performed fine in earlier stories. Jillian Count: 13 word balloons (a landmark!) The episode concludes with Jim nearly suggesting they review The Avengers comics advertised in the strip instead.

TV COMIC ANNUAL 1966 (Released September 1, 1965)

"Prisoners of the Kleptons" Writer/Artist: Neville Main The Kleptons return! Landing on their overheated world, John shoots down a Klepton vehicle (back to using guns). The aliens want help invading Earth but settle for lowering captives into boiling oil. John saves the day with an unclear plan, leaving Jim wishing for more ambitious storytelling. Jillian Count: 3 word balloons

"The Caterpillar Men" Writer/Artist: Neville Main Set in 2035, alien Caterpillar Men invade Earth and control the world's scientists from one location. The Doctor identifies himself as "Dr. Who" and doesn't correct being called an Earthman. John and Jillian visit World Pest Control, convincing officials to spray the invaders away. The entire resolution happens in half a page. Jillian Count: 3 word balloons John saves the day again!

Both agree: Even bad Dalek strips surpass the Doctor Who ones.

MOVIE BONUS FACT: Doctor Who and the Daleks played in scattered UK theaters into January 1966, but bombed in America when released July 1966. Jim's theory: This may have sunk Terry Nation's ABC deal for a Dalek TV series. Americans wanted Batman in '66, leading to Jim's high-concept pitch: "Batman versus the Daleks in Londinium 2050!"

LOVE WHAT YOU HEARD? This is just a sample of the exclusive content available to Patreon subscribers! For as little as $3/month, you get:

• Early access to main episode reviews
• Complete comic strip discussions with art analysis
• Memory TARDIS retrospectives
• Doctor Who music deep dives
• News coverage and behind-the-scenes content

Visit patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast to unwrap year-round Doctor Who goodness!

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Email [email protected] or join our Facebook community.

Happy Holidays from The Doctor's Beard Podcast!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #PatreonSample #HolidayEpisode #TVComic #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #JillianCount #JillianWatch #SummerHiatus #1965Comics #TimeInReverse #LizardWorld #PrisonersOfTheKleptons #TheCaterpillarMen #Kleptons #TVComicAnnual #RobertaTovey #DoctorWhoMusic #WhosWho #MalcolmLockyer #DaleksAndDolls #DanceWithTheDaleks #NoveltyRecords #60sMusic #VintageComics #RetroComics #BritishComics #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoHistory #ComicReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #FreeEpisode #HolidayGift #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #PodcastSample #SupportThePodcast

Episode 10: "Dinosaurs Make Anything Better" - Season 2 Wrap-Up & Classic Comics Triple Feature - Patreon Exclusive

SEASON TWO RETROSPECTIVE: The Best Overall Hartnell Season

John opens as "Donald Tosh, story editor" while Jim claims the mantle of "Dennis Spooner of podcasting" - fitting since Spooner wrote both the season's best (The Time Meddler) and worst (The Romans) stories. The hosts agree Season 2 represents the pinnacle of Hartnell's era, ramping up quality from Season 1's foundation.

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #1: "Prisoners of the Grittog" (July 1, 1965) TV Comic Holiday Special, Four Pages (Black & White with Red Tones) Writer/Artist: Neville Main

Planet Spectra forces down approaching ships and imprisons crews as spies. The Doctor uses a flute (foreshadowing Troughton's recorder!) to summon alien dinosaurs to destroy the force field. First story not starting with the TARDIS arrival!

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #2: "Moon Landing" (July 19 - August 2, 1965) TV Comic, Three Parts Writer/Artist: Neville Main

Set in 1970 (one year off from real 1969 landing!), British astronauts land on the moon to discover the TARDIS already there. Professor Rawlinson leads the mission with oddly specific character design. The Doctor rescues astronauts from a crevice, reminding them about moon gravity via blackboard (!).

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #3: "The Penta Ray Factor" (July 10 - August 28, 1965) TV Century 21, Seven Parts Writer: David Whitaker (from Terry Nation's plot) Artist: Richard Jennings

Jim's Major Disappointment: After four strips of brilliant villain-protagonist storytelling, the focus shifts to boring planet inhabitants rather than Daleks' perspective. "I wanted the Daleks to wipe them out! The Daleks are just so uninteresting in this."

