Herb Trimpe: From Hulk to GI Joe to the Extreme 90s
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- čas přidán 16. 03. 2024
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Herb Trimpe may not have been as popular as someone like Jack Kirby or Erik Larsen but he worked hard, was consistent, fast, and well-liked. He had a lengthy run on The Incredible Hulk that boosted the character's profile. Trimpe had memorable runs on books like GI Joe. But when readers' tastes changed in the 90s, he took a gamble and radically changed his art style. This episode looks at his career. - Zábava
I was the one that brokered the deal for Herb to draw Savage Dragon for Erik. I was friends with both guys and working with Herb, and Erik asked me to help make it happen. I actually hired Herb to work with me and Larry Hama on a book called COR Controlled Organic Robotics. It was the last cover Herb finalized in pencil and last story. I was inking the cover as I got a call that Herb passed.
If that’s true, tell Erik to release savage dragon as a graphic novel already
"I wasn't gonna hold the gun to my own head, they'll need to shoot me themselves"
That's a cold line.
"How does Myrmadon grab you?"
Herb was a pal O' mine. He was a brilliantly smart guy. His fave artist was Jack Davis. Herb praised Stan for hiring him. Herb was also a great, kind guy to other pros and fans alike. His work on HULK, GI Joe, Godzilla, and SHOGUN Warriors is legendary.
He told us many stories about Stan. He did praise him.
Trimpe was also a chaplain at ground zero for several months after 9/11. Dude was amazing.
Wow I have so much respect for this guy.
WOW. I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing that information.
The two versions of the Hulk I always remembered are Kirby's and Trimpe's.
He was always such a gentleman to fans at conventions. Did not charge me anything when he signed my Inc Hulk 181 with the CGC, I told him it was going into my will for my non-existent son if I ever had one. He looked at his booth neighbor and they laughed. God rest Herb, what a sweetheart of a man.
I loved working with Herb. I was his editor on Nick Fury as well as Fantastic Four Unlimited. He was humble and brilliant. It's a shame how Marvel cast him aside like garbage after decades with them.May he rest in peace.
Thank you for giving us some insight into his past work!
Wow
Thank you for the insight on your work relationship! Love to hear more!
@totalswabby4217 Were you the editor who bought my double page splash poster I drew of the FF in 1992/1993 (?) For FF Unlimited? I was also assistant to Mark Pacella and friends with Dan Panosian. Mark was doing a few covers that were inked by Barta. Al Milgrom who inked it, took a real long time to turn it in, and I don't think it ever got published...? I drew it during the huge snowstorm we had just a day or two earlier.
My mom was friends with his wife, so I met him a few times as a kid and a teen. When I was about 12, I had a job for a few days organizing him comics collection. He received some/all Marvel comics for reference material. He had boxes upon boxes of comics. It was like a dream come true for a comic nerd like me to organize his collection. I’m pretty sure it was his wife’s idea, but he was very nice about it.
I thought his kids were lucky because he got toys for GI Joe and Shogun Warriors (full size) since he drew those comics.
That’s a great anecdote. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome!
Man, you're the gold standard for comic youtubers as far as I'm concerned
For sure, Chris is the best and doesn’t just do the same MCU/DCU thing
100% all the top ones are just story recaps lol
Agreed! Chris is by far my favorite comic book creator.
I like how Chris will often jump into potential areas where viewers might get bored, and he keeps going until the FULL story is told. People deserve the whole truth, even though they might not realize that now. He also doesn't have either a grumbling or mumbling voice, which greatly helps in the long run.
Agreed. His channel is amazing
It's very humbling to hear Herb Trimpe have a kind of respect for the artists in the 90s and vice versa. This guy rocked.
For what it's worth I think comics tropes is the best, most original and creative comicbook channel. That's probably not the perfect recipe for popularity -as if there were such a thing- but still ...so much respect to you and your work, Chris. Words I don't say lightly
If there's one thing I can say about Trimpe, was that his cover of GIJoe's first issue was perhaps the first comic solely promoted as an advertised television commercial!
It is, I am pretty sure.
Herb Trimpe's Hulk was the very first Hulk artwork that I had ever seen, even before Kirby. In my eyes, he was the template for how Hulk and his entire cast of characters should look.
A 100%! He defined Hulk and that Universe of characters. Also his Modok looked great.
Gotta agree! It was Herb’s Hulk, in my opinion, that raised the bar and set the standard for that iconic character! Good to see others feel the same way!
Same here. It's what made me try other Marvel titles after that. I was a DC man before that.
I liked Trimpe's Hulk, but I stayed a DC man.
I hate spiders because there's a problem with too many spiders in the I live, therefore I can't stand Spider-Man.
Wolverine was a Trimmer wolf rip-off.
Workmanlike. Dependable. Professional.
You've got to respect those qualities. *Corporate* should respect those qualities.
They didn't with Herb.
