Lethbridge-Stewart: Short-Story competition winner announced

Tuesday, 17 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the winner of their recent Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition.

Lethbridge-Stewart short story competition winner Sean Alexander (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce the winner of the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition. The winning story, Boys Don’t Cry, is written by Sean Alexander from Holyhead, north Wales.

Shaun Russell, head of publishing at Candy Jar, says:

Sean has written a touching and heartfelt short story. His take on the Brig was unique amongst the entries. His story is set at Brendon School where the Brig has to uncover the truth about an awful tragedy.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart series of books, agrees:

Boy’s Don’t Cry is a wonderful little tale of life in Brendon, and we picked it because it showed a great understanding of the Brigadier, as well as the author displaying a knack for writing great prose. Add to that, the setting is one we’ve wanted to further explore in the main range, so as part of the winning prize, I’ll be working with Sean Alexander on developing another tale of Brendon School which will serve as a back-door pilot for a possible new range of novellas.

Sean Alexander says:

In true Doctor Who producer style, I'm surprised and delighted to be chosen as the winner of Candy Jar's short story competition! Opportunities like this are few and far between, so my heartfelt thanks to Shaun and Andy for selecting me. I look forward to our collaboration on a brand new Lethbridge-Stewart novella later in the year. Splendid fellows, both of them!

Lethbridge-Stewart: Short Story Collection (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

The book also features eight other exclusive short stories featuring Lethbridge-Stewart at various stages in his life. This is a chance for fans to see the Brigadier like they’ve never seen him before!

The eight stories are:

The Stranger Paradox by Thomas Firth
Soldier in Time by Martin Gregory
Burning Daylight by Paul Chase
The Brigadier Rides Again by Ross Hastings
In Machina Exspiravit by Anthony Robertson
Special Responsibility by Gary Tinnams
Shadows in the Glen by Richard Brewer
The Man with the Red Case by Matthew Ball

The idea for the Lethbridge-Stewart Short Story Competition came from the company’s commitment to shedding light on fresh writing talent. Since 2015 the Lethbridge-Stewart novels have championed previously unknown authors such as Jonathan Macho and Gareth Madgwick, alongside famous writing names in the Doctor Who universe including John Peel, Nick Walters, Simon A Forward and David A McIntee.

All royalties from each book will be donated the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. Shaun, who received chemotherapy treatment at the centre, says:

In 2015 I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, just as we were launching the first Lethbridge-Stewart series. As you can imagine, undergoing six months of treatment was physically and emotionally draining. If it wasn’t for the support of the centre I wouldn’t have got through this difficult time. This is my way of giving something back.

The book can be pre-ordered via the Candy Jar Books website.

Due to public demand, Candy Jar Books will be producing a very limited print run of The HAVOC Files 1, which can ordered via their website.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Lethbridge-Stewart: new book to celebrate 50 years of the Brigadier

Monday, 16 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have announced the latest addition to their Lethbridge-Stewart range of titles, and the first non-fiction instalment in the character’s expanding universe, The Brigadier: Fifty Years of Lethbridge Stewart.

The Brigadier: 50 Years of Lethbridge-Stewart (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Since acquiring the rights to the character of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart in 2014, as well as other iconic Doctor Who figures such as the Great Intelligence, Candy Jar has published over twenty works of fiction in the Lethbridge-Stewart series, with more titles already in the works. Given the enthusiastic response of Doctor Who fans the world over, it would be fair to say that the series has met a long unfulfilled demand.

Head of Publishing, Shaun Russell, says:

The Brig is one of Doctor Who’s most beloved characters, yet over the years, he became increasingly sidelined in the Doctor Who universe. We thought the character had a lot of untapped potential, so we took a punt and started exploring his origins, with the aim of telling the story of what he was up to in the years between his introduction to Who in The Web of Fear, and the formation of UNIT in The Invasion. From the feedback we’ve received from the fans, it seems this was a story they were waiting to be told.

But as all fans of Doctor Who know, the story is just the start of the appeal; the legions of fan forums, Meet-up Groups, or a brief glance at social media in the wake of new episodes, attest to the fact that unpicking storylines – why did this character do that? What are the implications of this? How does X relate to Y? – is half the fun.