The Daleks employ un-Dalek tactics, approaching as "friends" to learn weaknesses - something Jim hates even when TV show does it. Complex subplots involving lazy ruler's son, cousin politics, and underutilized female character bog down the narrative. The Penta Ray device drags with repetitive theft/swap plotting.

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Doctor Who and the Daleks movie discussion coming
• Hiatus comics: "Time in Reverse," "Lizard World," "Prisoner of the Kleptons" (oh no!), "The Caterpillar Men"
• 1965 Dalek/Doctor Who music featuring Roberta Tovey (movie Susan)

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Share your Season 2 hot takes and Dalek strip disappointment by emailing [email protected] or joining our Facebook and BlueSky communities.

Become a Patreon member for early access, exclusive content like Episode 10's season wrap-ups and comic bundles, plus upcoming movie discussions and watch parties!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Season2 #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #SeasonWrapUp #TimeMeddler #DalekInvasionOfEarth #TheRomans #IanChesterton #BarbaraWright #Vicki #Steven #WilliamRussell #JacquelineHill #MeddlingMonk #Animus #JulianGlover #JeanMarsh #TheCrusade #WebPlanet #DoctorWhoComics #TVComic #PrisonersOfTheGrittog #MoonLanding #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #JillianWatch #SpaceProgram #Apollo #NASA #1970 #Daleks #PentaRayFactor #TerryNation #DavidWhitaker #RichardJennings #DalekChronicles #VillainProtagonist #Disappointment #FocusShift #ClassicDoctorWho #Season2Retrospective #BestAndWorst #CompanionAnalysis #GuestStars #RetroComics #BritishComics #1965Comics #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #Episode10 #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom

"The Hamster Wheel of Science Fiction Television" - Frontios Review

STORY DETAILS: "Frontios" (January 16 - February 3, 1984) Production Code: 6N Writer: Christopher H. Bidmead (former script editor, Logopolis and Castrovalva) Director: Ron Jones (Arc of Infinity, future Colin Baker stories)

CAPSULE REVIEW: Jim: "Doctor Who in 1984 is the hamster wheel of science fiction television shows. It just keeps going round and round and doesn't go anywhere."

PLOT SUMMARY:

The TARDIS is drawn to Frontios in the far future, where Earth has been destroyed and desperate colonists survive constant meteorite bombardment. The Doctor insists they leave (invoking Time Lord non-interference), but the TARDIS appears destroyed by meteors. Captain Revere's son Plantagenet leads the failing colony while second-in-command Range and science officer Brazen navigate political tensions.

NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW: Resurrection of the Daleks (two 45-minute parts) with special guest Shag Matthews (The Irredeemable Shag Podcast) - "Now it's going to be two against one!"

PATREON PLUG: "Nothing says I love you like a Patreon subscription to The Doctor's Beard" - $3/month gets early access, bonus content, comic strip discussions, Memory TARDIS wheel spins, Doctor Who news coverage, and music theme variations. Current Patreon Exclusive #148 covers Part 4 of "Four Dimensional Vistas" (Meddling Monk + Ice Warrior team-up).

SPECIAL APPEAL: Jim asks listeners in Marietta, Georgia area to support Dr. No's Comics after catastrophic power loss from truck taking down lines during Christmas season. Shop running on generator, needs community support through devastating loss of holiday revenue.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. Email [email protected] or join our Facebook community. Support via Patreon at patreon.com/thedoctorsbeardpodcast.

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Frontios #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #Season21 #Tegan #JanetFielding #Turlough #MarkStrickson #ChristopherHBidmead #RonJones #Tractators #TheGravis #ColonyShip #TARDIS #TARDISDestroyed #RecycledPlots #HamsterWheel #SheenaEaston #80sFashion #Plantagenet #TractatorPTSD #RacialMemory #GravityMotor #TimelordNonInterference #JNT #JohnNathanTurner #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #ClassicDoctorWho #1984 #BBCOne #ProductionCode6N #MonsterOfTheWeek #Woodlice #TargetBooks #AndrewSkilleter #Novelizations #BookCovers #DrNosComics #Marietta #Georgia #ComicShop #ChristmasSeason #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PodcastReview #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #VintageWho #RetroTV #80sTV #SciFiTV #BritishTV #ClassicTV

