Doctor Who's Expanded Universe in Action Figures

Doctor Who's expanded universe is something of an untapped area for the 5" action figure line. At the time of writing there are only three figures in the line from this expanded, non-screen, universe. Firstly there's the Real Time sixth Doctor from the audio play/BBCi webcast of the same name, and the 8th Doctor in his comic book colours along with Dalek Alpha from the comic, Children of the Revolution. All three figures are repaints, which is nice and cost effective for Character Options/Underground Toys. So I'm going to discuss what else we could get from the 'expanded universe' using the same formula. Repaints and minor tweaks to existing sculpts. No new figures, so don't expect to see Charlie, Lucy, Viyrans, The Flood Cybermen or any other monster/companion that would need an entirely new sculpt. Ain't gonna happen! So let's begin...

Sword of Orion

A nice and easy two-pack/three-pack using existing parts. If we refer to the comic panels featured in Doctor Who Magazine, the 8th Doctor is depicted in an orange spacesuit. Why not release the 8th Doctor in the orange spacesuit worn by the 10th Doctor from The Impossible Planet/Satan Pit? Remove some of the decals, or change them for something else, and we have a new and interesting 8th Doctor variant. 

Next we have the Cybermen, depicted on the cover and in DWM as being The Invasion models. Re-releasing this particular Cyber-variant would certainly please army builders, but again looking to DWM we have a Cyber Leader, something not featured in The Invasion. A quick repaint of black and blue, and we have a new variant for our Cyber armies.

Terror Firma

Another easy one. Re-release the TVM 8th Doctor with a 60s Dalek (which I'd be happy to have some more of) and then package it with the Emperor Davros from Remembrance of the Daleks, repainted in a silver and blue livery. Now according to the cover art this version of Davros has a few extra bits, alluding to the Emperor Dalek seen in Evil of the Daleks. I doubt a couple of strips of plastic glued to an existing mould would break the bank, and if not, well the repaint would be fun. I'm sure a re-imagined version of this Davros would be appreciated by all those collectors who missed out on the original release. 

The Juggernauts

More Daleks! This would make for a fun set, a re-release Mechanoid (yes, please!), an Imperial Dalek re-release (yes, please!) and a tweaked Revelation of the Daleks Davros. Simply repaint the chair in white and gold and give him a robotic hand. If they wanted to be really cheap about it, remove the robot hand off the New Series Davros, paint it gold and stick it on the classic Davros. Not exactly to the cover, but it would work. 

Blood of the Daleks

No pictures for this one, but apparently the Supreme Dalek is described as being crimson and gold, and that sounds like a very nice colour scheme for a figure. Re-released with the TVM 8th Doctor, or better still, give us Lucie! 

Emperor Dalek, Supreme Dalek and Renegade Special Weapons - Comics

Yeah, I know I said there'd be no 100% new tools, but come on, how cool is this guy? Definitely needs an action figure. Now I believe this version reappeared in later McCoy strips alongside a purple and gold Supreme Dalek. I cannot find any pictures of the damned thing, but people have done customs. Metallic purple with gold hemispheres, and he looks great! Alongside that is the renegade Dalek equivalent of Special Weapons Dalek (sorry, can't find a colour reference), so we can assume its a grungy SW Dalek in a renegade grey and black livery. 

Dalek Time Controller

Oh alright, another Dalek that would need some tooling. A new neck bin/shoulder section, but otherwise not too different. Having become such a prominent figure in the 8th Doctor audio adventures, this fascinating Dalek is a must. 

Doctor Variants 

Well a Big Finish 6th Doctor is a must, and no I do not mean Real Time, I mean dark blue, with all the patterns still on the coat. Why this version? Well the bloody thing was planned for release in the 2nd Eleven Doctors set that never materialised. Such a pity. 

