Trina Robbins
Trina Robbins | |
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Will Eisner Hall of Fame (2013) | |
trinarobbins |
Trina Robbins (
As a scholar and historian, Robbins researched the history of women in cartooning. She wrote several nonfiction books including Women and the Comics (1985), A Century of Women Cartoonists (1993), The Great Women Superheroes (1996), From Girls to Grrrlz (1999), Pretty In Ink (2013), and Flapper Queens: Women Cartoonists of the Jazz Age (2020). She co-founded the organization Friends of Lulu in 1993.
Early life and education
Trina Perlson was born on August 17, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York City,[1] to Jewish immigrants originally from Belarus.[2] Her mother was an elementary school teacher and her father was a tailor. She grew up in South Ozone Park, Queens,[3] and held an early fascination with comic book heroines, especially Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. As a teenager, she attended science fiction fan conventions.[2]
Robbins attended
Career
Early work
Robbins was an active member of
Comics
Robbins' first comics were printed in the East Village Other in 1966;[7] she also contributed to the spin-off underground comic Gothic Blimp Works in 1969.[8] That same year, she designed a one-piece costume for the Warren Publishing character Vampirella for artist Frank Frazetta in Vampirella #1 (September 1969).[9][3]
Robbins left New York for
Robbins spoke out against the misogyny and "boy's club" of comics creators, criticizing underground comix artist Robert Crumb for the perceived misogyny of many of his comics, saying, "It's weird to me how willing people are to overlook the hideous darkness in Crumb's work ... What the hell is funny about rape and murder?"[16]
In the early 1980s, Robbins created adaptations of
In 1990, Robbins edited and contributed to Choices: A
In 2000 Robbins introduced GoGirl! — superhero stories designed to appeal to young girls. Robbins wrote the stories, with Anne Timmons providing the bulk of the art. The series ran for five issues with Image Comics, and then was picked up by Dark Horse Comics, with the final issue coming out in 2006.[21]
In 2010, she began writing comic adventures of the woman detective character Honey West for a series published by Moonstone Books.[22]
Wonder Woman
Robbins' official involvement with Wonder Woman began in 1986. At the conclusion of the first volume of the series (in conjunction with the series Crisis on Infinite Earths), DC Comics published a four-issue limited series titled The Legend of Wonder Woman, written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Robbins. The series paid homage to the character's Golden Age roots.[23] She also appeared as herself in Wonder Woman Annual 2 (1989).[24]
In the mid-1990s, Robbins criticized artist
In the late 1990s, Robbins collaborated with
Writing and activism
In addition to her comics work, Robbins was an author of
Personal life and death
In 1962, she married Paul Jay Robbins in Los Angeles, but they divorced four years later. Robbins also had a daughter with cartoonist Kim Deitch.[8] She wrote a memoir entitled Last Girl Standing, released in 2017 by Fantagraphics.[8]
Robbins died after a stroke in San Francisco, California, on April 10, 2024, at the age of 85.[29][8] Her partner was artist Steve Leialoha from 1977 until her death.[30]
Awards and recognition
Robbins was a Special Guest of the 1977
Robbins was a three-time winner of the
In July 2013, during the
In a 2015 poll, Robbins was ranked #25 among the best female comics creators of all-time.[40] ComicsAlliance listed Robbins as one of twelve women cartoonists deserving of lifetime achievement recognition in 2016.[41] In 2017, Robbins was chosen for the Wizard World Hall of Legends.[42] Robbins' art and art from her collection of the work of women cartoonists was featured in the 2020 Society of Illustrators exhibit "Women in Comics: Looking Forward, Looking Back". It was later featured in the "Women in Comics" exhibit at the Palazzo Merulana in Rome, Italy.[43]
Bibliography
Comics
- As writer/artist, unless otherwise noted
Major works
- It Ain't Me, Babe Comix (Last Gasp, 1970) — co-founder, contributor[2]
- All Girl Thrills (Print Mint, 1971) — editor, contributor[44]
- Wimmen's Comix (Last Gasp, Renegade Press, Rip Off Press, 1972–1992) — co-founder, contributor[2]
- Mama! Dramas (
- Dope (Eclipse Comics, 1981–1983) — adaptation of the Sax Rohmer novel[46]
- Misty (Star Comics, 1985–1986) — limited series[18]
- The Legend of Wonder Woman (DC Comics, 1986) — limited series[48]
