Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary art pays tribute to Starbeast’s comic book origins

The Fourteenth Doctor, Donna Noble and Rose Noble are getting a retro remake inspired by the comics behind them Doctor whoThe first 60th anniversary special about a new work of art. The sci-fi series’ 60th anniversary celebrations will be led by David Tennant and Catherine Tate in three special programs broadcast in November and December. The first Doctor who In the anniversary special The Star Beast, the Doctor becomes embroiled in an intergalactic chase when a furry refugee lands on Earth, pursued by fearsome War Warriors.

with the first Doctor who 60th anniversary special tells the story of the Doctor’s encounters with Meep (Miriam Margolyes) and Wrarth Warriors, the official Doctor who The Twitter account shared a new piece of art inspired by the last episode.

The artwork, created by artist Butcher Billy, depicts the Fourteenth Doctor, Donna and Rose protecting Meep from the wrath. They have a similar pose to the episode’s original teaser poster, but are styled to look like a retro comic book look, complete with a box in the corner with the TARDIS on it. The artwork also contains allusions to later specials, including the currently undiscovered UNIT Tower along the London skyline in the background.

How is Doctor Who: The Star Beast different from the original comics?

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The Star Beast was created by comics legends Pat Mills and Dave Gibbons and first published in Doctor Who weekly from February 1980 to April 1980, with the Fourth Doctor leading the adventure alongside the mechanical dog K-9. As in the television story, Meep (called Beep in the comics) lands on Earth and asks the Doctor for help in escaping Wrarth, although officers Zogroth and Zeep (renamed Zreeg in the series) soon reveal that Meep not that’s what it looks like. are. As Meep uses mind-controlled humans to rebuild his ship, he tries to escape, but the Doctor soon abandons his plan.

Although the premise and character have been adapted Doctor whoof “The Star Beast” there are a number of important differences between the two stories. In addition to the addition of the Fourteenth Doctor, the Noble family and UNIT, the setting of the story also changes from the small town of Blackcastle to London. While the Noble family would replace comedic sidekicks Sharon and Fudge, the latter would inspire the character of Rose’s friend, Fudge Merchandani (Dara Lall).

Between its legendary creators and its unlikely villain, The Star Beast was unforgettable Doctor whoThe extensive medium that was repeatedly incorporated into comics and radio plays. With his new interpretation, showrunner Russell T. Davies not only introduced Meep’s over-the-top villainy to audiences around the world, but also gave longtime fans a fun adaptation. The art above perfectly combines the new version of the story and its comic origins to celebrate Meep’s leap to the small screen.

Spring: @bbcdoctorwho/Twitter