Jerry Robinson, a pioneer of the comics form best known by fans for creating the Joker but also praised for his work as a comics historian and creator rights advocate, has died at age 89.
Robinson was born in Trenton, New Jersey. He was discovered by Batman creator Bob Kane when Kane noticed the 17 year old wearing a jacket decorated with comic art and inquired as to who did the work. He started working on Batman in 1939 with both Kane and Bill Finger. Robinson co-created Robin and was the main creative influence behind Two-Face and Alfred. He is known for creating Batman’s most formidable archrival the Joker.
Robinson was hired by DC Comics where he served as a staff artist working on numerous cover and other art at DC. He is known for creating some of the most visually striking covers while working at DC Comics.
Robinson was also a comic historian and ambassador for artist’s rights. He along with artist Neal Adams sought to obtain the proper credit for Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster for their creation of Superman. His interests helped to create a better awareness of the comic medium with colleges and universities noting it as an area of study. In 1974 he wrote one of the earliest books of the comic strip art form titled The Comics.
Over the years he was a noted guest at numerous comic conventions and events. He was appreciated and adored by comic fans and it was common to see numerous fans lining up to meet him or to hear him speak at convention panels. Robinson also served as a consultant and he curated comic exhibits. He also severed as a consultant for Christopher Nolan’s Batman film.
From all of us at ComicsPriceGuide.com our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
