TV21 & THE DALEKS

 Growing up in the mid- sixties was a good time for a youngster who liked TV sci-fi and comics,  

                                               My original TV Century 21 No. 1 comic 

In January, 1965 TV Century 21 instantly became my main comic of choice, as it featured my favourite Anderson shows - Fireball XL5 and Stingray, 

Dalekmania, which had gripped the country since the introduction of the Daleks in 1963, was in full flow, and TV Century 21 got in on the act with a colour back page strip , drawn by Richard Jennings, and written by David Whittaker, featuring the monstrous mutants from Skaro  minus Doctor Who!

The first of the two Amicus Dalek films, Dr Who and The Daleks would make its debut in August, 1965, and as part of the film's build up, TV Century 21 devoted issue 28, dated July 31st 2065 (1965) to promote the movie prior to it's release'.   

The issue carried features and adverts for the film. It even had a 'Lady Penelope Investigates' interview with the main cast!

Prior to that issue, publicity shots showing scenes from the film featured on the front cover, and continued after the film's release to promote their own Dalek strip.

The Daleks strip was, however absent  from the TV Century 21 annuals, as the Daleks had their own unique set, which all featured a look at the Daleks' shenanigans on Skaro, and beyond.

In August, 1966, the second film, Daleks 'Invasion Earth 2150A.D. was released. Apart from the odd publicity shot, the film didn't feature too much in the comic.

The Dalek strip, now drawn by Ron Turner, who drew the Daleks using elements seen on the big screen would end on weekending January 14th , 2067 (1967) after two years, with the Daleks making plans to invade Earth!

Here's a look at the press book for Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. 

Over in the United States Dell Comics published a movie tie-in comic in 1966, featuring Dr Who and The Daleks..

Both films are remembered  fondly by fans, so much so that both films were recently remastered and upscaled to 4K, and even got a limited theatrical cinema  release..