With this it's worth noting the 8th Doctor as depicted in the pages of DWM, representing the Doctor's appearance in Invaders of Mars and Seasons of Fear. In the former, 8 is depicted wearing a feodra, and in the latter, he's shown to be waering the 5th Doctor's panama hat. Surely these tweaks would be possible? After all, it's just altering the head. 

Repackage

A nice way to get those older figures out there in new ways. Should we ever see the release of a 70s Silurian, packaged with the 6th Doctor would make an easy Bloodtide pack. Repaint the Silurian in a different deco would make for even greater value. That, or give us a Two Doctors 6th Doctor!

Other candidates come in the form of Ice Warriors, who could be packaged in a range of shades of green and with a variety of Doctors from Red Dawn to Deimos. Stick a repainted Krynoid with an 8th Doctor and we have a Hothouse set. The same can be said for Sontarans, Cybermen, and any other classic monster that has made an appearance in Big Finish. A slight tweak, a new shade of paint, and a new set awaits the toy shelves!

Any ideas for other possible repaints? Let me know in the comments! 

Doctor Who Classics: Figures We'd Like to See - Heroes - The Seventh and Eighth Doctors

Time to finish off this series with a look at our remaining Doctors and companions. Not many to speak of here, so let’s go and take a look!

Companions/Supporting Characters

Mel

So she could have been put with old Sixie, but I’ve always seen her more as Seven’s companion. I think the best bet for this one is to do a Dapol and release her pink and blue outfits. A few little sculpt tweaks and repaint. Package her with a Tetrap, that would be awesome! I know people won’t be queuing for this one!

Grace

Well it would be nice to let Eight have someone to call his companion on the toy shelf. Sadly this little lady is caught up in all sorts of embargos and copyright spiel. Learn from the BBC’s mistakes, don’t partner with other networks as it just causes merchandise impossibilities. The obvious variation is the grey coat and pink blouse. Sadly there’s next to no re-release opportunities, making this an even less likely figure.

The Brigadier

Ah yes, from Battlefield. A real must have for me. Perfect for posing with the later Doctors, and I’m sure certain fans would get a real buzz putting this one with Doctors Nine to Eleven. Release him with the Destroyer, that would be marvelous!

Chang Lee

Again, never going to happen! But it would be nice to fill up the Eighth Doctor era on our toy shelves. Could easily come packaged with the Master in either his Terminator gear or ceremonial robes.

Sabalom Glitz

Shared between Doctors Six and Seven, I’ve add him here to even out the articles! I’m sure some readers have no idea who this chap is, but he appeared in several episodes of Trial of a Time Lord and Dragonfire. This space Del Boy in space would make for an interesting addition, and I for one would be pleased to see him. Packaged with Drathro or the Dragon itself!

So that’s it! Not many companions or supporting characters to mention. Now in an ideal world I would add Charley Pollard, and my personal favourite, Lucie Miller to the list. Heck, I’d even add Izzy and Destrii! Sadly I know these figures are totally off limits. Perhaps that’s a list for another time.

Seventh Doctor

Solemn Hatted Head

There’s no need to even explain this one, it’s obvious why we need it to happen.

Duffle Coat

Well this is another of those “We know it’s been sculpted” figures. Originally planned as part of the second 11 Doctors Set, this would be a nice addition. Packaged with Haemovores  or the Ancient One. Lovely!

TV Movie

My brother is going to hate me for adding this one (he has some bizarre vendetta against this outfit as it’s not his ‘proper’ TV costume) but for the rest of us who are less petty, this would be an excellent release. Only seen once, but favoured my many. Not sure how it would be released. Perhaps with a variant of the Eighth Doctor?

Jacketless

This one could have two releases with a repaint of the tie to match the particular seasons. Would be a really cool one to show off the jumper detail.

Tartan Scarf

Although there has already been a Time and the Rani version released, that was just a repackaged Seventh Doctor from the Imperial Dalek two pack. So how's about a real one this time? Just repaint the scarf, simple enough! 

Regeneration

A repaint and a head/hand swap. Okay, so he'll be slightly too tall, but it didn't stop them swapping the heads with five and six. 

