It wouldnt be the first time theDoctor WhoTV series has adapted stories from other mediums.
Wagner also co-wrote the graphic novel on whichDavid CronenbergsA History of Violenceis based.
In short, its harder to imagine a team that better encapsulated the grittiness of 1980s British comics.
Ive always thought it was a great piece ofDoctor Whostorytelling, so coming back to it…
I dont know why I didnt do this when I wasoriginallyon the programme?
A wise move from him, as its a challenge to find now.
However, it has also been adapted by Big Finish,starring Tom Baker himself.
What Happens in the Comic
First of all: the setting.
The rumours are dismissed because aliens would never go to a dump like the fictional town of Blackcastle.
The comic story has two strands.
Beep the Meep is actually adastardlyandevilcute ball of fluff.
As in the TV special, the Meeps, once peaceful and advanced, were mutated.
Its off the war we go!?
Whos next for the chop?
as they line prisoners up for the guillotine?
Then theres a big climax, the entire planet is endangered, and the Doctor does something clever.
It all moves along in a veryDoctor Whoway.
A very post-Russell T Davies-eraDoctor Whoway, to be frank.
The First Modern Who Story?
Davies and Moffat have clearly both read this comic before.
The gritty everyday-ness of the setting, the pop culture references, the humour.
Then he used it to say, Trans rights.
He is not worried that you think he has a political axe to grind.
Because writing for a TV series 60thyear comes with its perks.
Not just the limitless potential, but that absolutely enormous toybox.
So he figured, why not giant crabs?
And of course,Doctor Whohad a species of giant crab monsters on hand.
BecauseDoctor Whoalways has something on hand.
