DARWYN COOKE Remembered: Comics Pros Pick Favorite Works
Darwyn Cooke’s friends, colleagues and fans remember the artist and reflect on his legacy.
THE JOKER’S DAUGHTER: A rogues gallery in one package… — UPDATED 10/21/26: Batman Family #9 came out 50 years ago today, in 1976! Fresh off the cover’s appearance in this month’s BRONZE AGE BONANZA, we reprint this groovy piece from September 2022. Far out! — Dan — One of the grooviest podcasts around these days is Batman Family Reunion hosted by Paul Kien and Shawn M. Myers, part of the Fire and Water Podcast Network. It’s an exploration of DC’s Batman Family, which pound for pound was the most consistently entertaining Batbook of the ’70s. Well, Paul and Shawn, fresh off an interview with Bob Rozakis, the mag’s creative force, are up to 1976’s Batman Family #9, one of the series’ highest points and one of my personal fave comics of all time. Paul and Shawn were especially gracious and allowed me to come on their new episode to wax rhapsodic about the climax of the Joker’s Daughter Saga and the rest of the nifty stuff in this 50-cent goldmine. Click here to check out the ep. I think you’ll dig it. And to get you prepped, Paul and Shawn have put together 13 GROOVY THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT BATMAN FAMILY #9. Outta sight! — By PAUL KIEN and SHAWN M. MYERS 13. Awesome Cover by Ernie Chan! Ernie Chan (Chua) was DC’s primary cover artist from 1975-1977 and this issue’s Batgirl vs. Joker’s Daughter struggle doesn’t disappoint! Listen in this month, as we also shed some light on Chan’s professional career. — 12. Three Stories for 50 Cents! Bronze Age Giants are the best, and in this issue we have the new Batgirl/Robin story “The Startling Secret of the Devilish Daughters” where we learn the Secret Origin of the Joker’s Daughter! But we also get a Golden Age Alfred adventure and the Silver Age return of the Blockbuster (and a hint of what is to come with… the Outsider)! — 11. The Ads! C’mon, kids! Pick up a DC suspense book like Ghosts, or House of Mystery! Whoa – the Challengers of the Unknown in Super-Team Family?! Get your copy of Rudolph’s treasury comic before Christmas! Ride into adventure with Evel Knievel! And of course, Green Lantern and the Fruit Pie Scene! — 10. The Dynamite Duo! Batgirl and Robin were always secondary characters, but Batman Family gave...
DESPOP TUESDAYS! By DES TAYLOR The Man of Steel has saved the world countless times, but when it comes to matters of the heart, who really belongs by his side? TEAM CLARK & LOIS: She’s the fearless journalist who sees the man behind the cape. No superpowers, no magic lasso, just love, loyalty and a knack for getting into trouble. After all, what’s Superman without his Lois? TEAM SUPERMAN & WONDER WOMAN: Forget ordinary romance. We’re talking about the Man of Steel and an Amazonian goddess! Two legendary heroes, godlike power, warrior spirit and a partnership that could take on just about anything the universe throws at them. THE CLASSIC COUPLE OR THE POWER COUPLE? Is true love found in the newsroom, or does the ultimate superhero deserve a goddess at his side? YOU HAVE A SAY! CAST YOUR VOTE! Who gets your vote? A. Clark Kent & Lois Lane: Love, truth and the traditional power of two hearts beating as one. B. Superman & Wonder Woman: Man and goddess, united as the ultimate heroic duo. Vote below and tell us WHY! Are you a traditional Clark and Lois fan, or do you believe Superman and Wonder Woman are the ultimate match made in superhero heaven? Kryptonite might weaken Superman, but your comments could start a whole new battle! — Want more DESPOP TUESDAYS? Come back next week! Want a commission? Buy prints? Buy Des’ comics? Check out his Despop Art website! — MORE — 13 MORE DC COMICS Corner Boxes That Would Be Really Groovy To See. Click here. — The MEZCO FLEISCHER SUPERMAN PLAYSET Was a Real Joy to Design. Click here. — DES TAYLOR is the man behind creator-owned comic properties Scarlett Couture, The Vesha Valentine Story, The Trouble With Katie Rogers and a new property in the works The Blue Lotus Strikes. His client list includes DC Comics, La Perla, FHM, Cosmopolitan, Universal Music, ITV Studios America and many more. When he’s not working on his own properties or churning out commissions, Des spends his spare time… working some more, hating Arsenal and raising his two baby daughters, Scarlett and...
Darwyn Cooke’s friends, colleagues and fans remember the artist and reflect on his legacy.