Eighth Doctor

Dark Eyes

Since Big Finish used this outfit on their CD cover, people have been desperate for this figure. Now I’m of mixed opinions on this costume. It’s grown on me since I first saw it, and it does suit McGann… but it’s too much like Nine’s. I like my Doctor’s to be individuals, and the idea that McGann adopted leather, which carried over to Hurt, which then was left to Eccleston… well it’s all a bit much. Still, the canonicity of this outfit remains dubious. So unless the 8^th Doctor turns up in the 50^th wearing it, this one’s open for interpretation. Too much tooling to ever happen!

Jacketless

Not actually seen in the film, but seen in many publicity photos. This one seems to be a keen choice with customisers and no doubt an easy retool.

Comic Book Version Two

The same as we have coming in the Toys R Us two-pack, but with no cravat and an open shirt. Too much new tooling sadly.

There we have it, the end of this particular line up of articles. Perhaps I’ll do monster/companions from other media in the future, I’m sure there are plenty people would love to see. Sadly with the line slowing down and talk of the classic slipping into the 3.75” line, many of the characters mentioned these last number of weeks will never make it to the toy aisle. Until next time folks! 

Doctor Who Classics: Figures we'd Like to See - Heroes - The Fifth and Sixth Doctors

We’re back for Doctors 5 and 6 and they’re fellow companions and supporting characters! So let’s take a look!

Tegan

The mouth on legs! I’d assume they’d go for the air hostess gear as that has the most re-release potential. Perhaps they could alter it in such a way as to repaint/tweak it to make a ‘leathers’ version, which could be released with a Dalek, rotocast Tractator etc.

Nyssa

I expect the easiest option for our lady of Traken is to release her in here Traken outfit. This could be easily tweaked to have one release in skirt and the other in trousers. Stick her with an Ainley Master in his proper costume!

Turlough

Well this one is easy! A new head on the James Lester figure from Primeval. A little tweak to alter his shirt collar and you’re sorted. Could be released with any number of monsters from seasons 20-21.

Adric

Well he has to pop up somewhere. I left him off the 4^th Doctor list because Adric had more stories with Davison. Saying that though, Adric was less annoying when he was with Tom. Ah well. This guy could be packaged with a few different things. Marshmen and the Tereleptil Android seem quite fitting, well that and a Cyberman. Perhaps a badge-less variant could be packaged with a Cyber Leader?

Kamelion

Well why not? He may have been stuck in the Tardis cupboard for an entire season, but you have to admit he’d make a pretty cool looking action figure! They could stick him with the Master in his actual proper costume, or in the suit again. So long as it’s not that bizarre sparkly prototype that thankfully got the chop.

Fifth Doctor

Coatless

There’s a few occasions where the Doctor is wandering around in his cricket whites sans coat, Black Orchid being an obvious one. If this was to happen the sculpt could be repainted to reflect either season and could be packaged with a variety of monsters.

Waistcoat

Seen once in Planet of Fire this would be a fun variant, which could also see a re-release minus the waistcoat as the Doctor wandered around without it for most of the story. Packaged with the Master or Kamelion perhaps?

Harlequin Costume

I’d love this! I think it would great! An interchangeable head would be brilliant so you could either display it as the Doctor or George Cranleigh in disguise…

Sixth Doctor

Red plaid waistcoat blue tie/red tie

A simple set of repaints that could be packaged with something from the Trial of a Time Lord season.

Spanish Holiday

I’ve seen some great customs of this one! Open Hawaiian waistcoat with neck tie tucked into the trouser pocket. Brilliant! Stick him with a Sontaran! 

Big Finish

I don’t want this one particularly, but it has been considered. Not to be confused with the blue Real Time version, this variant comes in a darker shade of blue and retains the patchwork and plaid patterns of the TV coat. Packaged with… I don’t know… Frobisher? Evelyn? Actually, that would be rather cool…

That’s it for this week! Join me next week as I wrap up the series with a the 7^th and 8^th Doctors and their companions! Until next time! 

