In Memoriam: Darwyn Cooke

Darwyn Cooke

Darwyn Cooke. Photo courtesy the artist

I was very sad to learn yesterday of the sudden passing of the extraordinary Canadian comic book writer, artist, cartoonist and animator Darwyn Cooke, whose death to cancer was announced by his family this weekend. He was just 53.

This short statement, following quickly on news that Darwyn was being treated for cancer, was published on the “Almost Darwyn Cooke” blog on Saturday:

We regret to inform you that Darwyn lost his battle with cancer early this morning at 1:30 AM ET. We read all of your messages of support to him throughout the day yesterday. He was filled with your love and surrounded by friends and family at his home in Florida.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and Hero Initiative.

Please continue to respect our privacy as we go through this very difficult time.

“Then we shall not be weary. Then we shall prevail.” — John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier speech

James Bond visits Kendal, thanks to Darwyn Cooke

James Bond visits Kendal, thanks to Darwyn Cooke

I had the great pleasure of meeting Darwyn very briefly, at last year’s Lakes International Comic Art Festival, where I introduced him before a presentation of his Emmy-nominated animated adaptation of Justice League: New Frontier. He was candid about his work with his fans, and incredibly supportive of the event, providing numerous items of art to help its fund raising efforts after the Kendal floods.

An incredible, ground-breaking talent in so many different fields, Darwyn Cooke was a graphic designer and animator who turned his attention toward cartooning in the late 1990s. He is perhaps known for his work on the comic books such as Catwoman, DC: The New Frontier and The Spirit. He won multiple Eisner, Harvey and Shuster awards, as well as the US National Cartoonist Society’s Best Series award.

Justice League cover by Darwyn Cooke

Justice League cover by Darwyn Cooke

DC Comics has issued the following statement on his passing.

Darwyn Cooke had a vision of the DC Universe that was uniquely his own, yet embraced by everyone. Once you saw his timeless designs and concepts for Batman, Catwoman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern or any other character, you immediately adopted his jubilant interpretation of these heroes as your own and wanted more. His take on the most iconic heroes in the world were breathtakingly direct and elegant, powerful and cool.  His were some of the most beautiful, fun DC superhero images we have ever seen.

“Darwyn Cooke lived life like a character from a Micky Spillane novel, a throwback to a bygone era that was, more than occasionally, reflected in his work,” said DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio. “He was both compassionate and combative, approaching everything he did with a tenaciousness and temerity that is now unheard of in a world afraid to offend. The simplistic brilliance of his art and the natural flow of his storytelling not only elevated but enhanced all projects he touched and his passion and love of comics was reflected in every panel of every page. Working with Darwyn was not without its challenges. There were times we’d spend hours arguing over story then go months without talking, but we always found our way back, drawn together by the common bond and friendship comics creates. This is an industry-wide loss that I feel personally, but the sadness is mitigated in the knowing that the beauty and grace of his art will forever stand the test of time and be a monument to all that is great about comics.”

Darwyn was one of our medium’s true innovators. A gifted artist and master storyteller, Darwyn began his career as a magazine art director and graphic designer.  After answering an ad placed by Warner Bros animator Bruce Timm, Darwyn entered the world of animation, where he contributed to such shows as Batman: The Animated SeriesSuperman: The Animated Series and Men In Black: The Series.  From there, Darwyn made the leap into print comics, where his character design was never more effective, enduring or entrancing. It was the look and honest simplicity of his characters for which Cooke became famous—as first seen in his breakout work Batman: Ego published over 15 years ago today and then followed up by his popular and critically acclaimed work on Catwoman: Selina’s Big Score and The Spirit.  Even after 15 years, Darwyn’s design for Catwoman is still the one used today in both comics and inspired the look for Catwoman on the hit TV show, Gotham.

An Eisner-award winning artist and accomplished writer, Darwyn has been a much-loved and respected member of the comics community.  He lent his signature retro style to all corners of the DC Universe, from Jonah Hex to Before Watchmen to Vertigo Comic’s The Twilight Children and, of course, his master work, DC: The New Frontier.  His bold, direct style, often compared to the works of Joe Kubert, Alex Toth and Jack Kirby, reflected his down to earth, no nonsense personality.  Darwyn Cooke always claimed that he was a lucky man to have such a wonderful family, friends, and such a wonderful life. He lived that life with the same brilliance and fearlessness that so permeated his work.  And for those of us who knew this one-of-a-kind and genuine soul, we were lucky as well.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cooke’s family and friends.

Darwyn also illustrated IDW’s edition of Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter novel.

His most recent work includes Revengance, a psychological thriller with darkly humorous overtones published by Image Comics, a story taking place in Toronto in the mid-1980s – part crime story, part psychotronic melodrama, and a wholly fond look back at the author’s hometown.

My sympathies to family and friends at this awful time.

Almost Darwyn Cooke’s Blog

• Donations in memory of Darwyn Cooke can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and Hero Initiative

• Comic Book Resources has a full tribute to Darwyn and his work here

 



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