Episode 9: "My Word, Doesn't He Look Fat and Pompous!" - Classic Doctor Who Comics: The Challenge of the Piper - Patreon Exclusive

COMIC STRIP REVIEW: "The Challenge of the Piper" (June 14 - July 12, 1965) TV Comic, Five Parts Writer/Artist: Neville Main

The First Doctor, John, and Jillian arrive in medieval Hamelin during the legendary Pied Piper crisis. After the townspeople refuse to pay the Piper for ridding them of rats, he lures away their children. The Doctor sympathizes with the wronged musician and undertakes three trials to win the children's freedom, using 1960s technology disguised as "magic" - fire extinguisher, radar, parachute, and tape recorder. When the Mayor still refuses payment, the Doctor threatens to return the children to the Piper unless he honors the debt!

The hosts mourn that both grandchildren function as mere Greek chorus, giving the Doctor someone to talk to beyond himself.

Where/When Are We? - The hosts debate ontological questions: Is this the actual legendary event on Earth's past? An alien world duplicating the tale? A fantasy realm? They conclude it's meant as the origin of the Hamelin legend, but fantasy elements (dragon, invisibility, mesmerizing flute magic) blur the science-fiction/fantasy boundary.

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Next strips: "The Moon Landing" (premiering space race before real 1969 landing!), "Prisoner of the Grittog" (Doctor Who Summer Special), and "The Penta Ray Factor" (Daleks return!)

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Share your thoughts on rude granddaughters and fantasy Doctor Who by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our passionate Facebook and BlueSky communities.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access to our main show reviews, plus exclusive content like Episode 9 featuring complete comic strip analysis, Jillian's terrible dialogue dissection, and genre-bending Doctor Who adventures!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #TVComic #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #ChallengeOfThePiper #PiedPiper #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #JillianWatch #SevenWordBalloons #Hamelin #FairyTale #FantasyDoctor #MedievalDoctor #LegendAdaptation #VintageComics #1965Comics #GreekChorus #Companions #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoHistory #PiedPiperLegend #Dragon #FantasyElements #RetroComics #BritishComics #1960sComics #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #Episode9 #ComicReview #GenreShift #ScienceFantasy #SarahJaneAdventures #MatthewWaterhouse #Adric #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #DoctorWhoCollectibles #SummerSpecial #BBCComics #DoctorWhoSummerSpecial

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.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Share your thoughts on Jillian's tragic marginalization and rooting for planet-destroying pepper pots by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our passionate Facebook and BlueSky communities.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access to our main show reviews, plus exclusive content like Episode 8 featuring complete comic strip bundles, villain protagonist philosophy, and Terry Nation ownership revelations!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #TVComic #TVCentury21 #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #GyrosInjustice #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #JillianWatch #OneWordBalloon #Robots #VintageComics #1965Comics #Daleks #EmeraldChallenge #TerryNation #DavidWhitaker #RichardJennings #PlantCreatures #AlienLife #DalekChronicles #FirstPlanetDestroyed #VillainProtagonist #FasterThanLight #SpaceTravel #DalekEvolution #WhatWeCannotConquerWeDestroy #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoHistory #TheDestroyers #DalekTVSeries #ABCTelevision #BigFinish #AudioDrama #RetroComics #BritishComics #1960sComics #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #Episode8 #ComicReview #TerryNationEstate #DalekRights #Ownership #WorkForHire #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #DoctorWhoCollectibles #BBCComics #DalekMythology

Episode 7: "Super Dalek Origin Story" - Classic Doctor Who Comics Double Feature - Patreon Exclusive

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #1: "Doctor Who on the Web Planet" (March 22 - April 26, 1965) TV Comic, Six Parts Writer/Artist: Neville Main

The only Doctor Who comic strip ever given an official title! The First Doctor, John, and Jillian return to Vortis long after their adventure with Ian, Barbara, and Vicki. A legend has grown among the Menoptra about the Doctor's previous liberation of their world - but freedom was short-lived. The planet has fallen under new oppression from the Skirkons, aliens who've mastered mind control over the easily-manipulated Zarbi and built Zarbi-shaped personal flying craft armed with death rays. The Doctor must free Vortis once again while confronting the sad reality that some worlds can never maintain peace.