Doctor Who Classics: Figures we'd Like to See - Heroes - The Third and Fourth Doctors

So we have ourselves Jo, Leela and K-9 (albeit the wrong colour) but what of the other companions of the 70s? What about Doctors Pertwee and Baker? What possible variants can we see of them? Well let’s find out!

The Companions

Sarah Jane Smith

Obviously the top choice and I am still baffled as to why we don’t have a figure of her in the classics yet. By far the most popular classic series companion. Elisabeth Sladen’s passing came as a huge shock to us in 2011. I still cannot quite get my head around her being gone. As one of stalwarts of Doctor Who, you expect someone like that to be around forever.

Al Dewar mentioned that should they ever release Sarah they’d go for her combat gear from ‘Genesis of the Daleks’ and ‘Revenge of the Cybermen’ because of the opportunity to release her in two sets. I’m not sure how that could be tweaked for other versions though, it probably can’t. Personally I’d have liked to see her in her pink top from ‘The Android Invasion’ as that allows for a release of Android Sarah too. Lots of people are desperate for a release in her Andy Pandy outfit, but personally I’d love to see a ‘Planet of Evil’ variant.

Romana II

The problem with Tom Baker playing the Doctor for seven years is that each particular of mini-era within his tenure lends itself to a particular companion. For season 17 and 18 it was Romana played by Lalla Ward, and of course in Season 16 played by the lovely Mary Tamm. Lalla Ward’s portrayal seems to be the most popular, but when it comes to action figures she seems rather tricky! She never wore the same outfit twice! Everything was so different! Now I know people want her in her beach gear from ‘The Leisure Hive’ or her Catholic School girl attire from ‘City of Death’, but I’d like to see her in her outfit from ‘Destiny of the Daleks’. I’ve always loved the idea that it is the female mirror image of the Doctor’s costume. It shows they are both on the same level, and I like that. I think the shirt aspect could be replaced with another piece and the whole thing repainted to produce her horse riding costume from ‘The Horns of Nimon’. It probably wouldn’t be 100% accurate, but needs must.

Harry Sullivan

Another fan favourite that I can’t believe we don’t have. I’d have loved for Harry to have stayed on for another season. The team up of him, Sarah and the Doctor is fantastic. A handy thing about Harry is that he pretty  much wore the same costume in every single story he was in. They could probably tweak it by adding a duffle coat for a ‘Sontaran Experiment’/’Genesis of the Daleks’ version. But pack him with a Zygon or any foe from Season 12 and you have yourselves a pretty good two-pack!

Sergeant Benton and Captain Yates

There is no excuse as to why these two cannot happen! Now that we have the Brigadier in his officer clothes, these two can use the same sculpt. With the teeniest of tweaks and a new head you have two new figures. I know many would like some generic UNIT soldiers, and I’d be happy to see them too! These two are must, must haves, just what we need to create a full UNIT family for the third Doctor.

Liz Shaw

I’ve always been somewhat indifferent to Liz Shaw. I think part of the problem is that sadly the late Caroline John only did one season. That’s not to say I wouldn’t want to see her in action figure form, after all she was the third Doctor’s first companion. Sadly her costumes were always different, but I think a generic dress that can be repainted or tweaked is the best option. Something from the likes of ‘Inferno’ or ‘The Ambassadors of Death’. Packaged with a Primord or an Ambassador would be very cool.

Romana I

Somewhat overshadowed by Lalla Ward, I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Tamm when I was about eleven/twelve. Much like others on this list, Romana had a thing for fashion and wore different outfits in each appearance. However her costume from ‘The Ribos Operation’ and ‘The Armageddon Factor’ are rather similar. Paint it red and you might even get away with a version from ‘The Stones of Blood’.

