In Memoriam 2016: Film, Television, Music, Sports, Literature, the Arts”¦

With 2017 upon us, let’s take one final look back at the luminaries and personalities of the entertainment world who left us in 2016, during a year that seemed more turbulent and taxing than any other in recent memory.

Challenges in the past and challenges ahead, it’s a tough time to live in the world right now with so many changes like a whirling dervish to the senses. While there is much sadness in recognizing and accepting the passing of so many great figures in 2016, it’s the endearing, endless, never-ending fanbase and legacy that will keep each and every one of these names mentioned here (and some are of only cult status, but still enjoy a rabid passionate following as equal as any global figure) alive and well in the consciousness and beyond. In no particular order and apologies in advance if some of your favorites were left off. This was a huge list to go through and what was more painful than compiling this list was the fact that these incredibly talented people are all no longer with us.

Famed comic book artist Darwyn Cooke, best known for his work at DC Comics, died today after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed via a statement on his official Web site. He was 53.

Cooke’s wife Marsha revealed yesterday that the Canadian artist had been battling an “aggressive” form of cancer, and was receiving palliative care.

The Eisner Award-winning cartoonist began publishing his work in 1985, and worked in Canada for 15 years as a graphic and product designer as well as magazine art director before landing a job in the early 1990s at Warner Bros. Animation under animator Bruce Timm. At WB, he worked as a storyboard artist for the hit animated TV show Batman: The Animated Series as well as on Superman: The Animated Series, and also animated the main titles for Batman Beyond.

King: Mandrake the Magician #1
Written by Roger Langridge
Art & Colors by Jeremy Treece
Letters by Marshall Dillon
Cover art by Darwyn Cooke, Rob Liefeld & Kyle Ritter, and Ron Salas
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: February 18, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

King: Mandrake the Magician #1 is the latest installment of Dynamite Entertainment’s miniseries starring all of King Features’ characters on their 100th anniversary. Previously, we’ve seen Flash Gordon, The Phantom, and even Jungle Jim! This time, the spotlight falls on Mandrake, and his turn in defending the Earth against the forces of evil. Will he succeed? Let’s find out!

Earlier this month, DC Entertainment released Batman: Strange Days, a new, animated short from producer Bruce Timm featuring a lost tale from Batman’s past for the 75th anniversary of the comic book character.

Continuing with the year-long Batman anniversary celebration, DC has released a new short, which debuted over the weekend at WonderCon in Anaheim, CA, and has now been released online. The new short, directed by artist Darwyn Cooke, takes place in the Batman Beyond universe (from the 1999 television series) and features the return of Kevin Conroy (as the voice of Bruce Wayne) and Will Friedle (as the voice of Terry McGinnis/Batman).

You can watch both Batman shorts here below.

Sleigh bells ring are you listening? In the lane, something’s glistening, a beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, because we’ve got some comic book gift suggestions! That’s right guys and geeks, “The Hench” and “The Fac3” have reunited (and it feels so good!) for the sole purpose of giving all of your crazed souls a nice long list of comic books for everyone on your holiday gift list. This one’s going to be hefty, so make sure to pull out that list of folks you’re giving gifts to this holiday season, compare it with our list of all of this year’s top releases, and give Santa a head’s up on what everyone should be getting. Speaking of “should be getting,” should we be getting this list started? Yes. Yes, we should. Also, speaking for “The Face,” I’m pretty sure you could also get these for us. I’m just saying…