Sketch of The Eleventh Doctor played by Matt Smith

“The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and…bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.” -The Doctor (‘Vincent and the Doctor’)

I am man enough to admit that I honestly cried at the last moments of The Tenth Doctor. In the two-part send-off The End of Time, the Tenth incarnation confronts the Ood about their original prophecy and is led to present-day Earth where, in the second part, the newly-resurrected Master (played by John Simm) restores Gallifrey and the Time Lords to existence, although he redeems himself by assisting The Doctor to defeat Time Lord President Rassilon (played by Timothy Dalton) before disappearing alongside the other Time Lords. The Doctor sacrifices his life to save Wilfred Mott, exposing himself to 500,000 rads of deadly radiation and thus triggering his regeneration.

He holds it back and is shown visiting several of the companions we came to know during his run on Doctor Who.^[a] He gives Donna Noble (played by Catherine Tate) a winning lottery ticket on her wedding day, buying it with money he borrowed from her late father in the past, saves Martha Jones and Mickey Smith (played by both Freema Agyeman and Noel Clarke) from a Sontaran sniper, saves Sarah Jane’s son Luke (played by Tommy Knight) from a car, introduces Captain Jack Harkness (played by John Barrowman) to a potential romantic interest (played by Russell Tovey), and finally, just before regenerating into The Eleventh Doctor (played by Matt Smith), he informs Rose in 2005 that she is about to have a “great year”. As he begins regenerating, his last words are “I don’t want to go”.

It’s here that I began sobbing like a baby, and most Whovian fans would agree, one tends to grow attached to a particular Doctor they have connected with, and The Tenth was truly my Doctor. Besides brilliant storylines courtesy from the amazing Doctor Who writers and production team, the actors themselves with their flawless acting give you no choice but to believe in their performance and thus you click with them on an emotional level as you would with someone like a best friend or loved one. It was sad to see The Tenth Doctor go and it was an amazing ride. To David Tennant, thank you for giving us a memorable and definitely unforgettable Doctor.

But like always, Doctor Who is about looking forward and pressing on. Thanks to new show runner Steven Moffat and the rest of the Doctor Who production team, the future of the series continues to flourish with the wise casting of Matt Smith as The Eleventh incarnation of The Doctor. At first, I was a little taken back by this new Doctor, and funny enough, I found myself withhold from opening myself completely to a person I apparently didn’t know anymore. But that didn’t last long as The Eleventh Doctor ultimately wins you over with his newly reconfigured energetic and eccentric personality, while at the same time doing and saying things that will remind you that he in fact is The Doctor… But just a little different in the noggin.

The Eleventh Doctor is portrayed as a brash and lively man who is rather arrogant and vain but has a great deal of affection for his loved ones. He’s at times arguably downright childish, which allows him to connect very well with children. However, there are also times when he acts his age, such as when he retires in Victorian London after the loss of Amy Pond and Rory Williams (two companions that the newly regenerated Doctor befriended earlier on in his new life, and are played by both Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill) and becomes a grumpy and solitary man who refuses to interact with others until he is charmed by Clara Oswald (played by Jenna-Louise Coleman).

Unlike his two most recent incarnations, this Doctor seems oblivious to details about human mainstream pop culture, besides a few references to classic literature, and is often seen embarrassing his companions with his attempts to be cool (including enthusiastic dancing). He even seems unfamiliar with certain adult activities such as sharing a bed, providing bunk beds in the TARDIS for the married Ponds, and drinking wine, spitting it back into the glass after trying it. He is also helpless at responding to romantic advances, acting awkwardly when River Song (played by Alex Kingston), Amy, and Clara try to seduce him; however, there are times when he behaves more maturely in romantic situations, frequently flirting with River and eventually marrying her, despite his usual discomfort with romance.

The Eleventh Doctor takes us through several adventures that introduce us to both new villainous alien life-forms as well as marking the return of some old ones, New friendships are made while old ones come to an end, and among anything else, he takes us through several new story arcs that not only reinvents the manner clever time-traveling plot devices are used, but how we see The Doctor himself. This becomes even more apparent when we finally discover the very secret The Doctor has been hiding this whole time; In “The Name of the Doctor“, the Doctor falls victim to a plot devised by the Great Intelligence, who holds the Doctor’s friends captive on the planet Trenzalore, where the Doctor will one day die and be buried.