Herb and Marie Severin were both very loyal, underappreciated, and underrated. Thanks Chris
Dude was an absolute cornerstone of Marvel's golden age. He drew fewer issues of GI Joe than I thought, but I don't think that book would have looked the same without his influence.
He did almost all of GI Joe Special Missions.
I'm pretty sure he designed The Pit, and his Pit designs were used in a recent issue of Duke!
GI JOE number 1 cover is a comic book masterpiece. It reminds me of my childhood
@@WishIWuzKajiThe maps and design schematics in Joe issues were great. I wonder if Herb did Cobra Island or some of the memorable vehicle layouts?
Herb Trimpe exemplified professionalism. He used to come to Baltimore Comicon every year and is sorely missed. great video, Chris, great subject❤
Herb Trimpe, Mike Zeck, Ross Andru are the top 3 most under-appreciated comic artists to me.
3 phenomenal talent. I would put Dave Cockrum and Paul Ryan in there as well.
His humble approach for everything was really awesome. A wonderful artist, that even take the chance on changing his art style, which isn't a minor thing.
Especially when he was a freelancer with kids in college! Changing his art style was a big risk.
Herb Trimpe is someone who's work I've admired for the longest time. But I honestly had no idea how interesting a back story there was there. I never knew this one was so humble and professional.
I think I have a newfound respect for the work this guy put in.
I started collecting comics at the age of 9 in the summer of 1974. I bought 2 comics from my local 7-11 on that first day to begin my collecting journey... Fantastic Four 149 (Rich Buckler art) & Incredible Hulk 178 (Herb Trimpe art). These two covers really caught the eye of 9 year-old me, and they are still two of my favorites to this day.
Herb Trimpe's work on the Incredible Hulk was a fond memory for me growing up. His Hulk interpretation was thick and had substance. I have something signed by him and will treasure it . A class act and my respect for him has been deepened by your fine tribute video. Thank you
Herb was the freaking best🙌🏻, I had him sign my WOLVERINE 181,he says "HEY! I remember this one, you know this cover reminds me of me and my wife,We both laugh including his wife,"no it's true everytime I try to eat something unhealthy she turns into the HULK" hahahaha I'll always treasure that memory THANKS HERB!🙌🏻 R.I.P HERB TRIMPE
One of my all time favorite Marvel artists. His Hulk run is my favorite..
Was lucky to meet him at East Coast Comicon, he was super nice. It was shocking to find out he passed away the day after the con ended.
You had me at Herb Trimpe!
I met Trimpe at a very small comic convention in 2015. That day, I also met George Perez, Rob Liefeld, Joe Rubinstein, and Kevin Eastman. Trimpe signed my comics for free, and I recall that he was very humble.
I met him years ago at Boston Comic Con. Had him sign some Hulk collections. One of which he was like oh this got collected. He then said his porch was filled with packages from Marvel of collections. He never opened them.
The Ellison storyline was the one where he was surprised was collected at the time. Also got Roy Thomas years later to also sign.
You are definitely this fan's favorite.
Thanks! The ComicTropes episodes about comic creators are my absolute favorites!
I appreciate that.
Me too! 😁👍
I was never a Trimpe fan, but I admired the hell out of Trimpe for making that gamble in the 90s. He tried, and he tried well.
My appreciation for Herb Trimpe’s art got grew and grew the further down my Hulk collection all the way back to issue 118.
I'm a lifelong Incredible Hulk fan..& Herb Trimpe was one of my FAVORITE Hulk artists.... especially when he did his own inks...I get a kick out of the fact that he was the 1st artist to draw Wolverine 👑
Trimpe's work in G.I. Joe was brilliant, particularly with vehicles. He was a long-time favorite of mine for that book specifically.
I met Herb Trimpe at AwesomeCon in DC in 2014. I brought GI Joe 119, which Trimpe wrote, drew, and colored and the friend I was with had a Captain America sketch. I remember how happy Herb was that we talked with him for about ten minutes about his work without bringing up Hulk 181.
As on old timer who read Marvel Comics in the late 70's and 80's, I loved and still love the Shogun Warriors series. Herb was great at drawing huge robots and sci fi monsters. And Doc Samson is one of my favorite Marvel heroes.
Imagine all the kids, teens, adults he entertained, inspired...taught. Thanks Herb.
Loved, loved, LOVED this one Chris. As another late GenX kid who got into comics via G.I. Joe, Herb and Hama will always occupy a nook in my soul.
Btw, if you look at that Hulkbusters logo Herb designed, you can spot the influence of Terry and the Pirates.
Oh, nice observation!
His dynamism and clarity of storytelling was great. His 'it's just a job' view was refreshing, and didn't detract from the quality of his art.
Loved his GI Joe issues. That's where I discovered him. Great video. Nice to see props given to a staple of the Marvel legacy.
Who would be considered “the biggest comic book CZcamsrs”?? If that isn’t you then who is!