The Zarbi Multimedia Empire - John discovers extensive Zarbi appearances across formats:

• Two Give-A-Show projector stories
• IDW comic (2000s) featuring First Doctor team fighting Zarbi invasion of 1868 Earth
• Doctor Who Annual prose stories: "Lair of the Zarbi" and "The Lost Ones"
• Patrick Troughton prose novel Twilight of the Gods
• Big Finish audio Return to Vortis with Fifth Doctor and Nyssa
• The Zarbi are revealed as "the new Pokémon - gotta catch 'em all!"

Jim's OCD kicks in and he must now consume all Zarbi media. The hosts marvel at how deeply BBC tried mining these creatures despite their failure to capture Dalek-level popularity.

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #2: "Duel of the Daleks" (March 6 - April 10, 1965) TV Century 21, Six Parts Writer: David Whitaker (from Terry Nation's plot) Artist: Richard Jennings

Dalek Zeg survives an industrial accident that coats him in near-impervious metallic skin and transforms his casing to golden color - giving him a superhero origin story! Believing his superiority entitles him to leadership, Zeg challenges the Black Dalek Emperor for control of the Dalek race. Internal Dalek civil war erupts as some Daleks support the upstart while others remain loyal to established hierarchy. The Emperor ultimately defeats Zeg using liquid metal to freeze him solid, learning from the duel to develop stronger Dalek armor.

Collected Editions Available:

• The Dalek Chronicles - Doctor Who Magazine Summer Special (1994, Marvel UK) - complete run
• The Daleks: The Ultimate Collector's Edition (Panini reprint)

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Share your Zarbi obsession and Super Dalek theories by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our passionate Facebook and BlueSky communities.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access to our main show reviews, plus exclusive content like Episode 7 featuring vintage comic strip analysis with TV continuity connections, villain protagonist discussions, and comprehensive Zarbi multimedia archaeology!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #TVComic #TVCentury21 #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #WebPlanet #Vortis #Zarbi #Menoptra #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #Skirkons #AlienInvasion #VintageComics #1965Comics #Daleks #DuelOfTheDaleks #DalekZeg #BlackDalek #DalekEmperor #TerryNation #DavidWhitaker #RichardJennings #DalekChronicles #SuperheroOrigin #MarvelComics #VillainProtagonist #DalekCivilWar #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoHistory #TheChase #RetroComics #BritishComics #1960sComics #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #Episode7 #ComicReview #ContinuityNightmare #AlternateUniverse #JillianFanOne #IDWComics #BigFinish #DoctorWhoAnnual #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #DoctorWhoCollectibles #SixtyYearsOfDoctorWho #BBCComics #MarvelUK #Panini

Episode 6: "Throw Your Spuds" - Classic Doctor Who Comics Double Feature - Patreon Exclusive

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #1: "The Hijackers of Thrax" (March 1-15, 1965) TV Comic, Three Parts Writer/Artist: Neville Main

The First Doctor, John, and Jillian investigate disappearing supply ships bound for Earth's Venus colony in 2075. Pirates operating from a hidden space station obscured by artificial clouds have been stealing shipments. The Doctor disables the cloaking device, exposing the hijackers' base and saving Earth's colonial supply line.

Jim declares this his favorite of the three strips so far due to the Earth connection and clever cloud-station concept, while John finds all three equally unremarkable. The hosts remain baffled why the strip doesn't equally target boys and girls when the TV show clearly features prominent female characters like Barbara alongside the male cast.

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #2: "Power Play" (February 13 - March 5, 1965) TV Century 21, Three Parts Writer: David Whitaker (from Terry Nation's plot) Artist: Richard Jennings

The Daleks face their next evolutionary step - getting off Skaro! After the radioactive devastation, two warring human factions on Skaro seek allies. The Daleks strategically align with one group against their aggressors, not out of compassion but calculated self-interest. By story's end, the Daleks possess plans for flying saucers - directly setting up their appearance in "The Dalek Invasion of Earth" TV serial.

John liked this installment as much or more than "Genesis of Evil," appreciating how it serves TV continuity while telling compelling standalone stories. Jim loves the symbiosis between source material and offshoot when done correctly.

