Trimpe, Herb: Robin

I don't like to think of any of these pieces as a sad story; this one comes the closest, though. I have several Herb Trimpe stories that warm my heart, and, though he was known primarily for his Marvel work, I wanted to include him in a (since-aborted for financial reasons) Robin sketchbook.

This piece is unique for two reasons: A) it's the only example I've ever seen of Trimpe doing Robin, and B) it was based on the George Pérez costume that was provided as a reference for another sketch in this gallery, which, even if it isn't the only drawing Trimpe ever did of Robin, makes it the only version he ever did based on this version of the character.

The reason this piece makes me sad is, as Guy Dorian (who obtained it for me), later told me, was the last one of the day that Herb did. His wife began to say "oh, Herb's done for the d.." and before she finished, he said "Give me the book." I was also short 20 bucks, but he did the piece anyway, and I never got to thank him for it. Herb passed away shortly after this piece was executed, and it saddens me that I never saw him again, or took up Guy's offer to visit him at his home.

Regardless, I will treasure this piece and my other interactions with Herb, which are not Robin-related but I will relay them through forthcoming pieces.