The Metal-Eaters (comic story)

Doctor Which?

This story debuted with either the Second or Third Doctor, then was reprinted with the Fourth Doctor. It may have had different companions in the reprint, as well. From an in-universe point of view, it's unclear which Doctor lived through these events.

The Metal-Eaters
Doctor:	Third Doctor
Main enemy:	Metal-eating insects
Main setting:	Yorkshire Dales, Sigley Dale, Neffingham, Blackpool
Key crew
Publisher:	Polystyle
Artist:	Gerry Haylock
Release details
Number of parts:	7
Printed in:	TV Comic 1184-1190
Release date:	24 August - 5 October 1974
Format:	Comic
Printed in:	TV Comic 1409-1415
Release date:	15 December 1978 - 26 January 1979
TVC comic stories
← Previous	The Magician
Next →	Lords of the Ether

You may be looking for The Metal Eaters, a completely different Third Doctor TV Comic story.

The Metal-Eaters was a TV Comic story featuring the Third Doctor. It was reprinted as a Fourth Doctor adventure.

Summary

After returning from the Middle Ages, the Third Doctor relaxes by going fishing. However, he finds his relaxation cut short when he is called to investigate the destruction of a television mast, apparently caused by metal-eating insects. The creatures have been bred by scientist Professor McTurk and his daughter Catriona. They plan to use the insects to extort money from the British government in revenge for ignoring the Professor's talents. When the insects are released on an army firing range, their devastating attack on a tank battalion is witnessed by two foreign spies. The enemy agents trace the insects to the McTurks' farm, where they shoot the Professor. Honouring McTurk's dying wish, Catriona releases the insects to wreak havoc on the world. As the insects swarm toward Blackpool, the Doctor enlists Catriona's help to prevent them heading out to sea and the rest of the world. One thing can save the Earth now — Blackpool Tower!

Plot

to be added

Characters

• Third Doctor/Fourth Doctor
• Charles Rogers
• Professor McTurk
• Catriona McTurk
• Dimitri Askov
• Major Pakovsky
• Colonel Douglass
• Workman

Worldbuilding

• McTurk lives in a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales.

Notes

• Although the enemy agents are never identified as such, they are heavily implied to be Russian, being depicted as caricatures. As such, they address everyone as "comrade" — even people they are about to kill.
• The Doctor notes that the swarm is travelling in an eastward direction and heading towards Blackpool. In the real world, however, Blackpool is located on the west coast of England.

Original print details

(Publication with page count and closing captions)

• TVC 1184 (2 pages) The sinister horde hunt again, next week!
• TVC 1185 (2 pages) Next week: on the trail of the insect-master!
• TVC 1186 (2 pages) Follow the Doctor for more thrills next week!
• TVC 1187 (2 pages) More drama with the Doctor next week!
• TVC 1188 (2 pages) Join the Doctor for more drama next week!
• TVC 1189 (2 pages) The Doctor hunts the insect horde next week.
• TVC 1190 (2 pages) An exciting new Dr Who adventure soon!

Continuity

• The Doctor has just returned from the Middle Ages. (COMIC: The Magician)

External links

• The Metal-Eaters at the Doctor Who Reference Guide