On the Planet Isopterus

"This device is a sort of dream machine - I can programme it to conjure up powerful images in your brain."

Writer: Glenn Rix

Format: Comic Strip

Released: September 1982

Printed in: Doctor Who Annual 1983

Featuring: Fifth Doctor, Adric, Nyssa, Tegan

Synopsis 

Tegan has a go at the Doctor's new dream machine and the TARDIS crash lands on the dying world of Isopterus. The travellers soon discover something is aiding the fall of Isopterus years before its destruction. The Doctor faces a dilemma: save Isopterus and change time or let history take its course and be the reason for a planet's end. 

Verdict 

On the Planet Isopterus was a very good little comic strip! There's something about the classic comic strips that I just love, probably the fact that I wasn't around when they were made (I'm only 17) so whenever I have the opportunity to read one I grasp that opportunity with glee! The smile that crossed my face upon seeing a PDF for the 1983 annual on the Time-Flight DVD special features was a delightful one of that! The story itself was actually very good! You have the Fifth Doctor trying to show off to his young companions and this strip made me realise that although this is the youngest Doctor so far (at the time of release date), by having young companions it still shows that the Doctor is the clever and senior figure inside the TARDIS. The planet of Isopterus was intriguing, especially, as Adric pointed out, that it was Latin for 'termite'. And termites were of course the inhabitants, except they'd been massively enhanced in size and ruled, storing humans as their food supply! The worry inside the cave from the TARDIS crew was good and it showed that it was certainly going to be difficult to escape this sticky situation. But the Doctor's genius with his dream machine was just majestic! He projected a signal of vegetation to lure the giant termites away whilst the TARDIS foursome and the other trapped humans could escape. A very good resolution I thought! For a 31-year old story, I thought the artwork and text was top notch and very well in representing the cast of 1983. Overall, a very good story!

Rating: 8/10