The Metal-Eaters (comic story)

The Metal-Eaters was a TV Comic story featuring the Third Doctor. It was reprinted as a Fourth Doctor adventure.
== Summary ==
After returning from the Middle Ages, the Third Doctor relaxes by going fishing. However, he finds his relaxation cut short when he is called to investigate the destruction of a television mast, apparently caused by metal-eating insects. The creatures have been bred by scientist Professor McTurk and his daughter Catriona. They plan to use the insects to extort money from the British government in revenge for ignoring the Professor's talents. When the insects are released on an army firing range, their devastating attack on a tank battalion is witnessed by two foreign spies. The enemy agents trace the insects to the McTurks' farm, where they shoot the Professor. Honouring McTurk's dying wish, Catriona releases the insects to wreak havoc on the world. As the insects swarm toward Blackpool, the Doctor enlists Catriona's help to prevent them heading out to sea and the rest of the world. One thing can save the Earth now — Blackpool Tower!
== Plot ==
to be added
== Characters ==
* Third Doctor/Fourth Doctor
* Charles Rogers
* Professor McTurk
* Catriona McTurk
* Dimitri Askov
* Major Pakovsky
* Colonel Douglass
* Workman
== Worldbuilding ==
* McTurk lives in a cottage in the Yorkshire Dales.
== Notes ==
* Although the enemy agents are never identified as such, they are heavily implied to be Russian, being depicted as caricatures. As such, they address everyone as "comrade" — even people they are about to kill.
* The Doctor notes that the swarm is travelling in an eastward direction and heading towards Blackpool. In the real world, however, Blackpool is located on the west coast of England.
=== Original print details ===
:(Publication with page count and closing captions)
* TVC 1184 (2 pages) The sinister horde hunt again, next week!
* TVC 1185 (2 pages) Next week: on the trail of the insect-master!
* TVC 1186 (2 pages) Follow the Doctor for more thrills next week!
* TVC 1187 (2 pages) More drama with the Doctor next week!
* TVC 1188 (2 pages) Join the Doctor for more drama next week!
* TVC 1189 (2 pages) The Doctor hunts the insect horde next week.
* TVC 1190 (2 pages) An exciting new Dr Who adventure soon!
== Continuity ==
* The Doctor has just returned from the Middle Ages. (COMIC: The Magician)
== External links ==
Category:Stories set in Blackpool
Category:Third Doctor TVC comic stories
Category:Fourth Doctor TVC comic stories
Category:1974 comic stories
Category:Stories set in the 20th century
Category:1979 comic stories
Category:Stories set in North Yorkshire
Category:Third Doctor comic stories
Category:1978 comic stories
Category:Seven part comics