Trina Robbins (1938 - 2024) was an early American female cartoonist in a world where women still weren't seen as equals. She was an early participant in the underground comix movement and one of the first women in the movement. She was a writer, editor, and artist of comics.
She was larger than life and a force of nature whose impact on comics and feminism spanned generations. Her work inspired dozens of historians, hundreds of comic creators, and millions of readers. She paved the way for women in comix, co-founding the Wimmen's Comix collective. She co-produced the 1970 underground comic entitled “It Ain't Me, Babe”, the first comic book created entirely by women. This book is a feminist satire on gender stereotypes in comics. She became involved in creating outlets for and promoting female comic artists, as well as LGBTQ+ comics.
She spoke out against the misogyny of the current male leaders of the underground comix club and received heavy criticism for doing so. She was a pioneer for women in various comic and illustration positions and continues to be a driving inspiration for comics today. Her work is extremely extensive. She features a classic comic style influenced by her love of both comics and fashion.
Sadly, this incredibly activist, scholar, and illustrator passed on April 10, 2024, but she has paved the way for women in the illustration and comic fields for years to come.