Within the Doctor’s tomb, the Great Intelligence uses the Doctor’s remnants—his disembodied “timestream”—to spread himself across the Doctor’s history, turning his many victories into defeats. Despite objections from River Song, who at this point in her timeline is dead and is guiding Clara from beyond the grave, Clara goes after the Great Intelligence and is scattered throughout the Doctor’s timeline, where she undoes all of the Great Intelligence’s work, becoming Oswin Oswald and Clara Oswin Oswald, among others in the process. The Doctor has a sorrowful conversation with River’s phantom, and with a kiss gives his dead wife some closure. The Doctor enters his timeline to retrieve the original Clara; while rescuing her, she discovers a previously unknown incarnation (played by John Hurt) that he says broke the promise he made by taking “the Doctor” as his name, even though it was for the sake of peace and sanity.^[34]

This is where we are left off in the whole history of Doctor Who, and will find out more when The Eleventh Doctor comes back during the Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary Special episode, which also includes the return of The Tenth Doctor (played by David Tennant) and his companion Rose Tyler (played by Billie Piper). Finally, we will learn of The Doctor’s ultimate destiny during the Christmas Special and beyond.

In closing, sketching these eleven Doctor Who portraits were a blast to do, and it will definitely not be the last time I do something like it again. I have some really cool ideas for future Doctor Who inspired pieces. But till then I’m going to be focusing on further improving my illustration skills, exploring new subject matter, and aiming to perhaps changing or modifying my rendering style. Till then, folks! Thanks for watching!

Sketch of The Tenth Doctor played by David Tennant

“I’m the Doctor. I’m a Time Lord. I’m from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous. I’m 903 years old, and I’m the man who’s gonna save your lives and all six billion people on the planet below. You got a problem with that?” – The Doctor (‘Voyage of the Damned’)

As previously mention in, Sketch of The Ninth Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston, we  are re-introduced to a brand new Doctor Who with Series 1, and with that, we come face to face with the Ninth incarnation of the legendary Time Lord solely known as, “The Doctor“.

At the moment we met The Ninth Doctor, we came to know a man who has carried a great amount of pain and guilt from what is unfortunately a dark past. But this battered Doctor soon gets a second chance at finding peace and redemption with the help of his new companion Rose Tyler. Near the end of The Ninth incarnation’s run, The Doctor confronts that from which he has been running from all his life… The Great Time War. The Doctor is shocked to find out that not all the Daleks were destroyed during those violent moments, and that a single fleet has managed to expand their numbers by cloning more Daleks. With an Armada fully established, the Daleks set out to begin their conquest of the universe, but not before starting with the destruction of the planet Earth.

The Doctor along with Rose Tyler, Captain Jack Harkness, and a small band of friends he has made throughout his adventures, they set out to take down the Daleks even if it means death. In the end, it’s actually Rose that helps The Doctor destroy the remaining Daleks by looking into the Time Vortex concealed within The TARDIS itself and using that power to wipe them out. Of course, no human is meant to look into the Time Vortex and as a last act of compassion, The Doctor sacrifices his life by absorbing the radiation that coursed through Rose’s body and was slowly killing her. It’s at this very moment that the Doctor enters a sort of Catharsis. As his Ninth incarnation dies and begins his metamorphosis into the next regeneration, The Doctor is letting go of the past and starting a fresh new beginning. With one last smile to Rose, the newly vindicated Time Lord becomes The Tenth Doctor.

I loved The Ninth Doctor, but it’s The Tenth incarnation I really came to connect with as an adult, this experience was both nostalgic and easily comparable to the same moment I connected with Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor back when I was a kid. From his sharp pinstripe suit and awesome converse shoes combo, to his fresh new outlook on life, the performance that David Tennant gives as The Tenth Doctor re-ignites that familiar feeling I used to get so long ago. Ugh! I can’t help how cool this version was. He had this distinct light-hearted, talkative, easy-going, witty and cheeky manner to himself. But also on the flip side, he repeatedly demonstrates a vengeful and unforgiving streak as well. In a nutshell, The Tenth incarnation turned out to be a very complex and interesting character as The Doctor has always been known to be. Other great aspects include, that it’s also with The Tenth Doctor that the series started producing storylines that re-introduced elements from Doctor Who history, many of which came in the form of the lovely Sarah Jane Smith played by Elisabeth Sladen and K-9!

Mr. Tennant, you rock sir! I so can’t wait to see your return during the 50th Anniversary Special Episode along side Billie Piper!

Stay tune for, Sketch of The Eleventh Doctor played by Matt Smith!

Sketch of The Ninth Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston

“No! ‘Cause this is what I’m gonna do: I’m gonna rescue her! I’m gonna save Rose Tyler from the middle of the Dalek fleet! And then I’m gonna save the Earth! And then, just to finish off, I’m gonna wipe every last stinking Dalek out of the sky!” – The Doctor (‘Bad Wolf’)

Entering the newly revived series of Doctor Who in 2005, we are re-introduced to The Doctor in his now Ninth incarnation. The Ninth Doctor is characterized as a “stripped down” version of previous Doctors, depicting a less eccentric and less foppish personality and appearance. As Russell T Davies would say, “He travels in time and space, he’s got two hearts, he’s a Time Lord — that’s eccentric enough to be getting on with”.^[35] Other aspects of The Ninth Doctor includes speaking with a distinct Northern accent and choosing to wear a more modern wardrobe consisting of a black leather jacket, shirt, and jeans.

