Doctor Who Archives | Page 2 Of 6

BritCon to Fill the Void & It’s Not Just About Doctor Who!

BritCon is designed to fill the void left behind by the other. Anglicon folded due to many reasons.

Aug 14-16, 2020
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
900 Bellevue Way NE
Seattle, Washington

The popularity of British media in America is at an all time high. It’s not just because of Doctor Who, but also with news of Red Dwarf getting the big screen treatment. And it’s not just about talents from across the pond making that successful transition to Hollywood–namely Karen Gillan. From a companion to leading lady in the upcoming Jumanji: The Next Level, who else can we expect?

To keep up with news leaves fans wondering where can they get the latest updates? The Internet can only offer so much. Not many followers of this world are aware of the importance of PineWood Studios and many British actors played when Star Wars original trilogy was being filmed. Michael Sheard (Admiral Ozzel of Empire Strikes Back) made an appearance in the Pacific Northwest a long time ago, but since then, appearances of these fantastic talents depends–is it even possible to convince John Cleese to appear at a convention? He certainly loves putting on shows in Victoria, BC but that’s besides the point.

Fortunately, in the Pacific Northwest–specifically in Seattle, Washington–we have BritCon to fill the void left behind by the other. Anglicon folded due to many reasons.

After a successful week since BritCon launched on KickStarter to raise funds, I had the opportunity to correspond with Dawn Shaw, one of the co-founders of BritCon. She is part of a very special team whose knowledge goes beyond running a typical sci-fi convention. On this list is Abie Ekenezar (guest relations), Shannon Reagan (Vice-chair . programming). Together, they want attendees to know that their voices are being heard to make this convention the best and most inclusive in the Northwest.

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Takeaways from Doctor Who Series 11

The latest season of Doctor Who being led by a new showrunner and after a massive binge-watch and rewatch, I found the season has its specific hits and misses. Chris Chibnall is at the helm of the series now and he is best known for developing BBC’s Broadchurch. Instead of intense drama, five episodes of the ten-episode run plays with the concepts traditional in many a tale of terror. The two most prominent were “Arachnids in the UK” and “The Witchfinders.”

Jodie Whittaker is very likable as the new Doctor. She gives the character an erratic quality similar to David Tennant’s time in the role and has the tendency to be scattered. As the later episodes show, there’s an energy that’s undeniable. She’s more empathetic to others, and this can make for interesting contrasts to previous incarnations.

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Quick, Call the Doctor! There’s a Woman WHO Fell to Earth (A Review)

By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

The idea of a female version of Doctor Who was suggested a long time ago. Not everyone will know the comedic skit created by celebrated Rowan Atkinson for Red Nose Day charity telethon. The Curse of Fatal Death is not canon, but it had people talking. Officially, the idea in “Hand of Fear” (1976) set the concept in motion. The Kartrian Eldrad talked about the transition from one gender to another. Throughout the New Who years (2005 onwards), the notion has been tossed around. The most notable transition was Missy revealed herself to be a The Master!

Whatever the real world reason was for giving the role to a woman, audiences were more or less prepared. Giving this highly beloved character a makeover was not done to raise ire of misogynistic fans. Instead, it’s to keep this character refreshed so newcomers can jump in. When the media attention is this big, people are most likely to tune in.

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Reflections on Anglicon 2017 & A Photo Album

anglicon-2017 By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Over the second weekend of December, the British media convention Anglicon proves not every pop culture event has to be super-sized. This intimate event offered to fans used to corporate shows a taste of what a typical science fiction convention is like. These smaller events offer the same amount of fun — an art show, an exhibitor space for craftspeople (and other similar conventions) to vend from, a space for board gaming, a short film festival and a dance. For the latter, there were two nights for attendees to rock the night away. Even the traditional staples (costume contest) show not all costumes have to be about Doctor Who. A few furries were seen running around, and we’re not talking about Bentley the Corgi, one of the three guests of honour.

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The Day of the Doctors is coming to Anglicon!

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By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

No, the producers behind Doctor Who is not remaking The Two Doctors. In 2017, Anglicon is bringing two actors from the classic years — Peter Davison and Sylvester McCoy (the latter announced today) — to entertain! The Fifth incarnation is better known as Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great and Small and the Seventh gained greater notoriety when he played Radagast in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. During this convention, the two might talk about their career after leaving the show/ was cancelled. Unlike the performers from the new series who have left to have a career in America, getting noticed back in the 90’s was a lot more difficult. Davison did appear in an episode of Magnum P.I. “Deja Vu” and McCoy reprised the iconic role in FOX TV’s Doctor Who Movie, but mostly stuck to performing in the U.K. Perhaps these two will have something to say about the changing scene.

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A Nerdy Christmas Shoppers Guide to Victoria, BC

This Nerdy Christmas Shoppers Guide is old, but updated to reflect moves and has a special page that’s even more updated.

December is upon us and holiday shopping is in the air! Twelve days remain to find that special item for the nerd in the family and what I offer is a Nerdy Christmas Shoppers Guide to Victoria, BC. (updated Dec 2022).

This guide is not restricted to the season either. Everyone has a birthday, and if that collector must have more FUNKO Pop figures for that collection, going to EB Games is not the definitive place to be. Operations like Toys R’ Us and Walmart have their place for finding toys and current movie tie-in products, but let’s consider the local operations before going corporate.

For any other outlet that’s not listed, please submit by commenting and this guide will be updated and made its own permenant page, a Nerd’s Guide to Shopping on Vancouver Island, after the new year.

DOWNTOWN VICTORIA (NERD ROW)

Cherry Bomb Toys

Used Comics, Vinyl Records, Videos (anime), LEGO, Toys (Barbie, Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe & Many More!)

1410 Broad Street
(250) 385-8697

This operation specializes in carrying a diverse range of product for everyone of all ages. From products for young girls, like Barbie, to collectible products (like original packaging G.I. Joe), if you name it, it might be hiding here!

Curious Comics

Comic Supplies, Comics, FUNKO Pop!, Graphic Novels,
Illustration Books, Models, T-shirts, Toys

631 Johnson Street (Victoria-location)
(250) 384-1656

844 Goldstream Avenue (Langford location)
(250) 592-1656

3200 Unit 6 Island Highway (Nanaimo BC location)
(250) 756-2157

With three locations to serve most of Vancouver Island, Curious Comics makes up the heart of Nerd Row in Victoria, BC. Stepping in here is a paradise of goodies. From CGC certified comics to Walking Dead merchandise, a lot of nerd culture franchised out properties can be found here.

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