Doctor Who Magazine: Difference between revisions
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{{title|''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{real world}}{{px|DWM}} | {{title|''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{real world}}{{px|DWM}} | ||
[[ | [[File:DWM417.jpg|thumb| [[DWM 417]] - [[7 January]] [[2010]], launching a new look for the magazine]] | ||
'''''Doctor Who Magazine''''' (formerly '''''Doctor Who Weekly''''', '''''Doctor Who Monthly''''' and several other iterations) is the world's longest running magazine based on a television series.<ref>[http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com/2010/04/doctor-who-magazine-wins-guinness-world.html "Doctor Who Magazine wins Guinness World Record". Doctor Who News Page. 1 April 2010.]</ref><ref>Touted on the magazine's cover from [[DWM 421|issue 421]].</ref> It is currently a four-weekly periodical that publishes ''[[Doctor Who]]'' news, reviews, articles and [[Doctor Who Magazine comic strips|comic stories]], as well as occasional [[Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition|standalone publications]]. The abbreviation '''DWM''' is widely used in fandom to refer to the magazine. | '''''Doctor Who Magazine''''' (formerly '''''Doctor Who Weekly''''', '''''Doctor Who Monthly''''' and several other iterations) is the world's longest running magazine based on a television series.<ref>[http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com/2010/04/doctor-who-magazine-wins-guinness-world.html "Doctor Who Magazine wins Guinness World Record". Doctor Who News Page. 1 April 2010.]</ref><ref>Touted on the magazine's cover from [[DWM 421|issue 421]].</ref> It is currently a four-weekly periodical that publishes ''[[Doctor Who]]'' news, reviews, articles and [[Doctor Who Magazine comic strips|comic stories]], as well as occasional [[Doctor Who Magazine Special Edition|standalone publications]]. The abbreviation '''DWM''' is widely used in fandom to refer to the magazine. | ||
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The title changes, very broadly speaking, reflected a change of editor or direction for the title. The continuity of the numbering system — largely the indication of whether a title is considered "continuously published" — has remained intact from [[October]] [[1979]] to [[{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}}]] [[{{CURRENTYEAR}}]]. Since its first issue, a major feature of each issue has been an ongoing comic strip based upon the series, which has featured adventures with every incarnation of the Doctor and many (but not all) of his TV companions. There have also been, from time to time, back-up comic strips featuring different characters, and during the 1990s DWM was affiliated with the [[Virgin New Adventures]] book line by publishing short stories (dubbed "[[Brief Encounter]]") related to the books and also comic strips that linked closely with New Adventures novels of the time. | The title changes, very broadly speaking, reflected a change of editor or direction for the title. The continuity of the numbering system — largely the indication of whether a title is considered "continuously published" — has remained intact from [[October]] [[1979]] to [[{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}}]] [[{{CURRENTYEAR}}]]. Since its first issue, a major feature of each issue has been an ongoing comic strip based upon the series, which has featured adventures with every incarnation of the Doctor and many (but not all) of his TV companions. There have also been, from time to time, back-up comic strips featuring different characters, and during the 1990s DWM was affiliated with the [[Virgin New Adventures]] book line by publishing short stories (dubbed "[[Brief Encounter]]") related to the books and also comic strips that linked closely with New Adventures novels of the time. | ||
[[ | [[File:DWM 001.jpg|thumb| DWM's very [[DWM 1|first issue]], dated [[17 October]] [[1979]]]] | ||
