Part 1: SEO Description & Keyword Research
Target Keywords: Doctor Who Target Novels, Target Novelisation, Doctor Who Books, Doctor Who Literature, Virgin New Adventures, Eighth Doctor Adventures, BBC Books, Doctor Who Expanded Universe, Doctor Who Fan Fiction, Doctor Who Reading List, Best Doctor Who Novels, Doctor Who Novel Reviews, Where to Buy Doctor Who Novels, Doctor Who Novel Collections, Doctor Who Novel Series, Doctor Who Novel Timeline
Comprehensive Description: Delve into the captivating world of Doctor Who Target novels, a significant and beloved segment of the Doctor Who expanded universe. This comprehensive guide explores the history, authors, key storylines, and cultural impact of these novelisations, providing practical tips for collectors and readers alike. From the early Virgin New Adventures to the contemporary releases, we examine their enduring popularity, literary merit, and contribution to the rich tapestry of Doctor Who lore. We will uncover lesser-known gems, discuss their influence on modern Doctor Who storytelling, and offer guidance on where to find and enjoy these often-overlooked treasures. This in-depth exploration is perfect for both seasoned Whovians and newcomers seeking to enrich their understanding and appreciation of this vital component of Doctor Who's legacy. Learn about the best places to buy them, how to build your collection, and how these novels provide deeper insights into iconic characters and storylines.
Practical Tips for Readers and Collectors:
Begin with a specific Doctor or era: Start with novels featuring your favorite Doctor or a time period that interests you. This helps avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Explore different author styles: Each author brings a unique voice to the Doctor Who universe. Experiment to discover your preferred writing style.
Utilize online resources: Websites, forums, and online bookstores offer reviews, recommendations, and price comparisons.
Join online communities: Connect with fellow Whovians to discover hidden gems and share your reading experiences.
Check second-hand markets: Used bookstores and online marketplaces offer cost-effective ways to build your collection.
Prioritize condition: For collectors, the condition of the novels is crucial. Understand grading systems to assess value and quality.
Utilize reading lists and rankings: Many online resources offer curated lists of essential and highly-rated Target novels.
Part 2: Article Outline & Content
Title: Exploring the Time Vortex: A Comprehensive Guide to Doctor Who Target Novels
Outline:
Introduction: A brief history of Doctor Who novelisations, introducing the Target Books era and their significance.
The Virgin New Adventures (VNAs): A deep dive into this influential series, highlighting key authors and storylines.
The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Examining the novels featuring the Paul McGann incarnation of the Doctor.
BBC Books Era & Beyond: Exploring the subsequent publishing phases and their impact on the Doctor Who mythos.
Key Themes and Literary Merit: Analyzing recurring themes and the literary qualities of the novels.
Collecting Doctor Who Target Novels: Practical advice on building a collection, including sourcing and preservation tips.
The Cultural Impact and Legacy: Discussing the lasting impact on Doctor Who fandom and its influence on later adaptations.
Conclusion: A summary of the key points and a call to action for readers to explore this rich literary landscape.
Article:
Introduction: The Doctor Who Target novels represent a cornerstone of the show's expanded universe, offering a rich tapestry of stories that extend beyond the televised adventures. These novelisations, initially published by Target Books in the 1970s and 80s, adapted classic episodes of the show into prose form. Their success paved the way for subsequent series like the Virgin New Adventures and the Eighth Doctor Adventures, significantly expanding the Doctor Who mythos and engaging a vast readership.
The Virgin New Adventures (VNAs): The VNAs, published by Virgin Books in the 1990s, marked a significant departure from the earlier adaptations. These novels embraced a darker, more mature tone, exploring complex themes and introducing new characters and concepts that significantly broadened the Doctor Who universe. Authors like Paul Cornell, Lawrence Miles, and Dave Rudkin contributed groundbreaking narratives that pushed the boundaries of what was considered canonical. Stories like "Alien Bodies" and "Love & War" remain highly influential within the fandom.
The Eighth Doctor Adventures: Following the television movie starring Paul McGann, the Eighth Doctor Adventures continued the exploration of the expanded universe. These novels, published by Virgin and later BBC Books, delved into the character of the Eighth Doctor, exploring his personality and showcasing his unique approach to time travel and solving mysteries. This series introduced memorable companions and antagonists, further enriching the Doctor Who tapestry.
BBC Books Era & Beyond: BBC Books continued the tradition of Doctor Who novelisations, publishing numerous series featuring various incarnations of the Doctor. These novels often explored continuity and interconnected storylines, creating a complex and nuanced narrative universe. The range of authors and storytelling approaches broadened even further, catering to a diverse readership. The novels continued to introduce new concepts and characters that influenced future adaptations.
