Question Marks are Cool

Illustrated in Windsor Newton Black India Ink with Crow Quill Pen and Brush on Strathmore Smooth 9x12 Windpower Bristol Board.

I had previously done an illustration based on the Eleventh Doctor's comment proclaiming: "Bow Ties are cool!" featuring the Eleventh, Second and Third Doctor. All of which had worn bow ties.

This particular illustration features the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Doctor. All of which had either worn question marks on their lapels or in the case of the Seventh Doctor spotted all over his jumper and the handle of his umbrella.

For those unfamiliar with Doctor Who, then (long serving) Executive Producer John Nathan Turner decided to add a little "in joke" about the title character of the program during his time with the program starting with Tom Baker's Fourth Doctor where he would incorporate little question marks on the lapels.

Much like anything in the pantheon of fandom, this has caused a great deal of ire with many fans over the years. They either love the little question marks or they hate them.

I'm of the camp that loved them. I got the joke. Yes, it was campy. But that's what I loved about Doctor Who along with the great stories that came out of it. The program's ability to sometimes laugh at itself.

Which it still does...

...although some of the more hardcore fans really need to do a little of that from time to time. I'm just saying

Nevertheless, I felt it was a bit of overkill when it came to the Seventh Doctor's jumper. Which apparently Seventh Doctor actor Sylvester McCoy absolutely hated.

I just always felt that they should have kept it as a small in joke than something overly obvious like the Seventh Doctor's jumper and the handle on his umbrella.

But I have warmed up to the old jumper over time.