Candy Jar Books has announced a special illustrated hardback edition of the Lethbridge-Stewart novel, Mutually Assured Domination, by Nick Walters.
Alongside the novel, every copy will include an exclusive Dominators novella, The Miriamis Manoeuvre by Tim Gambrell, not available separately.
Following the success of the acclaimed illustrated editions of Beast of Fang Rock and The Grandfather Infestation, Mutually Assured Domination continues Candy Jar Books’ celebration of the classic Target novels of the early 1970s, complete with evocative black-and-white illustrations that capture the spirit of a golden age of Doctor Who publishing.
Created by Mervyn Haisman and Henry Lincoln for the 1968 television story, The Dominators, the ruthless alien conquerors and their diminutive robotic servants, the Quarks, were intended to become the next great Doctor Who monsters. Although the Quarks enjoyed a handful of appearances in comics, both they and their masters largely disappeared from the Whoniverse. Until Candy Jar Books came along!
Nick Walters’ Mutually Assured Domination builds upon the themes that inspired their original television adventure. Conceived during the height of the Cold War, The Dominators served as a powerful allegory for the fear of nuclear conflict. Nick takes those ideas in bold new directions, delivering an adventure that is every bit as thought-provoking as it is action-packed. He says:
“I’m so chuffed that Mutually Assured Domination is getting the illustrated treatment. It was my first contribution to the Lethbridge-Stewart range, so it’s wonderful to see it brought to life in this way. Martin’s illustrations perfectly capture the atmosphere of the story and pay tribute to those classic Target books that inspired so many of us. I also hope this won’t be the last we’ve seen of the Dominators, as I’d love to write more adventures featuring them very soon.”
The illustrations are by acclaimed artist Martin Baines, whose artwork brings the Dominators, Quarks, and their worlds vividly to life.
Martin says:
“Like Beast of Fang Rock and The Grandfather Infestation, I read the novel and chose the scenes that I thought would best capture the atmosphere and excitement of the story. I’ve always been fascinated by the Cold War themes that underpin The Dominators, and the chance to draw the Quarks again was simply irresistible. I hope the illustrations evoke the feel of those classic Target books while bringing something fresh to Nick’s adventure.”
Included exclusively with the illustrated edition, The Miriamis Manoeuvre by Tim Gambrell follows a Dominator expedition to the seemingly defenceless world of Miriamis, a peaceful paradise rich in volcanic energy and perfectly suited to become a refuelling station for the Dominator fleet. But when the latest mission discovers that an earlier Dominator force vanished without trace, the invaders uncover secrets buried deep beneath the planet’s surface that threaten everything they thought they knew.
Tim Gambrell explains:
“This story was hugely enjoyable to write and hopefully will be great fun to read. After many years of writing mainly Earth-based stories for Candy Jar, it was very refreshing to let my mind slip into flights of fancy and to create and populate a whole alien world from scratch.
“It was also fun (not to mention a challenge!) to play with how the reader relates to the Dominator characters, and how that can change throughout the course of a narrative. They are our way into these stories, but they aren’t necessarily the heroes – or the villains, either. Life is never that simple, and often perspectives can change as events unfold.”
Combining a brand-new adventure, stunning illustrations inspired by the beloved Target books, an exclusive companion novella, and a collector’s postcard, Mutually Assured Domination is an unmissable release for Doctor Who fans. Nearly six decades after their television debut, the Dominators and Quarks are back, ready to prove why they remain among the series’ most distinctive and intriguing creations.
