Jerry Robinson, the comic book artist widely credited with coming up with key aspects of key Batman characters Robin and The Joker, has died at the age of 89. The cause of death has not been revealed, but he died in a New York City hospice.
Jerry Robinson was hired by Batman co-creator Bob Kane in 1939, while still a teenager. Working in the studio where the Batman franchise was born, Robinson is said to have been inspired by a deck of cards to come up with initial drawings of The Joker, and was also a key figure in giving Robin his distinctive appearance.
Away from Batman, Jerry Robinson was a tireless advocate of artists’ rights in the comic book industry, and created a number of his own superhero characters. He founded the CartoonArts International agency in the late 70s and in later years was known as the ‘ambassador of comics’. With no formal artistic training, he nevertheless became one of the key figures of 20th century US comics.
Discussion
No comments yet.