It's hard to imagine Batman comics without the Joker, isn't it? Batman's maniacal arch nemesis is, quite frankly, one of the integral parts of the character's mythos. He is the ying to Batman's yang; he essentially, completes the character. So it is with a heavy heart that we honor the life of the character's creator, Jerry Robinson who died in his sleep last night at age 89.

In addition to creating the Joker, Robinson is also credited as co-creator of Batman's sidekick, Robin. Additionally, Robinson is also credited for having co-created Alfred Pennyworth and creating Tweedledee, Tweedledum and Tony Zucco.

Hired at a young age to work as an inker and artist for Batman creator Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson began working in comics at the age of 17 and studied journalism at Columbia University in Manhattan. He was brought on by DC Comics to work as a cover artist for Detective Comics through the 1930's and 1940's and became an influential and important figure during the Golden Age of comic books. Being a "political animal," Robinson eventually made the move from comics to comic strips, to Editorial illustrator.

His long running comic strip "Life With Robinson" provided political commentary from the 1950's through the 1970's. Robinson was also a huge proponent of creator rights and was a supporter of the Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster battle over the rights to Superman.

Some of DC's biggest names -- from Co-Publisher Dan Didio to Batman Editor Mike Marts -- reflected on the death of a legend, here's what they had to say.

“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

Robinson's many works as well as his Joker sketch card (above) has appeared in various museum exhibits throughout the country. He was an incredibly influential individual and without his creativity and ideas, comics as we know them today would be very different. We tip our hats to you today, Mr. Robinson, and we thank you for all you did for the comic book industry over the years.

Image source: LA Times

This guy was responsible for creating the best parts of the Batman Universe? Wow!

My condolences to his friends and family.

rest in peace!

Thanks for all you've contributed to the lives of countless geeks.

RIP. You've earned it.

R.I.P.

R.I.P. ;'(

Joker is without doubt one of the greatest (if not the greatest villians of all time) R.I.P, glad he went peacefully in his sleep.

R.I.P.

Contributed a lot to the Batman Universe which in turn added a bit to our fictional worlds

R.I.P sir

R.I.P and that you for such a great character.

R.I.P awesome dude. Or don't and be the first zombie comic book writer.

to create the Joker alone is enough for eternal thanks from this fan :)

Rest well in much peace for such maniacal creativity

This guy was probably one of the biggest players on this comic book industry, he created one of the most incredible characters that I've ever seen before, I'm very sad for him and I give my greatest condolences to his friends, family, and all the comic book fans, specially Batman fans, Jerry will live forever on Joker's heart.

R.I.P. Was a genius!

Rest In Peace Jerry Robinson

Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten!

It is a sad day indeed.
 
"Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight, sweet Prince.
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

RIP

Amazing man RIP

R.I.P.

My condolences to the Robinson family. 
 
His Batman stuff is still by far and away better than that garbage they're cranking out nowadays... 
 
R.I.P. 

May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family and the many friends he's obviously had and influenced over the years.

The legend of Batman would not be as rich were it not for the characters he's helped create.

Batman comics, in particular collections of the original Kane/Finger work from the 40's, was some of my first exposure to comic books. Without Jerry and his amazing art work, I may have never gotten into comics that much. He was a man dedicated to his work, and dedicated to seeing that his brothers in ink would be well taken care of. The world is now a little bit darker without Mr. Robinson, but he shoulders on, after all, the Joker is still alive isn't he? And now every time we read a Batman comic, we can think back on the fact that he has gotten where he is today, with Mr. Robinson's pen and brush carefully filling on some of Bill's pencil drawings. The great comic book artists of the Golden Age are all but now gone, like WWI and WWII veterans they are becoming more and more rare in this day and age. R.I.P. Jerry, and God bless you for all you've done.

RIP.... but Joker will continue his legacy.

Robinson is in the list of names that have left their mark in history and the world. He will always be remembered as time keeps moving forward.

Rest in Peace! My condolences to his friends and family.

@MysteryMan38:

Wow, what you wrote is really moving, I think you said it best out of everyone! I agree with everything you wrote I wish there would be a way to vote your post to the top. It is a shame most people won`t get to read it.

He rest in peace a legend in the world of comics.

My condolences to the Robinson family.

RIP we never going to forget what he do, never. At least his dead wasn't painful for himself.

RIP

dude...like every1s dying.. the M*A*S*H Star the guy who sings Sailaway and now him..

R.I.P.

RIP
BB

Rest in peace, Jerry Robinson.

My commiserations to his family and god bless his soul. Batman comics will never be the same

Woah this guy created the Joker and co created Robin? I never knew that. RIP Mr Robinson

My brother is a plumber and he was fixing a leak under his sink in his apartment when he passed away.today.

@Lvenger said:

Woah this guy created the Joker and co created Robin? I never knew that. RIP Mr Robinson

i feel bad, saw him at comic con a few months ago

The killing joke.

Rest In Peace

RIP

RIP.

RIP u r the man

I wonder what his thoughts were of Heath Ledger's performance, as it must be quite a-ways from his conception of the character. Or even interpretations like Killing Joke or Mark Hammil's voice. 8 )

R.I.P

Jerry Robinson, R.I.P.

You were one of the greats.

R.I.P.

@TheCheeseStabber: I know, I was devastated when Harry Morgan passed away. I loved that guy.

The man was a legend whose credit was long overdue. It's a shame to see him go.

R.I.P you made the comic world bright and your death leaves our world dark

RIP

and thanks!