The magazine's logo generally reflects the current on-screen series logo (or a slight variation thereof). Notable exceptions include the period from [[1991]] to [[1999]] when the magazine reverted to using the "diamond logo" associated with the late-[[Jon Pertwee]] and most of the [[Tom Baker]] era; DWM belatedly switched to the logo introduced in the [[Paul McGann]] [[Doctor Who (1996)|TV movie]] in [[1999]], and it remained in use until it adopted a variation of the logo used for the revived TV series in [[2005]]. | The magazine's logo generally reflects the current on-screen series logo (or a slight variation thereof). Notable exceptions include the period from [[1991]] to [[1999]] when the magazine reverted to using the "diamond logo" associated with the late-[[Jon Pertwee]] and most of the [[Tom Baker]] era; DWM belatedly switched to the logo introduced in the [[Paul McGann]] [[Doctor Who (1996)|TV movie]] in [[1999]], and it remained in use until it adopted a variation of the logo used for the revived TV series in [[2005]]. | ||
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In addition to these superlatives, ''Doctor Who Magazine'' is also considered a survivor of the print medium, having now outlasted many other long-running science-fiction-based publications such as ''Starlog'' and ''Starburst'' which have in recent years abandoned print for website-only productions or closed down completely. In January 2010 the magazine launched a new look as it began to chronicle the newest era of the ''Doctor Who'' series under [[Matt Smith]]. | In addition to these superlatives, ''Doctor Who Magazine'' is also considered a survivor of the print medium, having now outlasted many other long-running science-fiction-based publications such as ''Starlog'' and ''Starburst'' which have in recent years abandoned print for website-only productions or closed down completely. In January 2010 the magazine launched a new look as it began to chronicle the newest era of the ''Doctor Who'' series under [[Matt Smith]]. | ||
==[[Doctor Who Magazine (regular issues)]]== | == [[Doctor Who Magazine (regular issues)]] == | ||
Further information relating to the various periods of the magazine's publication can be found through the links below. They are sorted firstly by "eras" of the magazine where the magazine was titled by a variety of names. From [[DWM 107|issue 107]] it was titled as ''Doctor Who Magazine'', a title it is still known by at the present (2011). | Further information relating to the various periods of the magazine's publication can be found through the links below. They are sorted firstly by "eras" of the magazine where the magazine was titled by a variety of names. From [[DWM 107|issue 107]] it was titled as ''Doctor Who Magazine'', a title it is still known by at the present (2011). | ||
===By "era"=== | === By "era" === | ||
From 1979 through to November 1985 the magazine was known by a variety of titles, from ''Doctor Who Weekly'' to a variety of names used to denote its monthly status. In December 1985 with issue 107, the magazine became known as ''Doctor Who Magazine''. Issues in the following pages are arranged by the various "eras" where the magazine was known by a slew of titles. | From 1979 through to November 1985 the magazine was known by a variety of titles, from ''Doctor Who Weekly'' to a variety of names used to denote its monthly status. In December 1985 with issue 107, the magazine became known as ''Doctor Who Magazine''. Issues in the following pages are arranged by the various "eras" where the magazine was known by a slew of titles. | ||
*'''[[Doctor Who Magazine/Doctor Who Weekly|Doctor Who Weekly]]''' ([[DWM 1|Issue 1]] to [[DWM 43|Issue 43]]) | * '''[[Doctor Who Magazine/Doctor Who Weekly|Doctor Who Weekly]]''' ([[DWM 1|Issue 1]] to [[DWM 43|Issue 43]]) | ||
*'''[[Doctor Who Magazine/Doctor Who - A Marvel Monthly|Doctor Who - A Marvel Monthly]]''' ([[DWM 44|Issue 45]] to [[DWM 60|Issue 60]]) | * '''[[Doctor Who Magazine/Doctor Who - A Marvel Monthly|Doctor Who - A Marvel Monthly]]''' ([[DWM 44|Issue 45]] to [[DWM 60|Issue 60]]) | ||
*'''[[Doctor Who Magazine/Doctor Who Monthly|Doctor Who Monthly]]''' ([[DWM 61|Issue 61]] to [[DWM 84|Issue 84]]) | * '''[[Doctor Who Magazine/Doctor Who Monthly|Doctor Who Monthly]]''' ([[DWM 61|Issue 61]] to [[DWM 84|Issue 84]]) | ||
*'''[[Doctor Who Magazine/The Official Doctor Who Magazine|The Official Doctor Who Magazine]]''' ([[DWM 85|Issue 85]] to [[DWM 98|Issue 98]]) | * '''[[Doctor Who Magazine/The Official Doctor Who Magazine|The Official Doctor Who Magazine]]''' ([[DWM 85|Issue 85]] to [[DWM 98|Issue 98]]) | ||
