The Web Planet - Zarbi

The planet Vortis exerts an irresistible force that draws other planets into its orbit

The TARDIS is also drawn to the planet and cannot escape. The surface is home to many weird insect creatures, chiefly the ant-like Zarbi. A parasitic entity known as the Animus, is controlling the Zarbi in a war aimed at the butterfly-like Menoptera.

Story background: 1965, written by Bill Strutton, produced by Verity Lambert. Notable for: Martin Jarvis made his acting debut in this serial. The story was never a favourite of producer Verity Lambert as it was so ambitious in scale that all departments overspent drastically.

Illustration: 2005 Daryl Joyce. Gouache. 26cm x 30cm