Andy Frankham-Allen, range editor of the Lethbridge-Stewart range, says:

Fan speculation, theories and fiction, is what kept Doctor Who alive in the sixteen years it was off television. And the engagement of the fans is still what makes the series special; Doctor Who isn’t just a show, it’s a community, and it’s a community that loves nothing more than to explore the Doctor Who universe together. We take our role as the custodians of the Brigadier seriously; that’s why our stories revel in the continuity of the show. But we thought there was still one thing missing from our range, and that was something exploring just who the Brigadier is. Over the years, and across the TV show, miscellaneous book series, comics, audio dramas, and our own range of titles, he’s got a lot done. We thought a book that collected his continuity into one place, that explored his motivations, his effect on the universe, and his relationship with other pivotal figures, was something that the fans would love. This has never been done, and it’s long overdue. But we couldn’t just explore our own range; we had to look at the character as a whole.”

Accordingly one of the centrepieces of the book is a collation of the Brig’s television adventures over the years, establishing the definitive chronology of the character for the first time. Put together by Simon A Forward, a Doctor Who writer for over two decades, the piece takes its place alongside a raft of pieces by established Doctor Who names, not least an exclusive interview with John Levene, who played the Brig’s long-time sidekick John Benton, giving a rare behind the scenes look at the experience of shooting Doctor Who’s golden era.

Other contributors include Darran Jordan, Philip Clarke, and a host of names still to be announced. Between them, they explore topics including the Doctor’s relationship with the Brig (and vice versa), the life of Nicholas Courtney (through thirteen objects of personal significance), as well as tackling the thorny question of whether or not the Brigadier counts as an official companion. With a comprehensive approach encompassing all BBC, Big Finish and Candy Jar media, the book looks set to become the definitive reference for this staple of the Doctor Who universe for years to come.

The book is available to pre-order direct from Candy Jar Books.

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Thirteenth Doctor figurine range

Wednesday, 11 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

BBC Studios have revealed the first of the new toy ranges for Doctor Who Season 11. Ahead of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), this is the first-look of the new Thirteenth Doctor figurines.

Doctor Who licensee Titan have produced two limited-edition 6.5” vinyls collectibles for S11: one 6.5" Thirteenth Doctor TITAN, and one 6.5" Thirteenth Doctor Kawaii TITAN, both of which will be debuting at SDCC 2018 at BBC AMERICA booth #4129 and Titan Entertainment booth #5537.

Remaining TITANS post-SDCC will be available to buy after the close of Comic-Con from Hot Topic & the BBC Shop in the US and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. Pre-order for these potential store purchases opens after the close of San Diego Comic-Con on Monday 23rd July 2018.

From Funko, The Thirteenth Doctor Pop! and The Thirteenth Doctor Rock Candy will be available to see at SDCC 2018 on the BBC AMERICA booth #4129 and the Funko booth #5341/5347, and in retail in both the US and UK this autumn. A new Doctor also means a new costume and Her Universe is debuting the Thirteenth Doctor’s fashionable rainbow striped top, long coat, and blue trousers, which will be available at SDCC at Her Universe booth #1321 and later in the autumn at Hot Topic stores.

Away from SDCC, UK Master Toy Licensee Character Options has unveiled its brand new Doctor Who figure, the first 10” figure of the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker.

The new, highly detailed 10”/26cm fully articulated, collectible figure comes dressed in real fabric high-waisted culottes, rainbow striped dark blue shirt and coat. The figure also comes with the Doctor’s essential Sonic Screwdriver accessory.

Alasdair Dewar, Character Options’ Director of Product Development commented:

The new 10 inch Adventure Figure is a fantastic addition to the range. Made even better by the use of 3D scan data. The likeness is absolutely fantastic and along with the scaled fabric clothing kids and collectors alike will enjoy this bigger sized figure to play without display ... and ... it’s by sheer chance perfectly in scale with our 2006 12 inch Doctor Who range

Rikesh Desai, Licensing Director at BBC Studios, says;

As the UK Master Toy Licensee for Doctor Who, Character Options consistently produce great toys for the brand. The new Thirteenth Doctor figure is no exception; the attention to detail, real clothes and quality of the product make it a great collectible for fans of all ages.

The new figure will be available from August, for more information visit www.character-online.com.

