nwhyte's review against another edition
3.0
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1771372.html
Having read all but two of the Old Who annuals, and most of the new ones as well, I can say this is one of the best large-format annual-style books to be associated with the Who franchise. The core of it is a combination of two-page reviews of the 13 episodes of 2010, plus interviews with the cast and crew; but there are lots of joyous extras as well, including a page of teasers for the 2011 stories (only two of which I recognise) and a rather joyous look at the past appearances of vampires and other blood-sucking horrors in Who (including a lovely reference to The Chase).
There are also two original short stories, one of them being a brief but effective retake by David Llewellyn of Malcolm Hulke's prologue to Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters, the other a story of mind-altering drugs, exploration of inner space and a corrupt political system by none other than Brian Aldiss, who I had not identified as a Who fan before I got this book. Not totally successful as a story - Amy sidelined, Doctor slightly out of character, and odd pacing - but interesting all the same. This engagement of some of the major figures of the genre has happened under Moffatt rather than Davies; to pick only the most obvious examples, while ten years ago a Who novel by Moorcock and an episode by Gaiman would of course have seemed impossible, they would not have seemed a lot more likely five years ago either. Looking forward to the Second Doctor novel by ******* ******.
Having read all but two of the Old Who annuals, and most of the new ones as well, I can say this is one of the best large-format annual-style books to be associated with the Who franchise. The core of it is a combination of two-page reviews of the 13 episodes of 2010, plus interviews with the cast and crew; but there are lots of joyous extras as well, including a page of teasers for the 2011 stories (only two of which I recognise) and a rather joyous look at the past appearances of vampires and other blood-sucking horrors in Who (including a lovely reference to The Chase).
There are also two original short stories, one of them being a brief but effective retake by David Llewellyn of Malcolm Hulke's prologue to Doctor Who and the Cave Monsters, the other a story of mind-altering drugs, exploration of inner space and a corrupt political system by none other than Brian Aldiss, who I had not identified as a Who fan before I got this book. Not totally successful as a story - Amy sidelined, Doctor slightly out of character, and odd pacing - but interesting all the same. This engagement of some of the major figures of the genre has happened under Moffatt rather than Davies; to pick only the most obvious examples, while ten years ago a Who novel by Moorcock and an episode by Gaiman would of course have seemed impossible, they would not have seemed a lot more likely five years ago either. Looking forward to the Second Doctor novel by ******* ******.
didyousaybooks's review against another edition
4.0
I really love DW's Brilliant books!
They're fun to read for any fans, may you be young or already at your 12th regeneration.
You don't especially learn much, it's not an encyclopedia anyway, but still fun facts are all around the book. If you already knew them, others may not and that's why I love those books.
And you don't have to be a die-hard fan to enjoy it.
As the Doctor Who Annuals are more children oriented, the Brilliants books can satisfy a much broader audience. That being said, I think it will also please younger fans an childrens.
There're stories and little addition as "documents" files on secondary characters or companions that could particularly please children. In form of diaries, spy files and school records.
Yep, I'm definitely recommending it.
They're fun to read for any fans, may you be young or already at your 12th regeneration.
You don't especially learn much, it's not an encyclopedia anyway, but still fun facts are all around the book. If you already knew them, others may not and that's why I love those books.
And you don't have to be a die-hard fan to enjoy it.
As the Doctor Who Annuals are more children oriented, the Brilliants books can satisfy a much broader audience. That being said, I think it will also please younger fans an childrens.
There're stories and little addition as "documents" files on secondary characters or companions that could particularly please children. In form of diaries, spy files and school records.
Yep, I'm definitely recommending it.
dabnor's review
3.0
If I wanted a more strictly accurate title, I'd probably have called it 'The Quite Good Book of Doctor Who 2011.' There's a reasonable amount of interest in here. There are times when the tone might not gel too well with the older reader, but not too many. Brilliant? Maybe not, but worth a look.
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