Also, upon us meeting The Ninth Doctor, he quickly gives the impression that he’s almost like a personification of The Doctor’s trauma after experiencing the many unspeakable horrors of past battles, including “The Last Great Time War” that claimed the lives of the much feared Daleks, but at the cost of destroying his race The Time Lords in the process. When it comes right down to it, The Ninth Doctor carries alot of survival guilt and pain from which he tries to keep in the past by solely focusing on the “here and now”, to him the present is all that matters.

But what’s The Doctor without his faithful companion? This time around, that title goes to the independent and courageous Rose Tyler as played by Billie Piper. Unlike past companions, Rose is far from being “vulnerable” and along with having tons of bravery, she even manages to save The Doctor’s life on countless occasions. These qualities make The Doctor see the great potential in Rose, and along with growing a strong bond with her over the course of their several adventures, the Doctor helps Rose to reach her full potential and in return, Rose helps The Doctor find peace and hope once more.

Christopher Eccleston plays this Doctor brilliantly, and it’s because of him and his outstanding performance (along with an ensemble of talented supporting actors and actresses that include Bruno Langley as boy genius Adam Mitchell, Noel Clarke as Rose Tyler’s working class ex-boyfriend Mickey Smith, and John Barrowman  as the charismatic ex-con time traveler that can never die Captain Jack Harkness) that the Doctor Who series was given a second chance. Mr. Eccleston, thanks for bringing Doctor Who back to the masses and for paving the way for the future incarnations of The Doctor that are just as memorable as yours has been!

Stay tune for, Sketch of The Tenth Doctor played by David Tennant!

Sketch of The Eighth Doctor played by Paul McGann

“Who am I?” – The Doctor (‘Doctor Who: The Movie’)

The Eighth Doctor is the first Doctor to appear only once in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie, after the original series has been off the air since back in 1989. Funny enough, this movie was also meant to serve as a backdoor pilot for a possibly new series to be picked up by the Fox Network. The Doctor was THIS CLOSE to being produced by an American network, perhaps in an alternate reality, it already has!

Anyways, despite this incarnation of the Doctor showing up only once on the small screen, the many exploits of the Eighth Doctor continued on in a plethora of licensed spin-off media, notably BBC Books‘ Eighth Doctor Adventures novels, audio plays from Big Finish Productions, and the Doctor Who Magazine comic strip. These tales spanned the nine years between 1996 and the debut of the new television series in 2005.

As far as how The Eighth Doctor comes to be, he regenerates into his new body after being caught in the crossfire of a gang shoot-out in 1999 San Francisco’s Chinatown, USA. Still in his Seventh incarnation and barely holding on, he is taken to a hospital where surgeons, confused by his double heartbeat, attempt to correct a non-existent fibrillation. Ironically, their efforts instead end up “killing” The Doctor and soon after, he is taken to a morgue where after several hours (due to the anaesthetic almost destroying the regenerative process), he finally regenerates into his Eighth incarnation.

The Eight Doctor, much like his Fifth and Eleventh incarnations, exhibited a debonair and youthful personality, which along with a wide-eyed enthusiasm, also seemed to conceal a very old soul with perhaps a darker side. The Eighth Doctor also attracted controversy from fans who were divided by the fact of him breaking the long-standing taboo against romantic involvement with his companions by kissing Grace Holloway. On the other hand, in the spin-off media that followed, the Eighth Doctor has often been the object of romantic interest, but has shown little to no romantic inclinations of his own.

I’m at a lost for words for when it came to Paul McGann at playing this version of The Doctor, but the simplest manner which I can describe it is that he was just brilliantly awesome. I really liked his Doctor alot, especially when it came to his Doctor’s way of dressing (I do like his new look as well) and the interior of what seemed to be a Steampunk inspired TARDIS. For this reason and many others, it’s just sad to see that he hasn’t been invited back to make a guest appearance in the current Doctor Who series as of yet. Also, seeing as to how the 50th Anniversary is coming up (which already includes guest appearances from past characters like The Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, and his companion Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper). I would greatly enjoy to see The Eight Doctor at least once more grace the screen. It would definitely be the perfect opportunity to show how he came to become The Ninth Doctor without necessarily showing Christopher Eccleston, since he has confirmed that a return to the show would not be a possible one. Mr. Moffat, if you come across this, please consider the possibility. It’s not too late!

Stay tune for, Sketch of The Ninth Doctor played by Christopher Eccleston!

Sketch of The Doctor’s New Hair Cut!

The Doctor surprises Clara with his new haircut.

“It’s a buzzcut. Buzzcuts are cool!”