*'''[[Doctor Who Magazine/The Doctor Who Magazine|The Doctor Who Magazine]]''' ([[DWM 86|Issue 86]] to [[DWM 106|Issue 106]]) | * '''[[Doctor Who Magazine/The Doctor Who Magazine|The Doctor Who Magazine]]''' ([[DWM 86|Issue 86]] to [[DWM 106|Issue 106]]) | ||
===By year=== | === By year === | ||
From December [[1985]] with [[DWM 107|issue 107]] the magazine was retitled, dropping the '''The''' from its name to become as it is known today (2011) as ''Doctor Who Magazine''. All issues following this changed are arranged by '''year'''. | From December [[1985]] with [[DWM 107|issue 107]] the magazine was retitled, dropping the '''The''' from its name to become as it is known today (2011) as ''Doctor Who Magazine''. All issues following this changed are arranged by '''year'''. | ||
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*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1985|1985]] ([[DWM 107|Issue 107]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1985|1985]] ([[DWM 107|Issue 107]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1986|1986]] ([[DWM 108|Issue 108]] to [[DWM 119|Issue 119]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1986|1986]] ([[DWM 108|Issue 108]] to [[DWM 119|Issue 119]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1987|1987]] ([[DWM 120|Issue 120]] to [[DWM 131|Issue 131]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1987|1987]] ([[DWM 120|Issue 120]] to [[DWM 131|Issue 131]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1988|1988]] ([[DWM 132|Issue 132]] to [[DWM 143|Issue 143]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1988|1988]] ([[DWM 132|Issue 132]] to [[DWM 143|Issue 143]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1989|1989]] ([[DWM 144|Issue 144]] to [[DWM 155|Issue 155]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1989|1989]] ([[DWM 144|Issue 144]] to [[DWM 155|Issue 155]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1990|1990]] ([[DWM 156|Issue 156]] to [[DWM 168|Issue 168]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1990|1990]] ([[DWM 156|Issue 156]] to [[DWM 168|Issue 168]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1991|1991]] ([[DWM 169|Issue 169]] to [[DWM 181|Issue 181]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1991|1991]] ([[DWM 169|Issue 169]] to [[DWM 181|Issue 181]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1992|1992]] ([[DWM 182|Issue 182]] to [[DWM 194|Issue 194]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1992|1992]] ([[DWM 182|Issue 182]] to [[DWM 194|Issue 194]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1993|1993]] ([[DWM 195|Issue 195]] to [[DWM 297|Issue 297]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1993|1993]] ([[DWM 195|Issue 195]] to [[DWM 297|Issue 297]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1994|1994]] ([[DWM 208|Issue 208]] to [[DWM 220|Issue 220]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1994|1994]] ([[DWM 208|Issue 208]] to [[DWM 220|Issue 220]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1995|1995]] ([[DWM 221|Issue 221]] to [[DWM 233|Issue 233]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1995|1995]] ([[DWM 221|Issue 221]] to [[DWM 233|Issue 233]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1996|1996]] ([[DWM 234|Issue 234]] to [[DWM 246|Issue 246]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1996|1996]] ([[DWM 234|Issue 234]] to [[DWM 246|Issue 246]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1997|1997]] ([[DWM 247|Issue 247]] to [[DWM 259|Issue 259]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1997|1997]] ([[DWM 247|Issue 247]] to [[DWM 259|Issue 259]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1998|1998]] ([[DWM 260|Issue 260]] to [[DWM 272|Issue 272]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1998|1998]] ([[DWM 260|Issue 260]] to [[DWM 272|Issue 272]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/1999|1999]] ([[DWM 273|Issue 273]] to [[DWM 285|Issue 285]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/1999|1999]] ([[DWM 273|Issue 273]] to [[DWM 285|Issue 285]]) | ||
