****
A race evolves beyond linear time, the Loch Ness monster attacks the Enterprise and Rand marries a pyramid of pure thought-energy. I don't know whether this trio of trippy tales represents the best of Marvel Star Trek, but they were more interesting than the average DC. Though that's partly the novelty of discovering a fairly obscure recess of the expanded universe I hadn't even known existed.
Fave: 'Tomorrow or Yesterday'
1997 / Ebook / 160 pages / UK
Phil Farrand would release his nitpicker's guide in time, when there was a bit more to go on than just the first three years, but this eager X-phile couldn't wait to have a crack at his own, with a little help from lurking on CompuServe forums. With most errors being along the lines of boring production gaffes or unrealistic government processes in a supernatural sci-fi show, it's somewhat less fun that the introduction promises. Then there's the annoying layout, which slips up on every other page, if we're nitpicking here.
1997 / Ebook / 153 pages / Canada
**
The most worthlessly preemptive programme guide I've come across, this covers all of half a season of The X-Files' forgotten sister show, treating each instalment as a launching pad for thematic digressions on killers, conspiracies and mythology rather than any behind-the-scenes insights. Still, "First."
2000 / Ebook / 330 pages / UK
****
The kind of flawed series that's best served by an unauthorised, opinionated guide (or maybe a blog if you're not stuck in your '90s childhood), this was a trip down the memory wormhole that gives credit where due, but doesn't have to pretend to find Neelix tolerable. As is customary for unofficial guides, it's missing the final year. This is fine with me, since I'd abandoned ship by that point too.
Steven Cooper, Steven Moffat's Doctor Who 2014-2015: The Critical Fan's Guide to Peter Capaldi's Doctor (Unauthorized)2014-16 (updated 2016) / Ebook / 232 pages / Australia
***
It's too soon for nostalgia or a proper rewatch, but worth taking some time out to appreciate a decent (if overly serious) era before my enthusiasm waned. As, seemingly, did this critical fan's, this being the last of his books.
