The original Dalek?

Since the dawn of The Last Great Time War has the origin of both the Dalek form and name been discussed by Whovians across our tiny little globe.

The BBCs most feared pepper pots of hate designed by Raymond Cusick, were supposedly mocked up in under an hour from a very short brief by Terry Nation, who wanted a legless antidote to the commonplace Doctor Who 'man in a suit' monster.

Nine Worlds of geekdom

When I got the call asking me to host some panels at the debut fan oriented convention Nine Worlds Geekfest, it was really hard to form an idea of what to expect. I’ve been to the vast cross section of the UKs convention and expo offerings in the science fiction, pop culture and film veins, but this was the first large-scale fan-driven residential festival I’d gone along to.

INTERVIEW: Dan Boultwood IT CAME! comic book launch at Forbidden Planet Megastore, London

I spot Dan at a distance. As ever, I can see he’s dressed for the occasion; the comic book creator is standing out, looking groomed and suited with vintage august, throwing a signature cheeky wink to his industry counterparts where casual is the prevailing trend.

We’ve only minutes before kick-off of his launch party at the flagship fanboy Mecca. Dan goes and readies himself behind the signing table as tannoy announcements are hailed and a crowd gathers to welcome another name to the establishment’s hall of creatively-minded honour.