|width="25%" style="border-left: 1px solid #E0E0E0; padding-left:1em;"| | |width="25%" style="border-left: 1px solid #E0E0E0; padding-left:1em;"| | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2000|2000]] ([[DWM 286|Issue 286]] to [[DWM 298|Issue 298]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2000|2000]] ([[DWM 286|Issue 286]] to [[DWM 298|Issue 298]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2001|2001]] ([[DWM 299|Issue 299]] to [[DWM 311|Issue 311]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2001|2001]] ([[DWM 299|Issue 299]] to [[DWM 311|Issue 311]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2002|2002]] ([[DWM 312|Issue 312]] to [[DWM 324|Issue 324]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2002|2002]] ([[DWM 312|Issue 312]] to [[DWM 324|Issue 324]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2003|2003]] ([[DWM 325|Issue 325]] to [[DWM 337|Issue 337]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2003|2003]] ([[DWM 325|Issue 325]] to [[DWM 337|Issue 337]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2004|2004]] ([[DWM 338|Issue 338]] to [[DWM 350|Issue 350]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2004|2004]] ([[DWM 338|Issue 338]] to [[DWM 350|Issue 350]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2005|2005]] ([[DWM 351|Issue 351]] to [[DWM 363|Issue 363]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2005|2005]] ([[DWM 351|Issue 351]] to [[DWM 363|Issue 363]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2006|2006]] ([[DWM 364|Issue 364]] to [[DWM 376|Issue 376]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2006|2006]] ([[DWM 364|Issue 364]] to [[DWM 376|Issue 376]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2007|2007]] ([[DWM 377|Issue 377]] to [[DWM 389|Issue 389]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2007|2007]] ([[DWM 377|Issue 377]] to [[DWM 389|Issue 389]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2008|2008]] ([[DWM 390|Issue 390]] to [[DWM 402|Issue 402]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2008|2008]] ([[DWM 390|Issue 390]] to [[DWM 402|Issue 402]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2009|2009]] ([[DWM 403|Issue 403]] to [[DWM 415|Issue 415]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2009|2009]] ([[DWM 403|Issue 403]] to [[DWM 415|Issue 415]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2010|2010]] ([[DWM 416|Issue 416]] to [[DWM 428|Issue 428]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2010|2010]] ([[DWM 416|Issue 416]] to [[DWM 428|Issue 428]]) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine/2011|2011]] ([[DWM 429|Issue 429]] to [[DWM 442|Issue 442]]) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine/2011|2011]] ([[DWM 429|Issue 429]] to [[DWM 442|Issue 442]]) | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Comic strip reprints== | == Comic strip reprints == | ||
Over the years, the ''Doctor Who'' comic strip has been reprinted -- often with colour added (it was published in black and white until the early 2000s) -- in a number of different publications. In the United States, both [[Marvel Comics]] and, more recently, [[IDW Publishing]] have issued reprint titles in comic book and graphic novel format, while Panini itself has reissued the comic strips in deluxe omnibus form and in magazine-sized publications. | Over the years, the ''Doctor Who'' comic strip has been reprinted -- often with colour added (it was published in black and white until the early 2000s) -- in a number of different publications. In the United States, both [[Marvel Comics]] and, more recently, [[IDW Publishing]] have issued reprint titles in comic book and graphic novel format, while Panini itself has reissued the comic strips in deluxe omnibus form and in magazine-sized publications. | ||
==Distribution outside the UK== | == Distribution outside the UK == | ||
Distribution of DWM and its forebears outside the UK has been sporadic. However in areas where ''Doctor Who'' has been popular it has found limited distribution through specialty stores such as comic book shops and cult/fantasy shops. | Distribution of DWM and its forebears outside the UK has been sporadic. However in areas where ''Doctor Who'' has been popular it has found limited distribution through specialty stores such as comic book shops and cult/fantasy shops. | ||
