Comic book artist Darwyn Cooke died early Saturday morning after losing his battle with cancer. Cooke, 53, died surrounded by friends and family at his home in Florida.
For the past decade, the award-winning Canadian writer, artist, cartoonist and animator, lived on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. He is best known for his distinctive style and his work on the comic books Catwoman, DC: The New Frontier, The Spirit and Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter.
On May 13, Cooke’s wife announced on his blog that he was battling an “aggressive” form of cancer and receiving palliative care. Cooke died the next morning at 1:30 a.m.
In 2007 Cooke won the Joe Shuster Award for best Canadian cartoonist, followed by the 2015 Eisner Award for best Cover Artist.
Fans are taking to social media to share their thoughts and honour Cooke.
Love that #DarwynCooke's Wonder Woman is bigger than Superman. pic.twitter.com/9FLqY7Oa6Y
— Tom Taylor (@TomTaylorMade) May 14, 2016
Mourning the loss of the great #DarwynCooke? Donations can be made to the @cancersociety and @heroinitiative. pic.twitter.com/VfR1tO0eds
— David Hyde (@superfanpr) May 14, 2016
Anyone who believes in heroes is a gift. Anyone who makes the world believe in heroes is one themselves. #DarwynCooke was a superhero.
— Chris Clow (@ChrisClow) May 14, 2016
aw. rest in peace #DarwynCooke . Your legacy lives on in your one of a kind art. We salute you pic.twitter.com/V66ZcxFoHo
— john siuntres (@johnwordballoon) May 14, 2016
The following statement appeared on Cooke’s official blog today
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.
A longer statement will come later today.
“Then we shall not be weary. Then we shall prevail.” — John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier speech