ComicBookResources.com reports that renowned comic book artist and creator of 'The Joker', Jerry Robinson has passed away at the age of 89.

"It's impossible to work at DC Entertainment ­ without feeling the impact of Jerry Robinson's contributions to the industry," stated DC Entertainment Editor-in-Chief, Bob Harras. "His influence continues to resonate today."

Robinson was born in Trenton, New Jersey on New Year's Day in 1922. At only 17 years of age, the aspiring artist was hired as an inker by Batman creator Bob Kane, and over the next several years, Robinson offered as much visual input into the character's world and cast as his originator.

Outside of his work on the drawing board, Robinson became an advocate for fellow cartoonists' rights. In the 1970's, he launched a high-profile publicity campaign on behalf of Superman co-creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster who were broke and locked in a legal battle with DC Comics over the rights for their creation.

Ultimately, Robinson helped negotiate a financial settlement that restored the creators name on every Superman comic.

"Jerry Robinson was one of the greats," stated DC Entertainment Co-Publisher,Dan DiDio. "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."

Prior to his death, Robinson had been making more public appearances at various comic-themed conventions in recent years discussing his books, life, and the contributions he had made to comic book industry.

In November of 2010, Robinson auctioned off the original cover artwork for "Superman" #14 and "Detective Comics" #69 which he had saved and preserved for 70 years.

"These are some of the earliest and maybe the most historical pieces of that period ever saved," said Robinson in a 2010 interview with CBR.com. "I hope the home eventually will be in a museum. A number of museums would like to acquire them, so maybe someone might donate them to a museum in the future."