Written by Bill Strutton, adapted from his scripts for the 1965 TV serial.

There are six chapters reflecting the six episodes. “Doctor Who” is used as his name, including in some dialogue. This is verbose, with a longer page count than later Target Books and far more descriptive passages. I guess this is necessary, given most of the aliens don’t speak English, but it is lacking in brisk conciseness (particularly in comparison to the forthcoming Terrance Dicks / Target house style), and a bit of a struggle to stick with. It’s an interesting choice for second novel, probably reflecting the massive audiences The Web Planet pulled in. I think it somewhat lacks the sense of astonishment of the TV version. Grade 5, I’m afraid.

Next Time: Doctor Who And… The Crusaders