Doctor Who fans get ready for some thrilling news! BBC Books has just rolled out a brand-new edition of the very first Doctor Who novel 'Doctor Who and the Daleks' by David Whitaker. This isn't just any old reprint; it's a special hardback edition that's sure to become a prized possession on your bookshelf.

Now what makes this edition super cool are the illustrations by Robert Hack an American artist known for his incredible artwork. Imagine flipping through the pages and seeing the Doctor's adventures come to life with these vivid eye-catching illustrations. It's like adding a whole new layer of excitement to the story.

'Doctor Who and the Daleks' has a special place in the hearts of Doctor Who enthusiasts. It's the book that started it all the very first step into the vast universe of Doctor Who novels. And now with this new edition it's getting a fresh modern makeover while still keeping the charm of the original story.

This release is more than just a new book; it's a celebration of Doctor Who's rich history. It's a chance for fans both old and new to experience the Doctor's timeless adventures in a whole new way. Whether you're a die-hard Whovian or just discovering the wonders of the TARDIS this book is a must-have.

It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary art a tribute to the enduring legacy of Doctor Who. So grab your copy and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with the Doctor and the Daleks!                               

The Artistic Fusion

One of the most remarkable aspects of this re-release is the unique artwork by Robert Hack. He successfully combines the black-and-white aesthetic of the original TV series Whitaker's captivating prose and the vibrant colors of the 1965 Peter Cushing movie adaptation.

Each painting features a dominant color giving them a sense of monochrome without using just greys. Hack's larger-than-life illustrations let us experience the story on a grander scale and he even manages to bring out the horror in some scenes particularly in his depiction of the eerie Dalek mutants.

Intriguing Revisions

Whitaker's revisions in this new edition of 'Doctor Who and the Daleks add an extra layer of excitement. He treats the book as if it's the reader's introduction to the series creating a new way for the characters to meet.

Notably he also introduces an idea for a Dalek that would later appear on the TV show over 20 years later. While many parts of the story remain familiar Whitaker tells the tale from the perspective of Ian Chesterton providing readers with a fresh viewpoint.

The Beginning of Doctor Who Novels

The novel was commissioned in 1964 to coincide with the second TV appearance of the Daleks in 'The Dalek Invasion of Earth'. It was a hit and more novelizations followed.

However the subsequent adaptations of 'The Web Planet' and 'The Crusade' did not sell as well possibly due to the absence of Dalek's involvement. As a result no further stories were adapted into novels.

Teaching a Generation to Love Reading

In the early 1970s Target Books a children's imprint of Universal-Tandem acquired the rights to publish novelizations of Doctor Who stories. These books played a crucial role in teaching a whole generation to love reading.

Written in a simple and engaging style they captured the imagination of young fans and expanded the Doctor Who universe. Over the years Target Books attempted to release spin-offs and adaptations of stories that were not televised but the range eventually ended in 1990.

The New Adventures

After Target Books Virgin took over the publication of Doctor Who novels. The "New Adventures" line featured the Seventh Doctor and his companions offering imaginative and emotionally impactful stories. Though not every book in the series was a hit some of them pushed the boundaries of what Doctor Who could be influencing future TV episodes and exploring the depths of the Doctor's character.

BBC Books and the TV Revival

In 1996 BBC Books obtained the rights to publish their own Doctor Who novels starting with the novelization of the TV Movie by Gary Russell. The lines of new Doctor Who fiction continued to evolve releasing novels featuring the Eighth and later Doctors.

These books initially sold well and contributed creative ideas that later appeared in the revived TV series. However the sales eventually declined leading to the discontinuation of the BBC Books lines in 2005.

Continuing Tales

Despite the end of the BBC Books lines Doctor Who novels persisted. Gareth Roberts provided a novelization of Douglas Adams' unfinished story 'Shada' and reprints of Target novels were introduced.

Notable writers like Stephen Baxter and A.L. Kennedy contributed past Doctor novels while novella series were also published showcasing different eras of the Doctor's adventures.

New Series Adventures and the 60th Anniversary

The New Series Adventures resumed in 2013 but with fewer releases each year. The novels expanded the stories of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Doctors while a standalone novel called 'At Childhood's End' written by Sophie Aldred (the actor who played Ace) was published in 2020. It's worth noting that the book's continuity with the TV show is subject to interpretation.

Exciting Times Ahead

With a rich history of Doctor Who books and novelizations the future looks promising for fans. Whether it's revisiting classic stories or discovering new adventures with the Doctor these books continue to captivate readers of all ages and keep the love for Doctor Who alive.

The latest edition of 'Doctor Who and the Daleks' is like a brand-new adventure in the ever-exciting world of Doctor Who. For fans of the series this book is a real treat. It's got all the thrills and chills you'd expect but with some cool new twists. The artwork by Robert Hack is stunning. It's like he's brought the story to life with his drawings making every page a journey in itself.

David Whitaker the writer has done an amazing job too. He's taken the original story and added his creative touch. It's like he's sprinkled a bit of magic on it giving us a fresh look at a tale we thought we knew. This isn't just a rehash of the old story; it's something new and exciting.

Doctor Who novels have always been special. They're not just books; they're gateways to incredible adventures. They've introduced so many people to the joys of reading and have expanded the Doctor Who universe in ways we never imagined. Each book is like a new world to explore full of strange creatures distant planets and of course the Doctor's timeless charm.

As we look back at the history of these novels and think about what's coming next it's clear that they've made a huge impact. They've brought joy excitement and a bit of that Doctor Who magic to readers all over the world.

So whether you're a long-time fan or just getting started 'Doctor Who and the Daleks' is a must-read. It's a celebration of everything that makes Doctor Who great and a reminder of how books can take us on the most amazing journeys.