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Next Doctor Who comic: Sequel to "The Web Planet" featuring the Zarbi! The hosts are curious whether this represents BBC pushing the Zarbi as "the next Daleks" after their expensive costume investment, or editorial response to reader demands for more TV show connections
• Next Dalek comic: "Duel of the Daleks" promises intrigue
• Jim has started reading a First Doctor prose novel for future Patreon discussion

The hosts debate whether kids recognized the strips' disconnection from the TV series, and wonder about the demographics of British comics magazines in 1965. Was it primarily boys despite Doctor Who's mixed-gender appeal?

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Share your thoughts on potato weaponry and Jillian's marginalization by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our passionate Facebook and BlueSky communities.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access to our main show reviews, plus exclusive content like Episode 6 featuring vintage 1965 comic strip analysis, discussions of villain protagonists, and comprehensive coverage of Doctor Who's complete multimedia legacy across all formats!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #TVComic #TVCentury21 #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #HijackersOfThrax #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #VintageComics #1965Comics #Daleks #PowerPlay #DalekComics #GenesisOfEvil #TerryNation #DavidWhitaker #RichardJennings #DalekInvasionOfEarth #Skaro #FlyingSaucers #DalekOrigin #VillainProtagonist #ComicBookVillains #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoHistory #RetroComics #BritishComics #1960sComics #SpaceOpera #ThrowYourSpuds #Potatoes #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #Episode6 #ComicReview #DoctorWhoStrips #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #TheZarbi #WebPlanet #DoctorWhoCollectibles #SixtyYearsOfDoctorWho #BBCComics #ClassicComics

Episode 5: "Wham, Bam, Thank You Dalek" - Classic Doctor Who Comics Double Feature - Patreon Exclusive

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #1: "The Therovian Quest" (January 18 - February 22, 1965) TV Comic, Six Issues (Two Pages Per Week) Writer/Artist: Neville Main

The First Doctor's TARDIS crashes on an alien planet where he and grandchildren John and Gillian encounter Grigg, a spaceship pilot whose vessel is also stranded. Grigg desperately seeks a cure for a plague that has incapacitated everyone on his homeworld of Theros except himself. In a shocking decision, the Doctor repairs Grigg's ship and abandons the still-damaged TARDIS on the planet to help this stranger - a moment of tension as they literally leave the time machine behind and never mention it again until the story's end!

The quest takes them to the ice planet Ixon to harvest medicinal moss, where they're captured by Ixon warriors. King Ixa provides equipment including a sled to reach the dangerous caves, but secretly plans to steal the moss and sell it at exorbitant prices to the Therovians. After Grigg battles a furry cave monster (throwing it into an ice ravine), they retrieve the moss but are captured again. The Doctor sets fire to something (possibly the moss itself?) creating chaos and smoke that allows their escape back to Grigg's ship, returning to Theros to save the plague victims before finally returning to repair the mysteriously-fixed TARDIS.

John and Jim's Analysis:

• Jillian's disappearing act continues - The female companion has maybe two word balloons throughout the entire six-issue story, to the point where the Doctor and John briefly forget she exists. The hosts lament this "all-he-man, no-girls-allowed club" mentality in a strip based on a show meant to be all-inclusive.
• Neville Main's artwork shines - Both hosts appreciate the visual presentation, particularly the spaceship designs and background details. Main clearly uses Hartnell photo references, though his TARDIS-in-flight depiction (a corkscrew swirly line suggesting rapid spinning) amuses the hosts.
• The Doctor as spaceship engineer - Jim questions when the Doctor became qualified to repair alien spacecraft faster than their actual owners.
• Grigg's suspicious appearance - Designed to look villainous initially, subverting expectations when King Ixa becomes the actual antagonist.
• John's bloodthirsty evolution - The grandson appears drawn older in close-ups, as if maturing into a violent young man over time.
• "Doctor Who" naming persists - The strip continues calling the protagonist "Doctor Who" rather than "the Doctor."

Jim declares this "on the same level as the first storyline" - straightforward space opera that doesn't connect much to the TV series, though the art remains enjoyable.

COMIC STRIP REVIEW #2: "Genesis of Evil" (January 23 - February 6, 1965) TV Century 21, Three-Part Story (One Page Per Issue) Writer: David Whitaker (from Terry Nation's plot) Artist: Richard Jennings

Jim's immediate reaction: "Gorgeous."

