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?

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