Jago and Litefoot

Now I’m sure some people might be asking “Who?” but these chaps have had a long lasting legacy. It is especially nice to know that Big Finish has given us the spin-off series we’ve always wanted. The bumbling antics of this doctor and theatre manager add to the brilliant story that is ‘The Talons of Weng-Chaing’. These two would never ever happen. But that doesn’t mean we can’t dream! I’m sure some tweaks to the Primeval suited figure could be made to make these guys work…

The Brigadier – Season 7

Yes I know we have a lot of Brigadier action figures, and from what I hear through the grapevine a fourth variant may have been sculpted, but I wouldn’t mind seeing the Brigadier in his Season 7 costume (yes, the same as in ‘The Invasion’) Perhaps the first Captain Jack figure could be tweaked here? If so the body could also be used for an early Sergeant Benton too.

Jo Grant – Day of the Daleks

Heh, a guilty pleasure.

UNIT Grunts

A few of these would be marvellous! Especially with an ever growing core UNIT family!

Time Lords and Chancellery Guards

Well we have a Time Lord body, a slight tweak/repaint and we can have a full blown classic version. Tweak the face and they could release a variety of colour variations like Dapol did back in the day. A couple of Chancellery Guards could utilise the Sharaz Jek body with some alterations.

The Third Doctor

Now before I go into detail know this, I have come to terms with the fact we shall never see a new sculpted jacket for the Third Doctor. It’s sad that these figures aren’t going to be 100% accurate compared to some of the others, but if a repaint is the only way then it’s the only way. So let’s begin…

Red Jacket

Easily the most wanted variant. I see it everywhere! This is the one people want and yet we still don’t have it! Now of course there are a number of variations of this outfit. A ton! But we now have both boots and shoes legs, bow tie, cravat, and thanks to the regeneration 4^th Doctor a plain frilly shirt sculpt. It may not be 100% accurate, but at this stage it’s no doubt as good as we’re going to get.  All that is missing is the jacket, but I’ve already explained that. So here are a few of the red jacket figures we could see and how they could work.

1. Plain frilly shirt with Purple cloak: As seen in ‘Terror of the Autons’ and ‘The Mind of Evil’. As I said before, we have all the pieces; just give it a lick of paint and package him with a Carnival Auton or a rotocast Keller machine! It could even be part of a ‘Day of the Daleks’ set!

2. Paisley Cravat and Purple cloak: Same as before but this time using a different shirt sculpt. Packaged with a Mutt! Go on! Please! Make a bloody Mutt!

Orange Smoking Jacket

Again another repaint, but also with many opportunities for a few tweaked re-releases. Here are a few:

1. Plain frilly shirt with Tartan cloak: I want this one desperately! Why? Well I want that bloody cloak! I really wanted it when the ‘Green Death’ third Doctor was released! So yes please, thank you! Stick this variant with a rotocast cast of ‘The Curse of Peladon’, or to make life cheaper still retool the back of the Ice Warrior, sort out his wrist gun and give him a Sonic Rifle! Izlyr would be an added bonus. This one could get a re-release from a ‘Time Monster’ set. Packaged with Kronos? Yes, I don’t particularly want Kronos either, but at least we can give that time detector that came with the Master and Tardis to a Third Doctor figure.

2. Bow tie and Blue cloak: From ‘The Three Doctors’ this time. Another one a lot of people are clawing for! I’d happily see them package this with another Gel Guard if need be.

Invasion of the Dinosaurs – Blue Jacket and Shirt with Bow Tie and Plaid Cloak

Now we know this one was developed! Originally intended as part of a second 11 Doctors Set, this one should happen on the basis that it is a simple repaint… and it would be 100% accurate! Yes! The cut of the jacket etc it’s all there! Perfect! Probably the reason why they chose that sculpt, it has a variety of possible variants! Now I’m unsure as to how they could release this. But, BUT I would be happy for them to stick this figure with a Primeval Dinosaur. Even if it didn’t happen in the episode, it would appeal to kids (they love dinosaurs) and it would mean we get out proper variant and can act out a scene from that story that didn’t happen, but we wish it did. Everyone wins!

