Toy Review: DC Comics Designer Series: Darwyn Cooke Action Figures Series 2 (DC Collectibles)

Immortalizing an amazing artist in plastic.

Earlier this year we lost Darwyn Cooke, who was, without a doubt, an incredible artist with a distinct retro style, passed away. This line of action figures was planned before this happened but has now turned into a much-deserved tribute to Cooke.

This is series 2 and this one includes the Flash, Green Lantern (John Stewart), Catwoman, and Wonder Woman, and quite honestly, they are all amazing.

Starting with the Flash. This is the second time Darwyn Cooke’s art translated into an action figure. The first time around was back in 2006 with the New Frontier series. Just for comparison I ended up taking a picture of them side-by-side:

Pretty much the same body was used for the newer version, but the headscupt is new. Even so, I really loving this figure. I just love Cooke’s take on the Flash. How the costume is just a little too big on him, it just works.

Next up is Green Lantern, or in this case John Stewart. In this case, John gets a brand new sculpt and it looks great. Unlike the Flash, John gets some additional articulation in the wrists. It’s simple, but it’s a nice touch.

Wonder Woman is next. Again, like the Flash reuses the body from the New Frontier line. And again, I took another comparison picture.

One of the most obvious changes is the head sculpt. The New Frontier one got a lot of flack because, well, it looked odd.  But overall this figure is such a huge improvement over its predecessor.

Finally up is Catwoman. This is an essential character for this line. Why do you ask? Because it was Cooke himself who created this redesign of Catwoman’s costume that has quickly become iconic. Catwoman is also the only figure in this series that comes with an accessory. Her iconic whip.

These figures are all just amazing. I know I’m going to sound really bias because I love Cooke’s art, but these are a must buy.  I really hope they continue and make a 3rd series because I know I’ll buy them.

Many thanks to the folks over at DC Collectibles for sending these to us.