Key Themes and Literary Merit: The Doctor Who Target novels explore a multitude of themes, including the nature of time, the importance of compassion, and the exploration of identity. Many novels examine social and political commentary, exploring relevant issues through the lens of science fiction. The literary merit of these novels varies, with some focusing on straightforward adaptations, while others strive for more complex narrative structures and character development.
Collecting Doctor Who Target Novels: Building a collection of Doctor Who Target novels can be a rewarding endeavor. Online marketplaces like eBay and Abebooks offer a vast selection, though condition can vary. Local bookstores and antique shops can also be fruitful hunting grounds. Collectors often focus on first editions or specific authors. Proper storage is crucial to preserve the condition of these books.
The Cultural Impact and Legacy: The Doctor Who Target novels have had a lasting impact on the fandom. Their influence on later television series and other adaptations is undeniable. They fostered a thriving community of readers, many of whom have become writers and creators themselves. The novels continue to inspire new generations of fans, ensuring that the legacy of Doctor Who endures.
Conclusion: The Doctor Who Target novels represent a vital and often overlooked aspect of the show's history. Their impact on the expanded universe, the development of characters, and the engagement of fans cannot be overstated. Exploring these novels is a rewarding journey through the heart of Doctor Who's rich and complex storytelling tradition. Embark on this adventure and uncover the hidden gems within the Doctor Who literary landscape.
Part 3: FAQs & Related Articles
FAQs:
1. Are Target novels considered canon? While not always directly reflected on screen, many Target novels significantly influenced later Doctor Who storylines, adding depth to the established lore. They hold a unique position in the expanded universe.
2. Where can I buy Doctor Who Target Novels? Online retailers like eBay, Amazon, and Abebooks often stock a wide selection of both new and used copies. Check local bookstores and specialist dealers for rare finds.
3. Which Target novels are considered the best? This is subjective. Popular choices include "Doctor Who and the Daleks," "The Dalek Invasion of Earth," and various Virgin New Adventures like "Alien Bodies" and "Love & War."
4. Are the Target novelisations faithful to the TV episodes? Early Target novelisations were quite faithful, but later series, particularly the VNAs, took considerable creative liberties, expanding on existing storylines or creating entirely new narratives.
5. Are the Target novels suitable for children? The original Target novelisations were generally geared towards younger readers, but later series (like the VNAs) often contain mature themes unsuitable for younger audiences.
6. What is the significance of the Virgin New Adventures? The VNAs are praised for their innovative storytelling, darker themes, and significant contributions to the expanded Doctor Who universe. They broke new ground and are considered highly influential.
7. How many Doctor Who Target Novels are there? The total number of Doctor Who novels published across various imprints is extensive, numbering in the hundreds.
8. Are there any audiobooks of the Doctor Who Target Novels? Many Target novels have not been released as audiobooks. However, some individual titles might be available on platforms like Audible, depending on their availability in print.
9. Are the Target novel covers collectable? Yes, particularly the early Target editions, some of which are highly sought-after by collectors due to their iconic artwork.
Related Articles:
1. The Evolution of Doctor Who Storytelling: From Television to Novelisation: An analysis of how the storytelling approaches adapted between the screen and page.
2. Paul Cornell's Impact on the Doctor Who Universe: A deep dive into the work of one of the most influential authors of Doctor Who novels.
3. The Darker Side of the Doctor: Exploring Mature Themes in Doctor Who Novels: An examination of the more mature themes explored in later novelisations, particularly in the Virgin New Adventures.
4. Building the Ultimate Doctor Who Novel Collection: A Guide for Enthusiasts: Practical tips and strategies for building a comprehensive collection.
5. The Forgotten Gems: Unearthing Underrated Doctor Who Novels: A look at the lesser-known and often overlooked gems in the extensive Doctor Who literary canon.
6. Comparing and Contrasting the Different Eras of Doctor Who Novelisations: An analysis of the stylistic and thematic differences between various publishing eras.
7. The Influence of Doctor Who Novels on Modern Television Adaptations: Examining how these books have impacted recent storylines and character development.
8. The Doctor Who Novelisation Landscape: A Publisher-by-Publisher Guide: A survey of the various publishers involved in the Doctor Who novelisation history.
9. Doctor Who and the Literary Canon: Exploring the Genre-Bending Potential: A discussion of the broader literary significance of Doctor Who novels within the science fiction landscape.
