Doctor Who: a Cold Day in Hell 11 Paperback – December 18, 2012

The late 80's were a time of flux for Doctor Who, with a marked increase in fandom (particularly in terms of the US, where fans were just recently exposed to the series) offset by controversy and threat of cancellation. The post-Davison Doctor Whos represented something of a sea change from its earlier days - simultaneously less stodgy, more lively and colourful, and awkward, over the top, and derided by critic and contemporary fan alike. Changes in timeslot, format, and style marked a period flirting with more physicality and violence (an argument that could be extended to apply to both the earlier Pertwee and Tom Baker eras, with their flirtations with cinematic action and horror tropes, as well), which conversely found itself accused of stepping over the top into pantomime. While time has borne out the quality of the lead actors, if not always the writing and direction, during this period, recent reassessments of Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy's wonderful, amusing and erudite takes on the Doctor remain offset by the outright fan hatred of the period for "the men who ruined the Doctor" - some fans still holding to their decades old prejudices.Sadly, the same applies to the print version, as serialized in Doctor Who Magazine (and later Doctor Who Monthly). Fans praise the stodgier Davison and Tom Baker stories to high heaven, but tend to gloss over, dismiss, or even deride those of Colin Baker or Sylvester McCoy's doctors. And this is a shame.While both Panini collections of the Colin Baker run stand as some of the best illustrated of the series, with the fine attention to lifelike rendering of John Ridgway, there is still something to be said for this first collection of Sylvester McCoy's term.In fact, the only spot that truly "fell off" was the truly execrable "Follow That Tardis!", with some pet characters of editor Richard Starkings, the "Sleez Brothers". If that very name doesn't turn you off this one, nothing will.But overall, there is still some quality material to be found here, particularly the Victorian-era London set "Claws of the Klaathi" and the equally evocative abandoned settings (and concomitant menace) of both "Planet of the Dead" and "Echoes of the Mogor". Recommended.

PERFECT GIFT

This is an excellent collection of eleven stories featuring the seventh doctor from the pages of Doctor Who Magazine. They are from issues 133 to 150 and include such classics as Planet of the Dead and The Crossroads of Time.There is an interesting seven page commentary section at the end of the book where the writers, artists and editors reveal the stories behind the comic strips.

Fantastic book, full of action with amazing art work

After buying the previous 2 books this one for me was not quite as good as there is less art by john ridgway but its still an interesting read.