Jerry Robinson was born on January 1, 1922 in Trenton, New Jersey. From a young age, he showed a natural talent for art and drawing. He attended high school in Trenton and went on to study journalism at Columbia University. It was during his time at Columbia that Robinson began his foray into the world of comic books.
Robinson's career as a comic book artist started while he was still a student at Columbia. He began working as an artist for various comic book publishers, honing his skills and developing his unique style. In the late 1930s, he was hired by artist Bob Kane to work on the Batman series, providing inking and lettering work for the newly-created character.
One of Robinson's most notable contributions to the comic book world was co-creating the iconic character of the Joker. The Joker first appeared in Batman #1, published in 1940, and quickly became one of the most famous and enduring villains in comic book history. Robinson's distinctive style and creativity helped bring the character to life, cementing his place in the annals of comic book lore.
Throughout his career, Robinson received numerous accolades and awards for his contributions to the comic book industry. In 2000, he was honored with the National Cartoonists' Society's Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding work and influence in the field. Robinson's impact on the world of comics is still felt to this day, as his characters and creations continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
After his time in the comic book industry, Robinson explored other avenues of artistic expression. He created a newspaper comic strip called True Classroom Flubs and Fluffs, showcasing his wit and humor in a different format. Additionally, he delved into the world of political satire, creating a cartoon titled Still Life that commented on current events and social issues.
Jerry Robinson remained rooted in his hometown of Trenton, New Jersey throughout his life, but eventually settled in Staten Island, New York. He passed away at the age of eighty-nine, leaving behind a rich legacy of creativity and innovation in the world of comic books. Robinson's impact on the industry will be remembered for generations to come, as his characters and creations continue to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of artists.