This landmark Dalek origin story appeared in the back pages of TV Century 21 magazine, forcing young fans to buy multiple publications for their Doctor Who fix. Set on the planet Skaro, the strip reveals how the robotic Dalek shells came to exist following a catastrophic event that irradiated the planet (here depicted as a meteor storm hitting nuclear stockpiles, contradicting the TV series' neutron bomb).

Two blue-skinned humanoid Daleks (members of the original Dals/Kaleds race) crawl from the rubble and encounter a horrifying sight - one of their own people, so mutated by radiation that he's encased himself in a mechanical pepper-pot shell. This robotic Dalek reveals he created the protective casing and now the survivors must build more shells for the remaining Daleks. The story establishes the Dalek Emperor character (gold and ruby-plated) who will feature in subsequent strips, creating a hierarchy absent from early TV stories.

John and Jim's Analysis:

• Stunning artwork - Richard Jennings delivers detailed, beautifully colored pages that exceed the Doctor Who strip's quality. Jim calls it an "eye opener."
• Terry Nation's contractual power - Nation receives prominent billing despite David Whitaker doing the actual scripting, showing the Dalek creator's early leverage (eventually buying a manor with Dalek profits).
• Canon contradictions - The strip doesn't contradict the first TV Dalek serial and actually fleshes it out nicely, but future TV story "Genesis of the Daleks" will completely reimagine the origin. The hosts discuss how ancillary products are always subordinate to on-screen canon.
• Perfect pacing - The compact one-page-per-issue format keeps the story moving efficiently without lingering, unlike the sometimes padded Doctor Who strip.
• Thals connection - The strip references the Thal people from the TV series, maintaining continuity while expanding the mythology.
• The Emperor's absence - John wonders why this gold Emperor wasn't in "The Daleks" TV story, speculating future strips might explain it.

Jim enthusiastically declares: "I enjoyed this way more than the Doctor Who strip" and looks forward to continuing Dalek adventures.

LOOKING AHEAD The hosts preview their upcoming Friday Patreon release covering "The Web Planet" - John approaches it fresh without having started watching, hoping for better appreciation than his initial expectations. Jim looks forward to eventually finding a story where John declares "this is horrible" so he'll "feel justified."

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Share your thoughts on disappearing companions and gorgeous Dalek artwork by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our passionate Facebook and BlueSky communities.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access to our main show reviews, plus exclusive content like Episode 5 featuring vintage comic strip analysis from 1965, deep-dive discussions of Dalek mythology, and comprehensive coverage of Doctor Who's complete multimedia legacy across all formats and eras!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #DoctorWhoComics #TVComic #TVCentury21 #FirstDoctor #WilliamHartnell #VintageComics #1965Comics #DoctorWhoHistory #TherovianQuest #NevilleMain #JohnAndGillian #DoctorWhoGrandchildren #Daleks #GenesisOfEvil #DalekOrigin #TerryNation #DavidWhitaker #RichardJennings #DalekEmperor #Skaro #Thals #DalekMythology #ClassicDoctorWho #1960sComics #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #Episode5 #ComicReview #BritishComics #RetroComics #DoctorWhoCanon #DalekComics #SixtyYearsOfDoctorWho #Whovian #DoctorWhoFandom #DoctorWhoCollectibles #VintageSciFi #ComicHistory #DalekHistory #BBCComics #ClassicComics

"I'm Gonna Spend My Christmas with a Dalek" & "Landing of the Daleks" - Vintage Doctor Who Music Review (1964-1965) - Christmas Patreon Exclusive

Dalekmania swept across the United Kingdom in 1964 with the same cultural fervor that Batmania would capture America two years later. The BBC's terrifying Dalek creatures became a merchandising phenomenon, spawning an explosion of toys, comic books, feature films, and even novelty music records capitalizing on the pepper pot-shaped villains that had captured the nation's imagination.

The Go-Gos - "I'm Gonna Spend My Christmas with a Dalek" (December 1964)

As "The Dalek Invasion of Earth" serial reached its dramatic conclusion in December 1964, the musical group The Go-Gos (completely unrelated to Belinda Carlisle's 1980s American new wave band) released this bizarre Christmas novelty record. The song features a 17-year-old female vocalist unconvincingly portraying a young child gleefully declaring her holiday wish to spend Christmas with a genocidal alien killing machine - a marketing decision that seems baffling by today's standards.

