Attack of the Cybermen (novelisation)

Novelisation

 * This novelisation is based on the original television serial (DW):  Attack of the Cybermen  which was shown from 5th January 1985 and written by Paula Moore
 * The cover and information shown on the right is for the original Target novel and featured the artwork of Colin Howard. (See below for information on other UK and international editions which published with a different cover).

1989 edition
A diamond raid in modern London… a secret base hidden deep in the heart of the city’s sewer system… a cold and desolate planet light years from Earth… and a daring plan to alter the entire course of interplanetary history… On twentieth-century Earth it appears that the Doctor’s old enemy, Lytton, has allied himself with the ruthless Cybermen. The Cybermen have devised a scheme which, if successful, could completely destroy the web of time and bring the human race to its knees. When the Cyber-planet of Mondas was destroyed in 1986 the Cybermen were forced to retreat to the planet Telos. Now they have journeyed back in time to prevent the destruction of their home world. And for Mondas to survive, the Earth must die …

1992 edition
Lytton stepped forward and bowed to one of the creatures. "We are your prisoners, leader," he said. He sounded pleased.

On twentieth-century Earth, the Doctor's old enemy, Lytton, appears to have allied himself with the ruthless Cybermen, who have devised a scheme which, if successful, could completely destroy the web of time and bring the human race to its knees. For when the Cyberplanet Mondas was destroyed in 1986, the Cybermen were forced to retreat to the planet Telos. Now they have journeyed back in time to prevent the destruction of their home world, and for Mondas to survive, the Earth must die...

Eric Saward's novelization is based on the original story by Paula Moore, which featured Colin Baker in the role of the Doctor.

TARGET DOCTOR WHO NOVELIZATIONS 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD

Illustrations

 * None

Deviations from televised story
To be added

Author, Writing and Publishing Notes

 * One of the titles with the longest history is this title, originally discussed in June 1984. Weiter Paula Moore (aka Paula Wooley) declined the offer to novelise her story and by June 1986 it was passed onto Eric Saward, who had left as Script Editor of the television series in 1986 in a very public fallout with the then producer John Nathan-Turner. Some 70 pages were delivered to the publisher in November 1987 and the rest to complete in early December.
 * In dedication to the memory of Bob, the father, And the splendor of the indigenous Peoples of the Americas.
 * Back page includes un-illustrated Doctor Who Magazine advert.

Publishing History (UK)
First Publication: Paperback (April 1989) Re-issues: (October 1992)
 * Target / W.H. Allen & Co. Ltd. One single paperback edition, estimated print run: 21,000,  priced £1.99 (UK).
 * Target / Virgin Publishing, with a new cover by Alister Pearson priced £2.99 (UK).

International Editions
To be added

External Sources

 * The Target Book by David J Howe (Telos Publishing 2007)
 * On Target a comprehensive guide to the Target novelisations by Tim Neal