The legendary artist Herb Trimpe recently passed away at the age of 75. I use the word Legendary, because Trimpe may not have had many accolades as a comic book artist, but the one true iconic work he is remembered for is one of the most titanic issues in comic book lore ever released….Hulk 181, the first official appearance of The Wolverine!
It only seems like yesterday when legendary artist Herb Trimpe (Herbert William Trimpe) shook my hand at the 2014 Mike Carbo convention. Being the main man to first draw Wolverine into publication, my personal bias was pulled into his Incredible Hulk run. On April 13th, 2015 the comic book world we surround the plethora of our imaginations around, has lost one of the many talented writers, penciller, and inker all rolled into one. As Mr.Trimpe signed my Incredible Hulk #172 during my encounter with him, I shook his hand in pride because of the sentiment he provided into his comic. When meeting such a man, or from a comic geek/nerd (pride intended) perspective, an omnipotent creator of such archetypes, I realized that Herb Trimpe was the type who never had one grain of arrogance when meeting his fans. Although busy providing commissions, he still took the time out to thankfully appreciate those that keep this genre alive. While some get commissions or signatures for profit making, Herb Trimpe seemed to remind me that these comics go beyond that. Instead, they harness a sentiment that transforms these pages into ancient relics that live on through generations that preserve the aura of “the super-hero.”
Incredible Hulk #172 was the first time the Hulk and Juggernaut crossed paths. This metaphor and symbolized two clash of the titans (in a way, Gods even) that teamed up, and eventually fought one another as they teared through each panel of glorified colors. I was hypnotized into a trance of how two vulnerable human beings such as Dr. Bruce Banner, and Cain Marko could manifest into such larger than life forces that represent opposite sides of the same coin. Herb Trimpe served in the United States Air Force, and implemented the concept of the “hulkbusters” indicating how life’s experiences can be delved into ones artistic creations. Trimpe showcased that he lived a life of a myriad of faces, by being a deacon, an artistic freelancer, and most of all a family man. Survived by his beloved family, Trimpe expressed and taught us that while some use comic books to bring out the best of our human nature, sometimes it is the best of who we already are that inspire the characters created into such a fandom. May he rest in that great big panel in the sky…..
