DC Collectibles Darwyn Cooke HARLEY QUINN!

DC Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke - #3 Harley Quinn - DC Collectibles 2016

This new DCC Designer Series is a fantastic tribute to the late Darwyn Cooke. His style is a wonderfully classic blend of Alex Toth and Chester Gould and it was the perfect thing to usher me back into comics in the early 2000s (after the eXtreme 90s had driven me away in disgust). Despite having a distinctly retro style, his 2001 revamp of Catwoman was a surprisingly modern and refreshing change. Although I only ever saw Darwyn Cooke's version of Harley Quinn on a couple random comic covers, I really love this figure and I'm so glad it was included in this line. DC Collectibles' Designer Series has almost limitless potential. The Greg Capullo, Jae Lee, and now Darwyn Cooke series have absolutely thrilled me. And the upcoming Ant Lucia and Lee Bermejo will keep the momentum going. The only one that let me down was the Terry Dodson line (but I'm certain there will be a second Dodson wave eventually). But in the meantime we have many more Darwyn figures on the way. Let's check out Harley below!

DC Collectibles Darwyn Cooke SUPERGIRL!

DC Comics Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke - #2 Supergirl - DC Collectibles 2016

The saddest moment of 2016 for me was the heartbreaking news that Darwyn Cooke had passed away. Moreso than actors and musicians, the passing of comic artists always hits me particularly hard. It might be because I have no acting or musical skills whatsoever, so the art forms I relate to most deeply are drawing, painting, and sculpting (all of which I dabble in). Comic artists in particular always seem immortal to me. The serial nature of comics and the constantly regenerating storylines tease you into thinking the artists behind them will be just as long-lasting and consistent. Plus there's a unique bond that forms between comic artists and their fans. Over time you really feel as if you know them. I've never met Darwyn Cooke, but I hear he was a wonderful man and he will be sorely missed. I have all his older New Frontier figures and I am so happy to have his unique style further represented in my collection with this new artist series. It's bittersweet, but the tribute is fitting and welcome.