Thank you Mr. Robinson

Last July at Comic-Con, I was really fortunate to have met the creator of "The Joker", Jerry Robinson. He was a real gent! He was accommodating and friendly. I was really surprised that the creator of one of the greatest villains of all time was in Comic-Con!

Last December 8, I was shocked when I got a text from my friend Gerard who was with me at SDCC. He said that Jerry Robinson has passed away... :(

I felt bad that one of the pioneers of comics had passed away... He was 89.

From Comic Book Resources

Robinson was born in Trenton, New Jersey on New Year's Day in 1922. At only 17 years of age, the aspiring artist was hired as an inker by Batman creator Bob Kane, and over the next several years, Robinson offered as much visual input into the character's world and cast as his originator. Robinson co-created Robin, the Boy Wonder and is often credited as the primary influence for arch-villain the Joker, though Kane and Robinson would clash over credit for the villain's creation in later years. The artist was soon hired away from Kane's shop by "Batman" publisher DC/National Comics, for which he served as a staff artist, drawing many of the most striking covers of comics Golden Age.

From DC Comics' Senior Executives

“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

It was an honor to have met Jerry Robinson... He will be missed by the industry.

SDCC 2011

A signed copy from my friend Miguel Ramos. I got this as a birthday gift last October.