HELIX HATRED!

In the midst of conflict between science and superstition during the late 15th century, the manipulating alien energy force that is the Mandragora Helix, formerly stowed away aboard the TARDIS, looks set to conquer planet Earth and unleash its full power for evil, unless the Doctor and Sarah can stop it, in this great Target book art, by Alister Pearson, for the classic Season Fourteen opener that was the lavish period drama fused with sci-fi: The Masque of Mandragora. It was a story that I primarily remember, on its original transmission, for its scenes shot at the now legendary Portmeirion site prior used for The Prisoner TV series.

The Masque of Mandragora ★★★★ | Radio Times

Get the audio adaptation of the original Target novel here:

1977 book cover art by Mike Little.

Doctor Who And The Masque Of Mandragora (Audio Download): Phillip Hinchcliffe, Tim Pigott-Smith, BBC Digital Audio: Amazon.co.uk: Books

'THE ONE WITH THE MAGGOTS!'

Born from the deadly pollutant chemical slurries and contaminant waste products discarded by the evil Global Chemicals organisation, the hideous and dangerous to human life maggots spreading The Green Death are now fully emergent to cause panic to the local populace of the evergreen Welsh countryside. And their terrifying evolution life cycle has only just begun...

A superb image from the classic Season Ten finale, whose gross creatures are always remembered by fans and the general viewing public of the seventies.

TAKING THE FIFTH! THE ALL-NEW 'THE PETER DAVISON COLLECTION' LP - OUT NOW!

Out today from Demon Records come another LP Classic Doctor celebration, this time showcasing Peter Davison as the cricket loving, celery lapel wearing Fifth incarnation, who brought new life to the series in the early eighties. The stylish all-new 4 LP Collector's Edition album yields two diverse stories from his era - Kinda and Warriors of the Deep (both read by Davison himself), as well as bonus feature interviews. It's a lovely purchase that will certainly bowl fans over!

Get it here:

Doctor Who, Peter Davison (Doctor Collection) [VINYL] by Doctor Who, Doctor Who, Doctor Who, Doctor Who, Doctor Who: Amazon.co.uk: CDs & Vinyl

CLASSIC ART: TERROR IN THE SNOW!

The legends of the mythical Yeti roaming the snowy Himalayas have always been of a shy yet benevolent species. A situation seemingly no more as the alien force that is the Great Intelligence, intent on capturing the Earth for itself, make's its mark against humanity via deadly robot facsimiles, bringing chaos and destruction in their wake.

A terrific piece of art linked to the lost gem that is The Abominable Snowmen. If anyone knows the artist behind it, please get in touch.

LARGE SIZE ANT-ICS!

They've finally been returned to Earth in the 1960's but a big surprise awaits our TARDIS heroes, especially Ian and Susan in this classic ant encounter, when they explore their environs, in Planet of the Giants, a fun adventure story that made the airwaves long before the beloved American series Land of the Giants put its large feet out there!

OUT NOW FROM BBC PHYSICAL AUDIO: 'THE STONES OF BLOOD'

The Doctor's return to his favourite planet, Earth, in search of the third segment of the all-powerful, universe-changing Key to Time, of which his new companion Romana (or 'Fred', as The Doctor almost calls her!) plus the stalwart K-9 are along for the ride, proves to be another dangerous and thrilling affair - our iconic trio soon thrust into the machinations of a malevolent alien criminal, Cessair of Diplos, hiding within human history, and protected by blood-sucking Ogri monsters (helping to conceal her precious identity), cultivating an eons old secret society at the ruins of a mysterious and aged stone circle. Can our heroes avoid being manipulated and sacrificed so as to win both the day and the segment?

Terrance Dicks' brisk Target Books adaptation of David Fisher's adored 1979 story blending humour and horror in satisfying ways, The Stones of Blood, makes its way onto BBC Physical Audio, of which experienced Who guest veteran Geoffrey Beevers brings subtly effective menace with his five-hour vocalisation (and John Leeson back as our favourite metal pooch too!). It's a tale best listened to with the curtains drawn as the Autumn nights close in... and make sure there are none of those vampiric stone Ogri lurking outside the front door!

Get it here:

Doctor Who and the Stones of Blood: 4th Doctor Novelisations (Audio Download): Terrance Dicks, Geoffrey Beevers, BBC Digital Audio: Amazon.co.uk: Books

DALEKS ON PARADE!

Having not been on screen for three years, the always ratings-winning Daleks make for a fine return alongside Sylvester McCoy's Doctor, launching the show's milestone 25th Anniversary in style with Remembrance of the Daleks, of which the new white and gold legion of Davro's Daleks certainly dressed to impress!

Art by Alistair Pearson.

Ben Aaronovitch's acclaimed adaptation of his story - one of the finest in the original Target Books range - is excellently brought to BBC Audio, read by Davros himself, actor Terry Molloy.

Get it here:

Doctor Who: Remembrance of the Daleks: A 7th Doctor Novelisation (Audio Download): Ben Aaronovitch, Terry Molloy, BBC Audio: Amazon.co.uk: Books