Rest in Peace, Jerry Robinson, 1922-2011
by Brant W. Fowler
Jerry Robinson, most known by fans for his creation of Batman villain the Joker, has passed away at the age of 89.
First reported by NYC Graphic Novelists, Robinson passed away in his sleep last night, December 7th.
Robinson began his career at the young age of seventeen in 1939 while attending Columbia University studying to be a journalist. Batman creator Bob Kane discovered him and brought him on as an inker and letterer.
Later on, Robinson would co-create Batman's sidekick Robin, suggesting the name after one of his favorites, Robin Hood. And of course he would also go on to create the most popular Batman villain, his archnemesis, the Joker, though this was disputed by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.
Robinson would work closely with Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and later became a key figure in them getting the creative rights they deserved for that character in the 70s, and would later found the Cartoonists & Writers Syndicate/Cartoon ARts International. He would win several awards throughout his career, including the National Cartoonists Society award and the Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award.
Robinson would even create a manga series, Astra, in 1999. Most recently he was a consultant on the Christopher Nolan directed Batman films.
One of the greats of our industry, Mr. Robinson will be greatly missed. He led a long and productive life, and his contributions to the comic industry will live forever.
DC Entertainment released this statement Thursday afternoon, Dec. 8th:
"Jerry Robinson illustrated some of the defining images of pop culture's greatest icons. As an artist myself, it's impossible not to feel humbled by his body of work. Everyone who loves comics owes Jerry a debt of gratitude for the rich legacy that he leaves behind."—Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher and artist of "Batman: Hush"
"Jerry Robinson was one of the greats. He continued to be a vibrant, creative force well into his nineties, with ideas and thoughts that continue to inspire. Jerry was a great advocate for creators. It was my pleasure to meet and work with him. He will be missed."—Dan DiDio, Co-Publisher, DC Entertainment
"It's impossible to work at DC Entertainment without feeling the impact of Jerry Robinson's contributions to the industry. His influence continues to resonate today."—Bob Harras, DC Entertainment Editor-in-Chief
"Jerry Robinson was an innovator, a pioneer in storytelling. His artwork was always astonishing, but his contributions to the Dark Knight mythology go far beyond art. The streets of Gotham City are a little lonelier today...Jerry will truly be missed."—Mike Marts, "Batman" editor
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