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Whilst this lag time often means articles intended to promote upcoming episodes in the United Kingdom arrive overseas out of sync with their UK broadcasts, they sometimes fall into sync with their local broadcasts. However the lag time does impact on a reader's ability to participate in deadline-specific activities such as contests, polls and surveys. Aside from this, the magazines generally arrive intact, including giveaways and premiums such as free CDs and cards included with the original UK release. | Whilst this lag time often means articles intended to promote upcoming episodes in the United Kingdom arrive overseas out of sync with their UK broadcasts, they sometimes fall into sync with their local broadcasts. However the lag time does impact on a reader's ability to participate in deadline-specific activities such as contests, polls and surveys. Aside from this, the magazines generally arrive intact, including giveaways and premiums such as free CDs and cards included with the original UK release. | ||
==Inserts and Special Features== | == Inserts and Special Features == | ||
From the very beginning, occasional magazine issues have featured special [[Free gifts (Doctor Who Magazine)|bonus items and inserts]]. The first few issues in 1979 came with free transfers, for example, and many issues have come packaged with posters and other paraphernalia. These premiums have become less frequent in recent years, but still occur at least a couple times a year. | From the very beginning, occasional magazine issues have featured special [[Free gifts (Doctor Who Magazine)|bonus items and inserts]]. The first few issues in 1979 came with free transfers, for example, and many issues have come packaged with posters and other paraphernalia. These premiums have become less frequent in recent years, but still occur at least a couple times a year. | ||
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Unusually, as many magazines strip inserts before shipping overseas due to licensing issues, DWM's international distribution includes most inserts, including the Big Finish CDs/downloads and recent Target Books bonus. | Unusually, as many magazines strip inserts before shipping overseas due to licensing issues, DWM's international distribution includes most inserts, including the Big Finish CDs/downloads and recent Target Books bonus. | ||
==Special editions and other publications== | == Special editions and other publications == | ||
'''Doctor Who Magazine''' has been in continuous publication since its launch offering special editions each year in addition to its regular issues. | '''Doctor Who Magazine''' has been in continuous publication since its launch offering special editions each year in addition to its regular issues. | ||
A number of sister publications at various times have been published, with some ongoing features alternating between titles. | A number of sister publications at various times have been published, with some ongoing features alternating between titles. | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine (special issues)]] -(Marvel produced specials) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine (special issues)]] -(Marvel produced specials) | ||
*[[Doctor Who Classic Comics]] | * [[Doctor Who Classic Comics]] | ||
*[[Doctor Who Poster Magazine]] | * [[Doctor Who Poster Magazine]] | ||
*[[Doctor Who Marvel Adventure Comic]] | * [[Doctor Who Marvel Adventure Comic]] | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine graphic novels]] | * [[Doctor Who Magazine graphic novels]] | ||
*[[Doctor Who Magazine Special Editions]] -(Panini produced specials - ongoing releases) | * [[Doctor Who Magazine Special Editions]] -(Panini produced specials - ongoing releases) | ||
==Fanzine== | == Fanzine == | ||
In January 2010, ''Doctor Who Magazine'' became one of - possibly the only - fan magazine to itself become the subject of a fanzine, with the launch of'' [[Vworp Vworp!]]'', a fanzine dedicated to the ''Doctor Who'' comic strips and the history of DWM. | In January 2010, ''Doctor Who Magazine'' became one of - possibly the only - fan magazine to itself become the subject of a fanzine, with the launch of'' [[Vworp Vworp!]]'', a fanzine dedicated to the ''Doctor Who'' comic strips and the history of DWM. | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
