Jerry Robinson papers, 1942-1964

Collection context

Creator:
Robinson, Jerry, 1922-2011, Cameron, Don, Finger, Bill, 1914-1974, Samachson, Joseph, 1906-1980, Schiff, Jack, and Schwartz, Alvin, 1916-2011
Abstract:
Papers of comic book illustrator Jerry Robinson.
Extent:
40 linear feet
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

The Jerry Robinson collection contains a number of comic book and comic strip scripts given to Robinson to illustrate, including scripts by Batman co-creator Bill Finger and Robinson's own scripts for Atoman and London. In addition to the scripts, the collection includes coursework from high school and Robinson's time as a student at Columbia, as well as notebooks, script ideas, examples of Robinson's illustrating work outside of the comics, original art, Sunday comics tearsheets, and much more.

Biographical / historical:

Sherrill David Robinson was born January 1, 1922. He briefly attended Columbia University (1940-1941) to study journalism before leaving school to work with Batman creator Bob Kane as an inker and letterer for the book, and then at National Comics as a staff illustrator. Robinson was instrumental in creating many of the Batman secondary characters and villains. Robinson was president of the National Cartoonists Society from 1967 to 1969 and served a two-year term as president of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists starting in 1973. He was inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame in 2004 and received the Sparky Award for lifetime achievement from the Cartoon Art Museum in 2011. Robinson died in 2011 at the age of 89.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located on-site.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Jerry Robinson Papers; Box and Folder (if known); Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:
Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
Contact:
rbml@library.columbia.edu