Blue Jacket with Plain Frilly Shirt

Another one that could act as either part of a ‘Terror of the Autons’ set or a ‘Claws of Axos’ set. Perhaps it could feature a standard Auton? Or possibly another large Axon? After all, I know people would be happy for another one of those.

Monster of Peladon – Dark Green Jacket, Shirt with Bow Tie

Another one off here, but another that actually looks fairly accurate with the sculpt we have. A simple repaint, packaged with either the retooled Ice Warrior I mentioned before in darker colours, or with Azaxyr, Alpha Centauri rotocast… there’s a few possibilities.

Planet of the Spiders – Black Jacket, blue shirt and Bow tie (also without)

Another pretty accurate repaint. This has more of a chance given the Regeneration Fourth Doctor (seriously, if anyone wants to part with this one then please give me a shout). With or without bowtie, or both and add a few giant spiders please!

Five Doctors

I said it before, if Character Building can get one… but yes, I’d like to see this. Either packaged with a Cyber Leader, a Raston Warrior Robot or Ainley Master. Very nice!

Green Jacket with Green Shirt and Bow Tie

“Eh!? We’ve already got two green ones!” Yes, but this is another variant and also works as a clever ploy for a ‘Frontier in Space’ set complete with Ogrons, Draconian and accurate Supreme Dalek! At least that is how it works in my dreams. But a gun metal grey Dalek wouldn’t go a miss either.

Caving/Mining Outfits

Now this one could actually happen! If it meant a Silurian, then yes please! Just repaint the Auton to match either the colours of the overalls in ‘Doctor Who and the Silurians’ and/or ‘The Green Death’ and stick Pertwee’s head on it! I’d even forgive them for not retooling the head to include a helmet! But that would be preferred, obviously. Even if they don’t include the finer details, it’s still pretty close.

Milkman/ Doris the Cleaning Lady

Only joking!

The Fourth Doctor

Talons of Weng-Chiang – Sherlock Holmes outfit

So many people want this. I’d love it. Package it with Magnus Greel and Mr Sin again, I don’t care! But this would be lovely. Sadly I think it would be way too much new tooling for it to ever happen.

Season 16/17 – Beige Coat – Improved

The missing figure from the Toys R Us Doctor/Dalek sets. Now I’m not in a rush for this one, so long as we do it get it! Sadly I fear we’ve lost our chance at getting a fully detailed version (still no lapels though). If not, crack out the paints and get customising!

Season 16/17 – Brown Coat and Spotty Waistcoat

An easy repaint of the ‘Destiny of the Daleks’/’City of Death’ figure.

‘Face of Evil’/’Robots of Death’ – Brown Coat and Boots

Now it may be the same burgundy purple or it may not. That coat has magical powers. An easy repaint of the ‘Pyramids of Mars’ figure, probably packaged with Leela and/or a Voc Robot. I’m sure our American cousins who weren’t able to get their hands on the ‘Pyramids of Mars’ release would be grateful of this one.

Season 18 – Shoes and Socks with/without Hat

Another missing figure from the discarded 11 Doctors Box Set number two. The sculpts are there and it could easily see a few releases with and without hat. Two bad it’s too late for the Regeneration Fifth Doctors.

Time Lord Robes

A head sculpt retool and some alterations to the previous Time Lord body perhaps? Probably more complex than that, but I’d be happy to see it.

Deadly Assassin

We’ve got the perfect leg/boot combo on the Season 18 figures, and the arms from Professor Yana. A new chest and we have a new variant, one I’d be very happy to see given my love of ‘The Deadly Assassin’.

Coatless (Various)

Well we have one from Season 18 so why not a few more? These could easily be packaged with a variety of different monsters.

Tartan 
Another figure that we know has been reached prototype stage. Will we see it? Time will tell, it always does.

Join me next time when we take a look at the companions and variants from Doctors 5 and 6!