Metal Mania (comic story)

Metal Mania
Doctor:	[[doctor::Tenth Doctor]]
Main enemy:	Robots
Main setting:	Earth, Italy, Milan, 15th century
Key crew
Publisher:	[[publisher::GE Fabbri Ltd]]
Editor:	Claire Lister
Writer:	Simon Furman
Artist:	Lee Sullivan
Colourist:	Alan Craddock
Release details
Format:	Comic - Part 2 of 2 (4 pages)

Opening narration box

The Doctor is attacked by Renaissance robots in the home of Leonardo da Vinci

Summary

Ludovico's intervention with a chair distracts the robot that was holding the Doctor's throat long enough for the Doctor to deactivate it with his sonic screwdriver. Examing Leonardo, who has been watching in a trance, the Doctor discovers a spider-like robot has attached itself to his neck. When the Doctor tries to use his sonic screwdriver to detach the creature, more robotic suits of armour become animated. When the Doctor defends himself with sulphuric acid the creature controlling Leonardo senses inteligence and communicates. The creature requires a new body after its old one was damaged in a crash. The Doctor agrees to help and lures the creature into one of the suits of armour he has adapted. Once inside the suit of armour the robotic spider shuts down. The Doctor explains that the creatures mobility depended on a gas-delivery system which the Doctor 'forgot' to switch on as part of his deal for the creature to leave Leonardo's body. With the creature trapped inactive in the armours' helmet the Doctor leaves to take it home, wherever that may be! As he departs the Doctor leaves instructions for Ludovico to burn the notes on making a robot.
ArtistLee Sullivan

Characters

• Tenth Doctor
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Ludovico

References

• The Battles in Time comic strip often sought to reinforce the Doctor character with that as seen on screen by utilising various ‘props’ used in the TV series. Namely; blue/brown suit, sonic screwdriver, psychic paper and his intelligent glasses.

Notes

• Supporting the series of collectable Doctor Who trading cards, the magazine title, carried a regular 4 page comic strip series of the Tenth Doctor’s adventures.
• The limitation of only 4 pages meant that stories often lacked some depth in comparison to other regular comic strips running at the same time.
• Style wise, the artwork and colours were bold and bright reflecting the tone of the magazine and, as with Doctor Who Adventures, it reflected the appeal to younger readers than that catered for by Doctor Who Magazine.

Original print details

(Instalment, publication with page count and closing captions)

• 2/2 Doctor Who: Battles in Time Issue 62 (4 pages) TO BE CONTINUED...!
• No reprints to date.

Continuity

to be added

External links

• Da Vinci's Robots / Metal Mania at the Doctor Who Reference Guide
• The official magazine website with magazine and trading card details, including news of the latest available issue.