Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Darwyn Cooke brings four original graphic novels to IDW,
based on Richard Stark’s crime fiction series of “Parker” novels
(San Diego, July 24, 2008) IDW Publishing announced today that it will be releasing four original graphic novels created by Eisner-award winning comic book artist, writer and animator Darwyn Cooke. Based on the acclaimed “Parker” crime fiction series of novels by Richard Stark (pseudonym for renowned author Donald Westlake), the first of these graphic novels will be released by IDW in mid 2009. Many of Westlake’s books have been brought to the big screen, including Point Blank, The Hot Rock, and Payback. He also wrote the screenplay for Stephen Frears’ 1990 movie The Grifters.
Originally published in the 1960s, Stark’s novels featuring the Parker character – The Hunter, The Outfit, the Mourner and The Man with the Getaway Face – are tough and tautly composed. The Parker character is known as one of the most fascinating and compelling criminals in crime fiction. Lee Marvin played Parker in John Boorman’s film Point Blank.
Darwyn Cooke is the best-selling comics auteur who has been much lauded since he burst on the comics scene in 2000. His past projects include The Spirit and DC: The New Frontier, the latter of which was turned into a feature length animated film. “In his ruthlessness and unhesitating murderousness Parker is well up there with Simenon’s tormented monsters and, especially, with Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley” according to Slate magazine.
“Working with Darwyn has been one of the highlights of my editing career; our sensibilities mesh on a lot of levels. It’s a true pleasure and privilege to be associated with him on this project,” says Scott Dunbier, IDW Publishing’s Special Projects Editor.
Fans will be delighted to hear that IDW is offering a set of three signature cards featuring original illustrations by Cooke – available only from specific locations at Comic-Con.
One card can be found at Darwyn Cooke’s booth (#2207), another at the IDW booth (#1705), and another at the 11:00 AM IDW panel on Saturday July 26 in Room 3. The cards are limited to 500 of each and will be available exclusively at Comic-Con.