* [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4701958740 Official '''''Doctor Who Magazine''''' facebook group] | * [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4701958740 Official '''''Doctor Who Magazine''''' facebook group] | ||
* [http://www.lovingwho.com Lovingwho's '''Doctor Who Magazine''' Index] | * [http://www.lovingwho.com Lovingwho's '''Doctor Who Magazine''' Index] | ||
*[http://www.vworpvworp.co.uk Vworp Vworp!] - Fanzine of the Magazine | * [http://www.vworpvworp.co.uk Vworp Vworp!] - Fanzine of the Magazine | ||
==See also== | == See also == | ||
===Regular Who-themed magazine releases=== | === Regular Who-themed magazine releases === | ||
* ''[[Doctor Who Adventures]]'' - A BBC magazine title launched for the new series from Series 2 aimed at younger readers. | * ''[[Doctor Who Adventures]]'' - A BBC magazine title launched for the new series from Series 2 aimed at younger readers. | ||
* [[Doctor Who: Battles in Time]] - Magazine supporting the collectable trading cards (ran to 70 regular issues). | * [[Doctor Who: Battles in Time]] - Magazine supporting the collectable trading cards (ran to 70 regular issues). | ||
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* ''[[Doctor Who Insider]]'' - Doctor Who Magazines sister title aimed at the American market and available in the UK on subscription. | * ''[[Doctor Who Insider]]'' - Doctor Who Magazines sister title aimed at the American market and available in the UK on subscription. | ||
===Irregular Who-themed magazine releases=== | === Irregular Who-themed magazine releases === | ||
* ''[[Radio Times]]'' UK television listing and guide magazine from the BBC offering coverage of the series since the beginning. | * ''[[Radio Times]]'' UK television listing and guide magazine from the BBC offering coverage of the series since the beginning. | ||
* [[SFX (magazine)]] A monthly UK periodical covering the sci-fi/fantasy genre that also released special editions. | * [[SFX (magazine)]] A monthly UK periodical covering the sci-fi/fantasy genre that also released special editions. | ||
==Footnotes== | == Footnotes == | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[fr:Doctor Who Magazine]] | [[fr:Doctor Who Magazine]] | ||
[[Category:Doctor Who Magazine| ]] | [[Category:Doctor Who Magazine| ]] | ||
Revision as of 00:03, 4 November 2011
Doctor Who Magazine (formerly Doctor Who Weekly, Doctor Who Monthly and several other iterations) is the world's longest running magazine based on a television series.[1][2] It is currently a four-weekly periodical that publishes Doctor Who news, reviews, articles and comic stories, as well as occasional standalone publications. The abbreviation DWM is widely used in fandom to refer to the magazine.
The magazine began life as Doctor Who Weekly, published by the UK branch of Marvel Comics in October 1979. In this period a weekly magazine was still a popular format in the United Kingdom, with Marvel in particular republishing a number of its US comic books (such as Star Wars) in the black and white weekly format. Doctor Who Weekly's initial cover price was 12 pence, at the time roughly equivalent to 25 American cents.
With its 44th issue in September 1980, Marvel switched the magazine to monthly publication, and its title was changed to Doctor Who - A Marvel Monthly and, in 1982 to Doctor Who Monthly. In 1984, the title was changed again, to The Official Doctor Who Magazine, and in 1985 to The Doctor Who Magazine. Since issue 107, published in December 1985, the title has been, simply, Doctor Who Magazine.
The title changes, very broadly speaking, reflected a change of editor or direction for the title. The continuity of the numbering system — largely the indication of whether a title is considered "continuously published" — has remained intact from October 1979 to November 2024. Since its first issue, a major feature of each issue has been an ongoing comic strip based upon the series, which has featured adventures with every incarnation of the Doctor and many (but not all) of his TV companions. There have also been, from time to time, back-up comic strips featuring different characters, and during the 1990s DWM was affiliated with the Virgin New Adventures book line by publishing short stories (dubbed "Brief Encounter") related to the books and also comic strips that linked closely with New Adventures novels of the time.
