Gallery: Joker's Birth Anchors Bio of Batman Artist Jerry Robinson
01jerryrobinson-p45
When he was 17 years old, Jerry Robinson literally got tapped on the shoulder by Batman creator [Bob Kane](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Kane), who asked the skinny, self-taught artist if he wanted to draw comic books. Robinson had caught Kane's attention at a tennis camp in upstate New York by wearing a white jacket covered with his wigged-out illustrations. Soon thereafter, Robinson drew the cover for Batman No. 1 and became a key contributor to the Dark Knight's narrative DNA. During his brief but prolific sprint through the DC Comics universe, the New Jersey native visualized sidekick Robin along with uber-villains like the Penguin, the Scarecrow and Two-Face. As chronicled in N.C. Christopher Couch's new book, [Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics](http://www.amazon.com/Jerry-Robinson-Ambassador-Christopher-Couch/dp/0810977648), the artist's crowning achievement came on a cold winter night in 1939, when he first sketched out The Joker after riffling through a deck of cards. See more of Robinson's striking comic book art in the gallery above. __Above:__ Joker Sketch ------------ Robinson reluctantly handed off the first Joker story to writer [Bill Finger](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Finger), who initially killed off the antic evil-doer. Editor Whitney Ellsworth decided the Joker should live, and the rest is supervillain history.
02jerryrobinson-p41
Batman No. 1 ------------ Introduced in Detective Comics, Batman became a hit and got his own comic book featuring inaugural cover art by Robinson.
03jerryrobinson-p30
Batman No. 10 ------------- Writer Bill Finger believed that a boy who served as Batman's sidekick would broaden the comic's appeal for younger readers. Mercury, the Roman god who served as a messenger for other gods, was seriously considered as a name. Robinson, inspired by N.C. Wyeth's Illustrated Classics retelling of the Robin Hood legend, outfitted the Robin character in medieval-style tights, shorts, belt, jacket and shoes.
04jerryrobinson-p42
Batman No. 58 Ink Drawing ------------------------- The artful composition evident in this ink drawing by Robinson is all the more remarkable given that the artist was almost entirely self-taught. He took night classes for less than a week at age 19, then quit.
05jerryrobinson-p48
Batman No. 71 ------------- Influenced by Edgar Allen Poe and German Expressionist films, Robinson realized that "a villain with a sense of humor would be the kind of contradiction that would make this character memorable," according to Ambassador of Comics. In the wake of the Joker, copycat bad guys like [The Jester](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester_%28Quality_Comics%29) and The Clown soon followed. Robinson and his colleagues meanwhile hatched a series of new villains including Clayface, Two-Face, Penguin and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari-influenced Scarecrow.
06jerryrobinson-p50-r
Detective Comics No. 67 ----------------------- Robinson's black-and-white cover art for Detective Comics featuring the Penguin was drawn in 1942.
07jerryrobinson-p58
Detective Comics No. 69 ----------------------- The Joker, rarely shown wielding guns, looms over Batman and Robin in this black-and-white cover drawing for 1942 cover story "The Harlequin's Hoax."
08jerryrobinson-p63
Batman and Robin sketch ----------------------- Robinson worked on Batman for seven years, then moved on in 1946. "The most interesting part about comics is the initial concept, the initial creative force," he says in Ambassador of Comics. "After that, it's a craftsman's job to keep the trip gong at a top level. You can create new characters, new situations, but I really think you're working on the fringes of the central core of the idea."
09jerryrobinson-cover-660
Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics ------------------------------------ Ambassador of Comics covers a number of post-Batman endeavors by Robinson, including a stuck-in-a-snowstorm collaboration during which he helped bash out a Daredevil comic in record time. That marathon weekend was later fictionalized in Michael Chabon's novel [The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Adventures_of_Kavalier_%26_Clay).
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Podcasts for Everyone
Get your fix of tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy with these audio adventures.
Simon Hill
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
Our Favorite Merino Wool Clothes to Keep You Comfy in Any Weather
Merino is one of the best fabrics you can wear. We explain the different blends, what “gsm” means, and how to care for your clothes.
Scott Gilbertson
The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size
The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.
Adrienne So
The 12 Best Coffee Subscriptions of 2026 to Keep You Wired
These services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee picks right to your door—each with its own twist.
Matthew Korfhage