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Jerry Robinson, whose contributions to the Batman mythos include helping to create both Robin the Boy Wonder and arch-nemesis The Joker, died on December 7, aged 89.

The artist began working for Batman creator Bob Kane when only aged 17, and had a distinguished career, including time working at National (later DC) Comics. He suggested the name Robin for Batman’s partner (inspired by the legend of Robin Hood), and was instrumental in the creation of The Joker – a matter of dispute between Kane and Robinson for years, although most comic book historians credit Robinson with more input than Kane allows.

Robinson spent much of his career working on newspaper strips and was President of both the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) and the National Cartoonists Society (NCS). In the 1970s he became known as a comics historian and advocate for artists’ rights. He was also a key member of the fight to get Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster proper credit for their work.

Jim Lee, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher noted that “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.” Current Batman editor Mike Marts added, “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.”