The magazine's logo generally reflects the current on-screen series logo (or a slight variation thereof). Notable exceptions include the period from 1991 to 1999 when the magazine reverted to using the "diamond logo" associated with the late-Jon Pertwee and most of the Tom Baker era; DWM belatedly switched to the logo introduced in the Paul McGann TV movie in 1999, and it remained in use until it adopted a variation of the logo used for the revived TV series in 2005.
Marvel continued to publish the magazine until the late 1990s when it was sold to Panini Publishing Ltd. which continues to publish it as of 2011.
Over the years, many writers connected with the series have written for the magazine, while others who have written for DWM have gone on to contribute to Doctor Who or its various spin-offs. Correspondence collected over the course of several years between Doctor Who producer and lead writer Russell T Davies and DWM writer Benjamin Cook were collected in the book REF: Doctor Who: The Writer's Tale in 2008; an expanded second edition was published in early 2010. The comic strip has, to date, been adapted as source material for one episode, 2010's DW: The Lodger (which was followed by a sequel, DW: Closing Time in 2011). Contributors to DWM have also been featured in recent editions of the Doctor Who annual and Doctor Who Storybook.
In October 2008, DWM published its 400th issue and it celebrated it 30th anniversary in October 2009. It is currently the longest-running professionally published and licensed magazine based upon an English-language television series; its associated comic strip is also the longest-running comic based upon an English-language television series to be published without interruption.
During an appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross in October 2006, Billie Piper revealed that she was a regular subscriber to DWM and that she loved the magazine, defending it when Ross attempted to make the usual "isn't it for geeks" type of remark. (This can be heard on the CD Doctor Who at the BBC: The Tenth Doctor.) More recently, actress Alexa Havins, in an interview published in DWM 437, said she was a fan of the magazine, which was often available for reading on the set of TW: Miracle Day.
In addition to these superlatives, Doctor Who Magazine is also considered a survivor of the print medium, having now outlasted many other long-running science-fiction-based publications such as Starlog and Starburst which have in recent years abandoned print for website-only productions or closed down completely. In January 2010 the magazine launched a new look as it began to chronicle the newest era of the Doctor Who series under Matt Smith.
Doctor Who Magazine (regular issues)
Further information relating to the various periods of the magazine's publication can be found through the links below. They are sorted firstly by "eras" of the magazine where the magazine was titled by a variety of names. From issue 107 it was titled as Doctor Who Magazine, a title it is still known by at the present (2011).
By "era"
From 1979 through to November 1985 the magazine was known by a variety of titles, from Doctor Who Weekly to a variety of names used to denote its monthly status. In December 1985 with issue 107, the magazine became known as Doctor Who Magazine. Issues in the following pages are arranged by the various "eras" where the magazine was known by a slew of titles.
- Doctor Who Weekly (Issue 1 to Issue 43)
- Doctor Who - A Marvel Monthly (Issue 45 to Issue 60)
- Doctor Who Monthly (Issue 61 to Issue 84)
- The Official Doctor Who Magazine (Issue 85 to Issue 98)
- The Doctor Who Magazine (Issue 86 to Issue 106)
By year
From December 1985 with issue 107 the magazine was retitled, dropping the The from its name to become as it is known today (2011) as Doctor Who Magazine. All issues following this changed are arranged by year.
|
|
Comic strip reprints
Over the years, the Doctor Who comic strip has been reprinted -- often with colour added (it was published in black and white until the early 2000s) -- in a number of different publications. In the United States, both Marvel Comics and, more recently, IDW Publishing have issued reprint titles in comic book and graphic novel format, while Panini itself has reissued the comic strips in deluxe omnibus form and in magazine-sized publications.
Distribution outside the UK
Distribution of DWM and its forebears outside the UK has been sporadic. However in areas where Doctor Who has been popular it has found limited distribution through specialty stores such as comic book shops and cult/fantasy shops.