This is one of the random phrases which popped into my head when I first got a glimpse of Matt Smith‘s new haircut when reading about his attendance to the 2013 George Foster Peabody Awards on Monday night (May 20) in New York City, where along side Jenna-Louise Coleman, and show runner Steven “The Moff” Moffat, were being awarded with the special Institutional Peabody Award for Doctor Who‘s longevity and “evolving with technology and the times like nothing else in the known television universe.”

But going back to Matt’s new hairdo, is it because The Doctor has gotten tired of his Floppy locks? Does he miss what he had going on in his previous 9th incarnation? Well truth be told, Mr. Smith has actually landed a lead role on a movie called, “How to Catch a Monster”, a writing-directing debut by Ryan Gosling.

While details about Matt’s role is still unknown, the film is described as follows:

[‘How to Catch a Monster’] is set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city and centered on a single mother of two being swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town.

Just looking at the film’s brief synopsis, one can undoubtedly say that Matt is a perfect fit for this role based on his experience doing Doctor Who. Not to mention, that this opportunity will undeniably send his career to the next level. Don’t worry though, Matt will be back in full Time Lord mode this coming November for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode (which will include the likes of the brilliant John Hurt, the return of The 10th Doctor, played by the talented David Tennant, and his formal companion Rose Tyler, played by the beautiful Billie Piper), as well as for the docudrama An Adventure in Space and Time, the usual Doctor Who Christmas Special that will come around this December 25th, and finally, Matt will return to Doctor Who with a fully regenerated head of hair to shoot Series 8, once filming for “How to Catch a Monster” has wrapped up!

UPDATE: Just came across the sad news that Matt Smith has confirmed that he will in fact be departing Doctor Who during the Christmas Special to go ahead and move onto new things. Sucks to see him go, but fans along with myself wish him the best of luck.

Smith’s official statement via the BBC:

“Doctor Who has been the most brilliant experience for me as an actor and a bloke, and that largely is down to the cast, crew and fans of the show. I’m incredibly grateful to all the cast and crew who work tirelessly every day, to realise all the elements of the show and deliver Doctor Who to the audience. Many of them have become good friends and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last four years.

Having Steven Moffat as show runner write such varied, funny, mind bending and brilliant scripts has been one of the greatest and most rewarding challenges of my career. It’s been a privilege and a treat to work with Steven, he’s a good friend and will continue to shape a brilliant world for the Doctor.

The fans of Doctor Who around the world are unlike any other; they dress up, shout louder, know more about the history of the show (and speculate more about the future of the show) in a way that I’ve never seen before, your dedication is truly remarkable. Thank you so very much for supporting my incarnation of the Time Lord, number Eleven, who I might add is not done yet, I’m back for the 50th anniversary and the Christmas special!

It’s been an honour to play this part, to follow the legacy of brilliant actors, and helm the TARDIS for a spell with ‘the ginger, the nose and the impossible one’. But when ya gotta go, ya gotta go and Trenzalore calls. Thank you guys. Matt.”

No, thank you Matt for giving us yet another memorable Doctor that will go down in Doctor Who history for generations to come. Best of luck on your career and future projects! Thank you so much for the awesome ride!

Until then, and continuing the tradition from my previous blog entry, “Sketch of John Hurt as The Doctor”, here’s another Doctor Who inspired sketch of The 11th Doctor showing his Buzzcut to a shocked Clara Oswald. Enjoy!

Sketch of John Hurt as The Doctor

“The Doctor’s biggest secret is revealed!”

“What I did, I did in the name of Peace and Sanity.”

These are the words that the mysterious figure overlooking the grave covered fields of Trenzalore muttered to The Doctor, played by the superbly awesome Matt Smith, who held a fainted Clara Oswald, played by the enigmatic Jenna-Louise Coleman. Then just when you thought the Season’s Finale of Doctor Who couldn’t get any more intense this past weekend, the figure turns around and reveal himself as being The Doctor as well, but this time played by none other than the brilliant John Hurt.

Mr. Hurt was earlier rumored to be playing an important role in the upcoming Doctor Who 50th Anniversary episode that also includes the return of The 10th Doctor, and his formal companion Rose Tyler, both of which are played by the talented dynamic duo of David Tennant and Billie Piper. But Mr. Hurt’s role has been a bit of a mystery until now. It’s currently being speculated that Steven “The Moff” Moffat, will most likely be giving Mr. Hurt the pivotal role of the fabled Time Lord who ended the Time Wars at the cost of killing both his own kind among others.

This Time Lord is also rumored to be the incarnation of The Doctor that decided to bare his true name. Like I said, I was definitely blown away by this episode and totally looking forward to seeing what other secrets will be revealed when the series pick up again this November.

Till then, I will most likely be sketching a ton of Doctor Who stuff in between upcoming projects. Which by the way, to start it off; here’s a sketch I did of John Hurt as The Doctor!