Doctor Who Wonderland.

Paul Margs is a clever fellow and he cares a lot about what he brings into the world. At least that is the impression this reader gets from reading various bits and pieces by the man over the years, adding beautifully to the pantheon of lovely things in the world (Iris Wildthyme and Panda for one and Brenda The Bride on the other.) All that knowledge and warmth permeate this book. His familiarity with this particular Tardis team shines through as does his knowledge regarding all things Alice. At first glance I thought "Oh hes missed a trick here. The fourth Doctor would be better suited to a trip to wonderland." I have always thought a grinning Tom Baker had a cheshire cat quality about him. Like the cat I could see him fade from sight until only that toothy grin remained. But this incarnation was an inspired choice for a confrontation with the bizarre inhabitants of Lewis Carroll's dreamworld. For the material has a dreamlike quality to it and the quietly studious character of the fifth incarnation was a welcome anchor and a trustworthy guide, even something of an anchor to reality , what with all the mad figures of Dodgson's book. Mr Baker might have giggled while tumbling down the rabbithole of Wonderland. As well as the curious, ahem, goings on in Wonderland, we also get to see some of the impact it had on the life of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in the book. With her documented and factual visit to America to recieve an honourary doctorate. The concept did not always sit well with her but she eventually comes to a better understanding of the notion of a fictional Alice and an equally fictional Wonderland. And just look at that cover! I could not help imaginning what it might ahve been like to have been a friend of J RR Tolkien and hear him tell the world he based Gollum on you. Precious does not even cover it.

The very Daleky Invasion.

This is just a genius idea and one of the best thingse I have seen this year. Admittedly thats only a few days old at this moment of writing but years can pass by like that. Doctor Who and Wallace and Gromit on Christmas Night, now that was Joy to The World.

He Who Walks In Eternity.

Well, he does, does he not. Just listen once more to what he said to Sarah Jane Smith in the Tardis, just before landing in the time of Sutekh come again.

Ghost Stories.

Edited by Deborah Shine with illustrations by Reg Gray Haunting Ghost Stories proved to be a very enjoyable read, a really entertaining compilation published by Octopus Books. I very much had the feeling the cover of on this bumper collection of yarns once looked down at me from a high shelf in Harry Halls back in the eighties (Sigh, over forty five years ago? Oh, Mathusaleh.) The book was one of a themed collection, the others being Thrilling Detective stories and Memorable School Stories ( No kidding.) I wonder if the others had covers as striking as this one? Straight off a poster for an Amicus portmanteau horror anthology movie. Which this book in many ways resembles. There are thirty two pieces of work tucked between its joyfully lurid covers. The illustrations by Reg Gray echo this theme, very much feeling like a former world now passed away. This is an eclectic and even eccentric collection of bits and pieces, some of which has made it into other anthologies while some are quite forgotten. Inside you will find stories by Ambrose Bierce, Walter de la Mere, MR James, Oliver Onions and others. Not bad at all for va collection you could have picked up in a Woolworths shop with the air filled with the smell of pic n mix and unneccessary plastic objects. Ah, happy days.

Workshop Of Filthy Creation.

(The table where I write, draw and read.)

It is at this table I write , draw and read.

David Hodge; The Boy Who Sat At The Window.

Or The Queen Of Soho. Which is the subtitle of the book. Quite a name to have for oneself. Quite the area to rule over, one might surmise.I visited Soho in the eighties. Twas not any where as sleazy and shocking as I expected. I was in the Great Babylon, after all. But what I know. I had never really been anywhere and was about as worldly as a Beatrix Potter Squirrel. I really enjoyed this record of the days of David Hodge. He was at the epicenter of a world of change taking place in the shared pop cultural zeigeist of the eighties. Music, fashion and sexuality, all metrics measured by ordinary people transforming themselves, with very limited resurces, into some of the most beautifully and mysteriously glamorous pop figures ever. Its a bit sad at times, with the youthful David Hodge at the height of his powers acting like his own worst enemy. He admits it all, acting on advice given to him by Boy George; Tell the truth. Your own truth. The lines between drag, between binary and non-binary blur and change, like all the winding paths of experience. He only speaks for himself and lets the rolling dice land as they may. Which he certainly seems to have done himself, to great effect. I am about to lend this book to one of my sisters who has always tried to steer her children towards what was best for them. In this book we hear how sometimes loved ones can let you down but also how they can get to try again. To learn from past mistakes and never close the door on the possibility for change and the return of love. His friendship with Boy George is an interesting one. He was a fan before he became a friend. I used to wonder about the odd dynamic such a friendship would have. Do you actually know the person or the avatar that person has created for professional reasons. Does David Hodge like George O Dowd or the figure the world thought it knew as Boy George? In this instance I believe they were proper friends, off course. David Hodge had created an avatar of his own; Dusty,so he knew the difference. George could be a great friend, it seems, but a hard one to keep up with. A blazing comet of talent that could burn close friends and loved ones with his proximity. Bravo Daid Hodge. The worlds a better place for having your book in it.

The Hill People.

Was lucky enough to get a copy of The Hill People, a new comic book collab from film maker Mark Mc Keown and artist Jim Mc Kevitt. Its part memory play part modern urban thriller set in the shadow of The Cave Hill. If you think the sight of Napoleon's Nose, the striking side view of the famous local landmark and almost as famous French Emperor, wait til you see the view of Belfast sprawled below,from its peak. You get a real sense of the unheard stories waiting to be told... And this is one of them.