BBC AMERICA will hold a panel at SDCC on Thursday, 19th July at 11:45am PT in Hall H, introducing the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker. Marking a new era for the legendary Time Lord, Whittaker will be joined on the panel by two of her Doctor Who co-stars, Tosin Cole and Mandip Gill, who play Ryan and Yasmin, as well as award-winning series showrunner Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch) and executive producer Matt Strevens (An Adventure In Space And Time). BBC AMERICA will also have additional exclusive Doctor Who merchandise from BBC Shop available at booth #4129.

Thirteenth Doctor Kawaii (Credit: Titan)

Thirteenth Doctor figurine (Credit: Her Universe)

Pop Vinyl Thirteenth Doctor (Credit: Funko)

Thirteenth Doctor (Credit: Character Options)

FILTER: - Character - Thirteenth Doctor

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor - New Comic

Monday, 9 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor - Cover A (Credit: Titan )

This week sees the release of the first in a series of Titan Comics leading up to the arrival of the Thirteenth Doctor.

The first, in a series of three, features the Tenth Doctor, as portrayed by David Tennant.

It is available from Wednesday 11 July.

The Road To The Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor

Writer: James Peaty, Jody Houser

Artist: Iolanda Zanfardino, Rachael Stott

Colourist: Enrica Eren Angiolini

The road to the Thirteenth Doctor starts here! The first of three stand-alone stories featuring the Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctor!

The Tenth Doctor has his work cut out when he encounters a lost spaceship... Whose crew is being absorbed by mysterious ghostly creatures! Everything is not how it seems, however, especially when disturbing facts about the crew come to light!

Each issue contains a serialised short from the creative team behind the new Thirteenth Doctor ongoing series!

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor - Cover B (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor - Cover C (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 1 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 2 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 3 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 4 (Credit: Titan )

The Road to the Thirteenth Doctor: The Tenth Doctor Page 5 (Credit: Titan )

FILTER: - Comics - Tenth Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: free story for download

Saturday, 7 July 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books has released the latest in its range of free-for-download short stories in their Lethbridge-Stewart series:

Lethbridge-Stewart: Piece Of Mind (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Piece Of Mind
Written by James Middelmitch

Following the end of his engagement with Sally Wright, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart is ordered to the Sanctuary by his commanding officer, General Hamilton. The plan is for Lethbridge-Stewart to have “time alone if nothing else. The Sanctuary specialises in mental strength – new techniques, but they take peace and quiet to learn.” Of course, it isn’t only Lethbridge-Stewart that Hamilton sends, but Sally too.

But, naturally enough, the Sanctuary isn’t exactly what it seems and, despite their bruised feelings, Lethbridge-Stewart and Sally find themselves dragged into a new mystery…

Based on characters created and inspired by Mervyn Haisman & Henry Lincoln.

The short story is available from Candy Jar website.

FILTER: - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart

Christmas Episode Confirmed?

Thursday, 5 July 2018 - Reported by Marcus

The first indication that Doctor Who will have a Christmas episode this year has come thanks to an entry on the CV of the programme's editor.

Doctor Who will return this autumn with a special 65-minute episode, followed by nine 50 minute episodes. Until now there has been no indication as to whether the production team would be making an extra episode to be shown at Christmas.

However, an entry in the online CV of Edel McDonnell, an editor on the programme, indicated he will be working on a Christmas special to be directed by Wayne Yip, who previously directed the twelfth Doctor episodes The Lie Of The Land and Empress Of Mars.

Production Guide

FILTER: - Production - Thirteenth Doctor

Thirteenth Doctor Comic Debut

Saturday, 30 June 2018 - Reported by Marcus

Many Lives of the Doctor - Cover A (Credit: Titan )

Titan Comics and BBC Studios have announced details of the Thirteenth Doctor Comic debut this autumn.

Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor Vol. 0 – The Many Lives Of Doctor Who – a special primer edition, will celebrate the Doctor’s many lives, and lead directly into Titan’s brand-new Thirteenth Doctor comic series.

It's said that your life flashes before your eyes when you die, and the Doctor’s had many of them! As the Doctor regenerates from his twelfth incarnation to her thirteenth (as played by Jodie Whittaker), she relives unseen adventures from all her past selves from Classic through to New Who.

