LOS ANGELES, May 14 (UPI) — Darwyn Cooke, a DC Universe comic-book artist and storyteller known for his interpretations of Batman, Catwoman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern, has died of cancer. He was 53.
“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,” DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio said in a statement Saturday.
“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.”
The family of Cooke, who has lived in Nova Scotia for the past 10 years, told CBC News the artist died at his second home in Florida early Saturday after battling an aggressive form of cancer.
“We read all of your messages of support to him throughout the day yesterday,” his family said in a statement. “He was filled with your love and surrounded by friends and family at his home in Florida.”