During the Doctor Who Weekly era of the magazine it was not circulated in North America, but regular distribution through Marvel US occurred during the 1980s, following its move to monthly publication. This continued into the late 1990s. When ownership of the magazine shifted to Panini, distribution in North America became less widespread, with many magazine shops and comic book retailers not carrying it month-to-month, only occasional issues.
The re-emergence in the popularity of Doctor Who post-2005 has meant Doctor Who Magazine can be found in most newsagents within Australia.
Due to distance considerations for areas such as North America and Australia, (two of the larger markets for the magazine) the magazine is often available on or after its cover date, rather than the few weeks prior the magazine is distributed locally in the United Kingdom.
Whilst this lag time often means articles intended to promote upcoming episodes in the United Kingdom arrive overseas out of sync with their UK broadcasts, they sometimes fall into sync with their local broadcasts. However the lag time does impact on a reader's ability to participate in deadline-specific activities such as contests, polls and surveys. Aside from this, the magazines generally arrive intact, including giveaways and premiums such as free CDs and cards included with the original UK release.
Inserts and Special Features
From the very beginning, occasional magazine issues have featured special bonus items and inserts. The first few issues in 1979 came with free transfers, for example, and many issues have come packaged with posters and other paraphernalia. These premiums have become less frequent in recent years, but still occur at least a couple times a year.
Other notable items included with DWM releases over the years have included flexi-discs of soundtrack music, CDs of specially commissioned audio dramas by Big Finish Productions, and in the summer of 2008, issue 397 came packaged with one of 27 vintage Target novelisations (or related books). Issue 411 in August 2009 included a code that allowed readers to download an exclusive Big Finish audio drama, The Mists of Time for a limited time. The most recent (as of January 2010) example of an insert came with Issue 414 published in the fall of 2009, which came packaged with several sets of cards related to a Doctor Who trading card-based game.
Unusually, as many magazines strip inserts before shipping overseas due to licensing issues, DWM's international distribution includes most inserts, including the Big Finish CDs/downloads and recent Target Books bonus.
Special editions and other publications
Doctor Who Magazine has been in continuous publication since its launch offering special editions each year in addition to its regular issues.
A number of sister publications at various times have been published, with some ongoing features alternating between titles.
- Doctor Who Magazine (special issues) -(Marvel produced specials)
- Doctor Who Classic Comics
- Doctor Who Poster Magazine
- Doctor Who Marvel Adventure Comic
- Doctor Who Magazine graphic novels
- Doctor Who Magazine Special Editions -(Panini produced specials - ongoing releases)
Fanzine
In January 2010, Doctor Who Magazine became one of - possibly the only - fan magazine to itself become the subject of a fanzine, with the launch of Vworp Vworp!, a fanzine dedicated to the Doctor Who comic strips and the history of DWM.
External links
- Official Doctor Who Magazine facebook group
- Lovingwho's Doctor Who Magazine Index
- Vworp Vworp! - Fanzine of the Magazine
See also
Regular Who-themed magazine releases
- Doctor Who Adventures - A BBC magazine title launched for the new series from Series 2 aimed at younger readers.
- Doctor Who: Battles in Time - Magazine supporting the collectable trading cards (ran to 70 regular issues).
- Doctor Who DVD Files Magazine supporting new series DVDs.
- Torchwood Magazine - A magazine dedicated to the spin-off series (ran to 25 regular issues).
- Doctor Who: Monster Invasion - Magazine supporting the collectable trading cards.
- Doctor Who Insider - Doctor Who Magazines sister title aimed at the American market and available in the UK on subscription.
Irregular Who-themed magazine releases
- Radio Times UK television listing and guide magazine from the BBC offering coverage of the series since the beginning.
- SFX (magazine) A monthly UK periodical covering the sci-fi/fantasy genre that also released special editions.
Footnotes
- ↑ "Doctor Who Magazine wins Guinness World Record". Doctor Who News Page. 1 April 2010.
- ↑ Touted on the magazine's cover from issue 421.
