Famed Comic Book Creator Darwyn Cooke Dies at Age 53

By Nolan P. Smith

It is with a heavy heart that I report that Darwyn Cooke, legendary comic book creator and artist, has passed away following a long battle with cancer. He died Saturday morning at his home in Florida. He was 53 years old.

Cooke’s artistic style is easily one of the most recognizable styles in sequential art: his work on DC Comic’s The New Frontier is an absolute masterpiece. His work also includes his iconic redesign of Catwoman’s costume, his work on Richard Stark’s Parker graphic novel adaptation, and more.

Personally, I have been a huge fan of Cooke’s for years now. The New Frontier is one of my favorite comic series to be released- I loved seen Cooke’s retro interpretation of DC Comic’s heavy hitters. It was just announced this week that Cooke was undergoing care for his fight with cancer, but I never expected to see the news of his passing the next morning.

We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the Cooke family during this tragic time. His footprint on the comic book art form will never be forgotten, as his works are timeless. I went out and picked up Cooke’s latest work today at the comic book shop: Twilight Children from DC/Vertigo. I recommend we all go out and pick up something Cooke worked on and celebrate his life- there won’t be another like him, that is for sure.

Rest in peace, Mr. Cooke.