Review Fix Exclusive: Justin Richards Talks ‘Doctor Who: The American Adventures’

Review Fix talks with Justin Richards about his newest book Doctor Who: The American Adventures, why it’s set in the U.S. and out of the arguably thirteen portrayals, just who his favorite doctor is.

Review Fix: I can hear the latest Doctor in these stories. How did you capture him in print?

Justin Richards: I’ve been writing Doctor Who stories and novels for a long time now, and really it’s just practice I guess. As the Doctor changes, so you have to adapt the way you describe him and have him speak. Being very familiar with the series obviously helps.

Review Fix: If you could go anywhere at anytime in history where would you go and why?

Richards: Boring, I know, but I’m actually very happy where I am! But if I had to pick, I think maybe Victorian London – it’s a time and place that fascinates me and where I’ve set a lot of my own fiction.

Review Fix: How was it writing a series of short stories rather than a novel based on the most recent Doctor?

Richards: I’ve written a lot of short stories – Doctor Who and other subjects – so it wasn’t a new experience. I like writing both novels and short stories, so it was fun.

Review Fix: What has been challenging bringing such an iconic television character to print?

Richards: It is a challenge, as the character is so well known and loved. You have to make sure you do him justice – and get the character right, of course.

Review Fix: Why set these stories in the U.S.?

Richards: That’s what the publisher asked for!

Review Fix: The Doctor is known for almost always having a companion on his travels. Why is he flying solo in these adventures?

Richards: That just seemed to work best in the context of the stories. And the current Doctor does seem less companion-centric than his predecessors, so it seems to work.

Review Fix: Out of the Doctors which one if your favorite?

Richards: It’s very difficult to choose, but I have a great affection for the first Doctor that I really remember from when I was growing up – which was the Second Doctor played by Patrick Troughton. But I have to say that I think they’ve all been terrific.

Review Fix: There are female Time Lords. Do you think you would ever write for a female Doctor?

Richards: To be honest, I think it’s unlikely. But it’s certainly possible!

Review Fix: What kind of impact do you want for this book?

Richards: Really, I just want people to read it and enjoy it. I had fun writing it, and hope the readers have fun too.

About Donna-Lyn Washington 641 Articles
Donna-lyn Washington has a M.A. in English from Brooklyn College. She is currently teaching at Kingsborough Community College where her love of comics and pop culture play key parts in helping her students move forward in their academic careers. As a senior writer for ReviewFix she has been able to explore a variety of worlds through comics, film and television and has met some interesting writers and artists along the way. Donna-lyn does a weekly podcast reviewing indie comics and has also contributed entries to the 'Encyclopedia of Black Comics,’ the academic anthology ‘Critical Insights: Frank Yerby’ and is the editor for the upcoming book, ‘Conversations With: John Jennings.’

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