The Earthlings - "Landing of the Daleks" (February 1965)

Two months later, The Earthlings contributed to the Dalekmania craze with "Landing of the Daleks," an instrumental surf rock piece that surprisingly features zero Dalek voices and not a single iconic "Exterminate!" catchphrase throughout its entire runtime.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and writer/editor Jim Beard for this hilariously critical Patreon exclusive episode as they dissect what both songs have in common beyond the Dalek theme - they genuinely irritated Jim! Experience their entertaining analysis of 1960s Doctor Who merchandising excess, questionable musical choices, and the wild cultural phenomenon of Dalekmania at its peak.

This December, enjoy exclusive Patreon episodes every weekday celebrating Doctor Who's 60th anniversary! We're exploring the complete multimedia history of Doctor Who across television, comics, music, and more.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Share your thoughts on these vintage Dalek songs by emailing us at [email protected] or joining our passionate Facebook and BlueSky communities for exclusive Doctor Who discussions.

Become a Patreon member today to receive early episode access, exclusive music reviews, comic strip analysis, Big Finish audio drama coverage, and the opportunity to influence future episode topics. Your support helps us continue delivering comprehensive Doctor Who content across all eras and media!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #Daleks #Dalekmania #DoctorWhoMusic #VintageMusic #1960sMusic #NoveltyRecords #ChristmasSongs #DalekChristmas #TheGoGos #TheEarthlings #DoctorWho1964 #ClassicDoctorWho #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #PatreonExclusive #ChristmasPromotion #DoctorWho60thAnniversary #DalekInvasionOfEarth #Exterminate #DoctorWhoMerchandising #RetroMusic #BritishPopCulture #1960sPopCulture #DoctorWhoFandom #Whovian #DalekRecords #VinylCollector #DoctorWhoCollectibles #CultTV #NoveltyMusic #DoctorWhoHistory #BBCDoctorWho #DalekMania #ChristmasMusic #RetroChristmas #SixtyYearsOfDoctorWho

"Two Is Too Few, Four Is Too Much" - Production 6M: "The Awakening" (January 19-20, 1984) - Classic Doctor Who Season 21 Review

The Fifth Doctor brings Tegan to 1984 Little Hodcombe so she can visit her grandfather, Andrew Verney. But the TARDIS materializes in an unstable church during an English Civil War reenactment organized by the local magistrate, Sir George Hutchinson. When Tegan's grandfather goes missing and they encounter Will Chandler—a genuine 17th century peasant pulled through time—the Doctor discovers something sinister beneath the village: the Malus, an alien war machine feeding on psychic energy from the staged battles.

Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering comprehensive reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this Season 21 analysis, they debate whether three episodes would be the perfect Doctor Who story length, discuss the rushed pacing versus Jim's feeling it dragged, and explore themes of companion family visits and the show's grounded Earth-based budget-cutting era.

Cast Fatigue: By this point, both Peter Davison and Janet Fielding had announced departures (Mark Strickson would follow soon). Jim declares: "I am totally ready for a new Doctor and new companions." The energy has drained after 20 years, with JNT himself seeking other opportunities but trapped by industry circumstances.

Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at [email protected], leaving voicemails at thedoctorsbeardpodcast.com, or joining our active Facebook discussions.

Check out Jim Beard's creative work and visit thedoctorsbeardpodcast.com for John's new Target novelization review blog series starting with "An Unearthly Child"!

Become a Patreon member today for early episode access, bonus content, and support our complete journey through Classic Doctor Who!

Hashtags: #DoctorWho #TheAwakening #ClassicDoctorWho #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #Season21 #TeganJovanka #JanetFielding #Turlough #MarkStrickson #TheMalus #EnglishCivilWar #WillChandler #KeithJayne #EricPringle #TwoPartStory #BaseUnderSiege #PsychicEnergy #CompanionFamily #TeganGrandfather #LittleHodcombe #1984 #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #TARDIS #Whovian #ProductionDesign #ChurchSet #LocationFilming #DoctorWhoHistory #ClassicWho #BBC #BritishSciFi #DoctorWhoFandom #Kamelion #DeletedScenes #BehindTheScenes #ColinBaker #SixthDoctor #CompanionDeparture #CastFatigue #JNT #JohnNathanTurner #TargetNovels