Attack of the Cybermen (novelisation): Difference between revisions

{{Infobox Story SMW

|image       = <gallery>

Attack of the Cybermen novel.jpg|1989 edition

2AttackCybermen.jpg|1992 edition

|number       = 138  

|doctor       = Sixth Doctor

|companions   = [[Peri Brown|Peri]]  

|enemy       = [[Cyberman|Cybermen]], [[Cyber-Controller|Cyber Controller]]

|setting     = [[London]] and [[Telos]], [[1985]]

|writer       = Eric Saward

|read by     = [[Colin Baker]], [[David Banks]]

|cover        = [[Colin Howard]]

|publisher   = Target Books

|publisher2   = W.H. Allen

|novelisation of = Attack of the Cybermen (TV story)

|release date = 20 April 1989

|format       = Paperback Book; 10 Chapters, 140 Pages

|isbn         = ISBN 0-426-20290-2

|prev         = Dragonfire (novelisation)

|next         = The Nightmare Fair (novelisation)

|series2     = [[List of Doctor Who television stories|TV series order]]

|prev2       = The Twin Dilemma (novelisation)

|next2       = Vengeance on Varos (novelisation)

'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was a novelisation based on the 1985 television serial ''[[Attack of the Cybermen (TV story)|Attack of the Cybermen]]''.

=== 1989 Target Books edition ===

A [[diamond]] raid in [[1985|modern-day]] [[London]]...a secret base hidden deep in the heart of the city's sewer system...a cold and desolate planet light years from [[Earth]]...and a daring plan to alter the entire course of interplanetary history...

 

On [[20th century|twentieth-century]] [[Earth]] it appears that [[Sixth Doctor|the Doctor]]'s old enemy, [[Lytton]], has allied himself with the ruthless [[Cyberman|Cybermen]]. The Cybermen have devised a scheme which, if successful, could completely destroy the web of time and bring the [[human]] race to its knees.

=== 1992 Target Books edition ===

LYTTON STEPPED FORWARD AND BOWED TO ONE OF THE CREATURES. 'WE ARE YOUR PRISONERS, LEADER,'

On twentieth-century Earth, the Doctor's old enemy, Lytton, appears to have allied himself with the ruthless Cybermen, who have devised a scheme which, if successful, could completely destroy the web of time and bring the human race to its knees. For when the Cyberplanet Mondas was destroyed in 1986, the Cybermen were forced to retreat to the planet Telos. Now they have journeyed back in time to prevent the destruction of their home world, and for Mondas to survive, the Earth must die...

* The novelisation deviates from the televised story structure considerably. Most notably, among several additions, includes:

** Several sequences are also streamlined or outright removed. The opening with sewer workers, Bill and David, is omitted. As is the cliffhanger to the end of "Part One" featuring Peri.

* The Doctor's characterisation is softened further from his televised depiction. He reassures Peri at multiple points that he's aware of his instability, but won't let it cloud his judgement.

* The novelisation provides several new details about the Cybermen and their methods. The process of conversion is described as "cybernisation" and uses a silver metal known as [[Arnickleton|arnickelton]] to replace limbs. Much like their ''[[Revenge of the Cybermen (TV story)|Revenge of the Cybermen]]'' counterparts, the only organic component that remains is a processed brain.

* The Cyber Controller does not appear in person until his encounter with Lytton.

* It's clarified that Lytton's torture forces him to tell the Cyber-Controller everything he knows of the planned heist for the time vessel. This includes how the vessel was to be stolen, where it would be diverted to, and how the Cryons encouraged the rebellion of Stratton and Bates to begin with.

* Rather than being caught in an unusual booby-trap, Bates is killed in the fiery explosion of the launch pad door. The Cyberman who kills Griffiths, Stratton and Bates is said to turn over Griffiths's body. Griffiths has a wry smile on his face from the near-successful capture of the time vessel.

* Unlike on television, Peri points out to the Doctor that Lytton had ample opportunity to tell the Doctor about his work for the [[Cryon]]s. The Doctor suspects Lytton didn't tell him as thought he wouldn't believe him.

* The Cryons are explicitly depicted as having survived the explosion of Cyber Control. Eager to rebuild their world.

2AttackCybermen.jpg|1992 edition.<br />Cover by [[Alister Pearson]]

== Audiobook ==