John Espinoza :: DC Portfolio II

Catwoman (2002)

Artist: Darwyn Cooke (All)

11 Comments - 1,153 Views - 8 Likes

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Artwork Details

Title:	Catwoman (2002)
Artist:	Darwyn Cooke (All)
Media Type:	Marker
Art Type:	Convention Sketch
For Sale Status:	Not for sale
Views:	1,153
Likes on CAF:	8 9
Comments:	11
Added to Site:	11/28/2021
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Released 20 years ago today on November 28, 2001, Catwoman #1 (vol. 3) by Brubaker, Cooke, and Allred, introduced a redesigned cat costume to usher in the 21st century. I was on a comic book hiatus for about 5 years before I returned to the LCS for the weekly dose of escapism shortly after 9/11. I remember the years 2001 and 2002 as a good time for comics, but a sucky time for America. Catwoman was a comfort food for my soul. Darwyn Cooke would make a huge impact on DC Comics and the industry at large before lung cancer cut his life short. Born on November 16, 1962, Cooke passed away on May 14, 2016.

Here is an early convention sketch on a comic book back board by Darwyn, drawn shortly after the title was launched. It's so early he has yet to drop his last name from his signature. The sketch is an excellent example of what beauty he could accomplish in a few strokes near the height of his powers.

My thanks once again to my friend Roger K. for the first dibs, and the patient and smooth transaction. And a special thanks to Anthony F., aka Catwoman Fan, for the consultation.

Marker on comic book backing board.

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About the Owner

	John Espinoza ( 9 ) Premium Gallery Owner
Joined:	October 2014
Last Login:	September 2025
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	John's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Anthony F
Member Since 2004

1 - Posted on 11/28/2021

Awesome!! Congrats on finding a truely early piece by the legendary Darwyn Cooke!

Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 11/28/2021

This is also early enough that Catwoman was the character he was most associated with, having his redesign making a great impact. Cooke is definitely adding a lot of those costume details in this sketch.

Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017

1 - Posted on 11/29/2021

No one does it like Darwyn -- what a Light he was.

Roger K.
Member Since 2005
Forum Moderator

1 - Posted on 11/29/2021

It's a classic modern Catwoman look by the artist who defined her for a generation. Glad you ended up with it, John!

John C
Member Since 2014

1 - Posted on 12/15/2021

Fun piece. Perked me right up.

Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 12/20/2021

Beautiful! My favorite version of Catwoman by the artist who drew her best.

George H
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 1/14/2022

Pure Darwyn Cooke goodness in a single sketch. Thanks for sharing!

Bill J
Member Since 2009

1 - Posted on 2/17/2022

Darwyn Cooke was an incredibly talented artist. We lost him too soon. This is a nice remembrance, though.

Patrick O.
Member Since 2020

1 - Posted on 3/7/2022

John, I keep coming back to look at the perfect Catwoman with your name on it (couldn't be more perfect!). And I love the enthusiasm from your Bruce Timm signing stories. Thanks for sharing both!

Chaykin Dude
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 7/21/2022

You are one lucky dude!

Alex B
Member Since 2008

1 - Posted on 7/10/2024

Iconic and beautiful, a perfect piece. Congrats for this awesome score !

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