- California Girls #1–8 (Eclipse Comics, 1987–1988) — writer/artist, with contributions from Barb Rausch[19]
- Choices: A Pro-Choice Benefit Comic Anthology for the National Organization for Women (Angry Isis Press, 1990) — editor and contributor[20]
- Wonder Woman: The Once and Future Story (DC Comics, 1998) — writer; drawn by Colleen Doran[26]
- GoGirl! #1–5 (Image Comics, 2000–2001) — writer[21]
- GoGirl! #1–3 (Dark Horse Comics, 2002–2006) — writer; issues #2–3 feature all new material[21]
- Honey West #1, 2, 6, 7 (Moonstone Books, 2010) — writer[22]
- Honey West and The Cat #1–2 (Moonstone Books, 2013) — writer[22]
Anthology contributions
- East Village Other (late 1960s)[7]
- Gothic Blimp Works (East Village Other, 1969)[8]
- Moonchild Comix #3 (
- Swift Comics (Bantam Books, 1971)[51]
- Girl Fight Comics #1–2 (Print Mint, 1972, 1974)[52]
- Tuff Shit Comics (Print Mint, 1972)[53]
- Barbarian Comics #4 (California Comics, 1972)[54]
- Comix Book (Marvel Comics, Kitchen Sink Press, 1974–1976)[55]
- Wet Satin (1976) — editor[3]
- Tits & Clits Comix #3 (Nanny Goat Productions, 1977)[2]
- Gates of Eden (FantaCo Enterprises, 1982)[56]
- Gay Comix #6, #11, #25 (Bob Ross, 1985, 1986, 1998)[57]
- War News (
- 9-11: September 11, 2001 (Artists Respond) (Dark Horse Comics/Chaos! Comics/Image Comics, 2002)[59]
- The Phantom Chronicles (Moonstone Books, 2007)[60]
- Girl Comics (Marvel Comics, 2010)[60]
Nonfiction
- —; ISBN 0-913035-01-7.
- — (1993). A Century of Women Cartoonists. Kitchen Sink Press. ISBN 0-87816-206-2.
- — (1996). The Great Women Superheroes. Kitchen Sink Press. ISBN 0-87816-482-0.
- — (1999). From Girls to Grrrlz: A History of Comics from Teens to Zines. Chronicle Books. ISBN 0-8118-2199-4.
- — (2001). The Great Women Cartoonists. Watson-Guptill. ISBN 0-8230-2170-X.
- — (2001). Nell Brinkley and the New Woman in the Early 20th Century. McFarland & Co. ISBN 0-7864-1151-1.
- — (2001). Eternally Bad: Goddesses with Attitude. ISBN 1-57324-550-X.
- — (2003). Tender Murderers: Women Who Kill. Conari Press. ISBN 1-57324-821-5.
- — (2004). Wild Irish Roses: Tales of Brigits, Kathleens, and Warrior Queens. Conari Press. ISBN 1-57324-952-1.
- Robbins, Trina (2004). "Chapter 6: Girls on Top?". In ISBN 1-84340-186-X.[61]
- —, ed. (2009). The Brinkley Girls: The Best of Nell Brinkley's Cartoons from 1913–1940. ISBN 978-1-56097-970-8.
- — (2009). Forbidden City: The Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs. Hampton Press. ISBN 978-1-57273-947-5.
- — (2011). Lily Renée, Escape Artist: From Holocaust Survivor to Comic Book Pioneer. ISBN 978-0761381143.
- — (2013). Pretty In Ink: North American Women Cartoonists 1896 - 2013. Fantagraphics. ISBN 978-1-60699-669-0.
- — (2017). Babes in Arms: Women in Comics During the Second World War. ISBN 978-1-61345-095-6.
- — (2017). A Minyen Yidn: A Bunch of Jews (And Other Stuff). CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1977744296.
- — (2017). Last Girl Standing. Seattle: Fantagraphics. ISBN 9781683960140.
- — (2020). Flapper Queens: Women Cartoonists of the Jazz Age. Fantagraphics. ISBN 978-1-68396-323-3.
References
- ^ "Robbins, Trina 1938–". Encyclopedia.com. Contemporary Authors New Revision Series. Gale. 2005. Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f Trouvé, Pierre; Croquet, Pauline (April 11, 2024). "Trina Robbins, comic book author and feminist historian, has died at 85". Le Monde. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Smith, Harrison (April 12, 2024). "Trina Robbins, cartoonist who elevated women's stories, dies at 85". Washington Post. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ "Fresh Photos – Part Eight". Hollywoodhangover.com. Archived from the original on March 16, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ Weller 2008, p. 293.
- ^ Nelson, Ray (Spring 1994). "The Arena" (PDF). Habakkuk. 3 (3): 44. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b Robbins, Trina. "Finding Sanctuary at EVO". nyujournalismprojects.org. East Village Other. Archived from the original on October 7, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e Edwards, Gavin (April 10, 2024). "Trina Robbins, Creator and Historian of Comic Books, Dies at 85". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Arndt, Richard J. (September 22, 2008). "The Warren Magazines". EnjolrasWorld.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011.
- ^ Krensky 2007, p. 74.
- ^ Kaplan 2006, p. 79.
- ^ Hix, Lisa. "Women Who Conquered the Comics World". Collectors Weekly. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
- ^ Kaplan 2006, p. 86.
