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Doctor Who Annuals #35
Doctor Who: The Official 50th Anniversary Annual
Celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Doctor Who with the Official Annual, packed with facts, features, puzzles, comics, and stories about everyone's favorite Time Lord, as well as his brand-new companion, Clara, and the deadly enemies they face on their travels in the TARDIS!
64 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 11, 2025
Picked up a handful of these annuals from the Smith/Capaldi years* at our used bookstore, but they were NOT what I thought they'd be…okay, not exactly sure what I thought they'd be, but with comics and games and other similar #@$!, they are aimed at a considerably younger audience, (in fact, an audience seemingly too young to actually enjoy "Doctor Who").
That said, this being the 50th Anniversary book it contained nice summaries of all the Doctors, his companions, villains (which — once you get beyond Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Zygons — were surprisingly pretty much all one-offs), etc. So just barely worth hanging onto, (unlike the others, which will be recycled straight back to the store). An infinitely better book — and probably what I thought these would be more like — is DK's Doctor Who: The Visual Dictionary.
* Which — and I know I’m inviting trouble here — are the ONLY good years; although Eccleston's brief tenure is also enjoyable. But Tennant just played things too broad (whether comedy OR drama), to the point where I've only recently learned that he's actually a decent actor, (I'm thinking mainly "Broadchurch" here). But I've been extremely disappointed with the post-Capaldi Doctors, not only in terms of both the lazy writing and easily-forgettable companions, but also by the fact that (and as a DEI-embracing Democrat, I can't believe I'm saying this) I just find them both too "woke." Or maybe I just can't get Jodie Whittaker's whiny, feckless mom (also from "Broadchurch") out of my head…Olivia Coleman would have made SUCH a better Doctor.
That said, this being the 50th Anniversary book it contained nice summaries of all the Doctors, his companions, villains (which — once you get beyond Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels and Zygons — were surprisingly pretty much all one-offs), etc. So just barely worth hanging onto, (unlike the others, which will be recycled straight back to the store). An infinitely better book — and probably what I thought these would be more like — is DK's Doctor Who: The Visual Dictionary.
* Which — and I know I’m inviting trouble here — are the ONLY good years; although Eccleston's brief tenure is also enjoyable. But Tennant just played things too broad (whether comedy OR drama), to the point where I've only recently learned that he's actually a decent actor, (I'm thinking mainly "Broadchurch" here). But I've been extremely disappointed with the post-Capaldi Doctors, not only in terms of both the lazy writing and easily-forgettable companions, but also by the fact that (and as a DEI-embracing Democrat, I can't believe I'm saying this) I just find them both too "woke." Or maybe I just can't get Jodie Whittaker's whiny, feckless mom (also from "Broadchurch") out of my head…Olivia Coleman would have made SUCH a better Doctor.
April 14, 2018
only for children. very short only 30 twosided pages, DinA4, some quizzes, some monsters explained, a comic and story. little text many photos of the monsters. adults looking for info should buy how to be a timelord, inside story, brilliant book (only available for 2 years though) or companions companion
March 14, 2026
I had this at the time but never read it until now. I think this annual works well for younger fans by giving them a basic introduction to the classic series, along with some fun puzzles all centered around the concept of '50'.
However, like most annuals, it's very thin, and the three exclusive short stories aren't anything like those in DWM or the TITAN comics.
However, like most annuals, it's very thin, and the three exclusive short stories aren't anything like those in DWM or the TITAN comics.
January 15, 2019
“Doctor Who: Official Annual 2014” (Doctor Who Annuals #35) by Moray Laing
Fun book with interesting activities for young people
“… I’ve got a horrible feeling we’re somewhere incredibly dangerous.” (p47)
Fun book with interesting activities for young people
“… I’ve got a horrible feeling we’re somewhere incredibly dangerous.” (p47)
January 30, 2018
Just OK. For the fiftieth anniversay annual, I was hoping for something a little more special. Fun, but nothing special.
December 31, 2013
Christmas just isn't Christmas without a Doctor Who annual. This one was nice because it was the 50th and had lots of fun 50 themed things, like monsters and things about the doctor. There was information about all the doctors to celebrate the 50 years of the show. The only criticism was there weren't enough games and activities. Most of the activities were find the difference.
When reading though this I couldn't help but think how next years annual would have Peter Capaldi on the cover which was quite exciting.
When reading though this I couldn't help but think how next years annual would have Peter Capaldi on the cover which was quite exciting.
September 18, 2013
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12184042
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12184042
December 27, 2013
The information in the book is nothing new to regular watchers of Doctor Who. The pictures are ok, but the games and puzzles are fun.
March 8, 2014
I've never had a doctor who annual before and it was great!
May 21, 2014
Receiving one of these each Christmas is the best feeling a whovian can have (except for Doctor Who marathons)
May 11, 2014
I'm kind of bummed I couldn't find the final hidden alien and fifty differences in the pictures was about forty too many for this old lady. Other than that I always enjoy these annuals.
April 23, 2016
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, this book contains a look back at previous doctors, monsters and adventures so there's something for all ages.
March 25, 2024
This is one of the best Doctor Who Annuals! It was the perfect way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary! I loved this book so much during childhood!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews