Batman's Joker creator Jerry Robinson dies, aged 89

Batman artist Jerry Robinson has passed away at the age of 89.

Robinson is best known for his influential DC Comics work during the Golden Age, playing an instrumental part in the creation of Robin, the Joker, Alfred and Two-Face.

The news that the illustrator had died in his sleep was broken by Batman movie producer Michael Uslan, who announced his passing via Facebook. It was later confirmed by The LA Times.

In addition to his DC contributions, Robinson was a celebrated comics historian and creators' rights activist. He was a crucial support for Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in their long-running battle to secure the rights to the property.

"Jerry was not only a gentleman, but also tough as nails when called for: he advocated for creators' rights throughout the year, either in his work as head of his own cartoon syndicate, or in the interest of his friends Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster," fellow comics historian Christopher Irving wrote on his blog.

"And that's only the start of Jerry's accomplishments, the tip of the iceberg when considering his contributions as a creator and historian."

Robinson was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2004.

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