- LCCN sn94005292.
- ^ Robbins, Trina. Last Girl Standing (Fantagraphics Books, 2017), pp. 139, 142.
- ISBN 0-7148-3008-9.
- ^ Riesman, Abraham (April 18, 2018). "The Story of Trina Robbins, the Controversial Feminist Who Revolutionized Comics". Vulture. Archived from the original on April 8, 2019. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b Cronin, Brian (April 11, 2024). "Trina Robbins, Iconic Comic Book Creator and Historian, Passes Away at Age 85". CBR.
- ^ a b Kaplan 2006, p. 89.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-89594-549-5.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8276-1043-9.
- ^ .
- ISBN 978-1-61374-909-8.
- ^ Anderson, Jenna (April 10, 2024). "Trina Robbins, Legendary Cartoonist and Wonder Woman Artist, Passes Away at 85". ComicBook. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ISBN 0-87816-481-2, p. 166.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-85773-208-8.
- ^ Wilonsky, Robert (May 18, 2000). "Fatal femmes: Why do women in comics become Women in Refrigerators?". Dallas Observer.
- ^ "The Women". She's Beautiful When She's Angry. Archived from the original on February 19, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ "Trina Robbins, Legendary Cartoonist and Wonder Woman Artist, Passes Away at 85". Comics. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ "An Interview with Steve Leialoha". Comicsalternative.com. August 29, 2014. Archived from the original on July 7, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ Comic Con Souvenir Book #40. San Diego Comic-Com International. 2009. p. 60.
- ^ "Inkpot Awards". Comic-Con International. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ a b "Toon Talk: See You at San Diego with Mathew Klickstein and Trina Robbins". Cartoon Art Museum. September 10, 2022. Archived from the original on August 21, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ "History | WisCon". December 21, 2015. Archived from the original on November 24, 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ^ "Lulu Award". Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013.
- ^ "Premios Haxtur" [Haxtur Awards] (in Spanish). Click link for 2002. Archived from the original on January 24, 2024. Retrieved February 19, 2016.
- ^ "Graphic Details: Confessional Comics by Jewish Women | Koffler Centre of the Arts". Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved February 8, 2019.
- ^ "Hall Of Fame". Comic-Con International. p. 11. Archived from the original on April 12, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- Comic-Con International: San Diego. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- ^ "Top 50 Female Comic Book Writers and Artists Master List". Goodcomics.comicbookresources.com. March 21, 2015. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ "12 Women in Comics Who Deserve Lifetime Achievement Recognition". Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
- ^ "Trina Robbins, First Woman to Draw Wonder Woman, Selected for Wizard World Hall of Legends". Broadwayworld.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ "Women in Comics". Palazzo Merulana. Rome. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
- ^ "Issue :: All Girl Thrills #1". Grand Comics Database. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ "Issue :: Mama! Dramas". Grand Comics Database. Archived from the original on January 28, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Dooley, Michael (August 16, 2016). "Sax, Dope, and Trina Robbins: the Making of a Graphic Novel". Print. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ "Issue :: The Silver Metal Lover". Grand Comics Database. Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Salkowitz, Rob (April 10, 2024). "Trailblazing Comics Icon Trina Robbins Dies At Age 85". Forbes.
- ^ "GCD :: Issue :: Moonchild Comics #3". Archived from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved August 17, 2018.
- ^ "Moonchild Comics at Comixjoint.com". comixjoint.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
- ISBN 978-1-9788-0506-4.
- ISBN 978-1-56097-464-2.
- ^ "Tuff Shit Comics #1 Reviews". League of Comic Geeks. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ "Barbarian Women Comics". Comixjoint. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ISBN 978-0-8264-2936-0.
- ^ "Issue :: Gates of Eden #1". Grand Comics Database. Archived from the original on September 29, 2022. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ISBN 978-1-000-46033-9.
- ^ "Hinkle, Hinckle, Little Star (Part II)". SF Weekly. February 14, 1996. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012.
- ^ Urschel, Donna (November 2002). "Not-So-Comic Books". Library of Congress Information Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 5, 2009. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-313-39751-6.
- ISSN 0194-7869.
Sources
- Estren, Mark James (1974). A History of Underground Comics. Quick Fox Inc. ISBN 0-87932-075-3.
- Kaplan, Arie (2006). Masters of the Comic Book Universe Revealed!. Chicago Review Press. ISBN 1-55652-633-4.
- Krensky, Stephen (2007). Comic Book Century: The History of American Comic Books (People's History). Twenty-First Century Books. ISBN 978-0-8225-6654-0.
- Weller, Sheila (2008). Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and the Journey of a Generation. Atria. ISBN 978-0-7434-9147-1.
External links
- Official website
- Trina Robbins at the Grand Comics Database
- Trina Robbins at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
- Trina Robbins Collection guide at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
- Trina Robbins at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- Trina Robbins discography at Discogs