Released in September 2018, The Thirteenth Doctor Vol. 0 features a stellar cast of Doctor Who comic creators including writer Richard Dinnick and artists Mariano Laclaustra, Giorgia Sposito, Arianna Florean, Iolanda Zanfardino, Brian Williamson, Claudia Ianniciello and Rachael Stott, the artist of Titan’s new Thirteenth Doctor series.

This special 64-page edition - the first Thirteenth Doctor comic - comes with two covers to collect: an art cover by Claudia Ianniciello and a photo variant by designer Will Brooks - only available in comic shops.

The Thirteenth Doctor Vol. 0 is part of Titan Comics' larger plans for the Thirteenth Doctor, which includes the launch of issue 1 in October and Doctor Who Comics Day on November 24.

Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor Vol. 0 – The Many Lives Of Doctor Who is available at bookstores and comic shops from September, and is available to read on digital devices.

Many Lives of the Doctor - Cover B (Credit: Titan )

Many Lives of the Doctor (Credit: Titan )

FILTER: - Comics - Thirteenth Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: additional free Kindle novels this weekend

Saturday, 16 June 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have made a second set of their Lethbridge-Stewart novels available to freely download via Kindle over the next five days:

As the Doctor Who marathon on Twitch continues, Candy Jar is pleased to announce one final set of free Kindle downloads until the autumn:

Free on Kindle for five days (starting June 16th):

’48 Crash: Aliens visit the Radio One Roadshow. A special edition Lethbridge-Stewart short story to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BBC Radio 1. Author, Mark Carton, has been shortlisted in the People’s Book Prize and you can vote for his book The Book Spy.
The HAVOC Files: A collection of short stories featuring Doctor Who legend, the Brigadier. Includes exclusive story, The Enfolded Time.
Mind of Stone: Doctor Who legend, the Brigadier, finds himself in Wormwood Scrubs prison after blowing up a small village. The only way to escape is to befriend the prison's most notorious prisoner!
The Dreamer’s Lament: The Brigadier finds himself trapped in the past in a village full of zombies.

Lethbridge-Stewart: '48 Crash (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Havoc Files (Credit: Candy-Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: Mind of Stone (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

Lethbridge-Stewart: The Dreamer's Lament (Credit: Candy Jar Books)

FILTER: - Books - Candy Jar Books - Lethbridge-Stewart - Special Offers

Doctor Who At Comic-Con International: San Diego 2018

Thursday, 14 June 2018 - Reported by Marcus

Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor (Credit: BBC/Steve Schofield)

The new Doctor Who cast will make their first-ever panel appearance at this year's Comic-Con International held at San Diego 2018 this July.

The Doctor Who panel will feature new Doctor Jodie Whittaker alongside two of her Doctor Who co-stars Tosin Cole, and Mandip Gill. They will be joined by Showrunner Chris Chibnall and Executive Producer Matt Strevens.

The panel will be moderated by legendary Doctor Who fan, comedian Chris Hardwick (The Talking Dead, Talking with Chris Hardwick).

The panel will be the cast’s first-ever panel appearance ahead of Doctor Who returning this Autumn on BBC One and BBC America. .

FILTER: - Conventions - Thirteenth Doctor

Lethbridge-Stewart: free Kindle novels this weekend

Saturday, 9 June 2018 - Reported by Chuck Foster

Candy Jar Books have made a number of their Lethbridge-Stewart novels available to freely download via Kindle this weekend:

With the success of the Doctor Who marathon on Twitch, many news fans are being introduced to 1960s Doctor Who for the first time, and with it, the Brigadier, Anne Travers and the Great Intelligence. To celebrate, Candy Jar Books is offering a special treat for these news fans, a chance to see what happens next.

Free on Kindle until Monday 12th June:

Top Secret Files: An introductory pack featuring new short stories and interviews about the Brigadier.
The Dogs of War: The Brigadier and Group Captain Gilmore team-up to deal with an unusual threat in the London Underground. Have the Yeti returned?
Times Squared: The Yeti have invaded New York and are lurking in the subway. The Brigadier stands ready to face them.
Night of the Intelligence: A kidnap. A conspiracy. And the return of a primal force from the dawn of the universe. The Brigadier fights to protect not only the UK, but the world itself!
Avatars of the Intelligence: Threatened by an old enemy, Lucy must step into her grandfather's shoes. But in her new hometown, who can she trust?