I would guess Comicstorian and Comics Explained. They both have over 2 million subscribers. I'm not a fan of what they do myself but obviously a lot of others are.
Don't care who is the biggest - ComicsTropes is the best!
This channel is my favorite but Mullet-Man and Strange Brain Parts are pretty damn good.
Cartoon Kayfabe
Exactly 🤓👍
One of my favorite Trimpe works was his Machine Man mini series, inked by Barry Windsor Smith. Such an unlikely pairing, but it worked really well…
I think Trimpe did breakdowns on that rather than full pencils. Smith hadn't worked on a comic for a while so he need someone to hold his hand when itcame to layouts and Trimpe was perfect for that
@@davidsparham658 too true- however, if you know Trimpe’s style, you can find it all over those four issues. Especially his design for Arno Stark.
18:49 Holy crap! I had that Guardians of the Galaxy issue!!! I had no idea who the artist was at the time because I was just a kid, but man! He did draw weird!! I saw those stills from the comics in this video and it unlocked hardcore awesome but forgotten memories!!!
It makes no sense and makes me kinda mad Comic Tropes isn't among the biggest and most subscribed-to comic book channels on CZcams. It's hard for me to imagine someone having this much passion for comics and putting in so much effort to making what's essentially a history lesson so much fun. This channel is what the Punk Rock MBA used to be, when it focused more on the history of music. Hang in there, Chris. People respect your work ethics and thoroughly enjoy your videos. This is one of my favorite channels on CZcams and I can't even imagine what a better comic book historian would look like.
Oh, yeah. And don't drop the "oh, hi" intros. ❤
Glad you covered this. I’ve hear about how Trimpe changed his style but never seen it.
Ah, nineties comics, always fun topic.
Oh no, just the thumbnail reminded me of Trimpe's late period Liefeld-like style ughh. Thanks Chris for risking your visual health for us to enjoy some quality entertainment ❤
I met Herb once and only once at SDCC in 2012 or 13. I was (and am) a big GI Joe fan, and I had made a tiny comic of toy photography based on Joe. When I saw Mr. Trimpe sitting at his small booth in artist's alley, I stopped to offer my appreciation. We ended up chatting for about 20 minutes, and I tentatively offered him one of my littel books - thinking he might just kinda laugh it off. He totally brightened, and said "hold on!" He pulled out his phone, and showed me pictures of some 12-inch figures of his - they were WW2 pilot figures, posed in front of planes. He said they were his characters in a flight-sim game he loved to play. It was kismet. We talked about how it was just good to be creative and have fun. He took my book, and then gave me the print he had brought to sell - a beautiful amalgamation with Shogun Warriors (which I also loved!), Hulk, Wolverine, and GI Joe. He signed it "To Nas - You are right!" I love that print. I loved that interaction. I never got to chat with him again, sadly. But it sure feels good to know I got to meet such a treasure of the comic-book world, and really - a treasure of a man. Thanks for this episode!
That 4 Issue Machine Man series is really good, I loved how the cover art in each issue was his head being assembled in different stages, I would line them up side by side and just stare at them for awhile. Machine Man is underappreciated and underused by Marvel.
I met him in person at the Baltimore ComicCon in September 2014. Such a gentleman. He and his wife chatted my wife and me for over 5 minutes with 50+ people waiting in line for autographs, and when he learned I was an Air Force Officer, he insisted on standing up and saluting me! We even took a picture, and we are both grinning so wide little two little kids instead of a 75 year old man and a 50-year old. I was heartbroken that he passed away only 7-8 months later. His Godzilla run got me into comics.
Thanks for putting that video together! Trimpe is one of those consistent artists, that is not given much of a spotlight. I loved his runs on Godzilla, Hulk, Planet of the Apes and anything else he’d work on. Always had clean, dynamic and solid artwork. ❤👍🏼
Herb was such a nice guy. I met him at the 2012 Malta Comic Con. I was an artist there too. We stayed at the same hotel. He sat behind me on the bus going to the convention center from the hotel where we were staying. He told us stories of his time at Marvel. Eventually, he signed my Incredible Hulk 180 & 181 and drew me a Wolverine. I was truly devastated when we heard the news of his passing. RIP.
I had the opportunity in 2005 to commission an artwork from Mr. Trimpe, through his representative at the time. Three years later, I met him in person at a convention, and got to chat with him for a while and take his picture with the drawing he'd done for me. He was the same kind and humble person described in this video.
To this day, if I close my eyes and think, "comic book Hulk," it's Herb Trimpe's version I envision. Thanks for the terrific tribute to his work and life.
You don't have near the subscriber counts of other channels because (aside from the awesome Casually Comics) you don't just give inaccurate recaps of storylines or read Wikipedia pages about a character's origins.
You actually do research and educate us on all aspects of comics. And that's why we love you.
One of your best episodes yet, amazing how you sourced all the Trimpe interviews and articles!
Doc Samson is now the new Sasquatch on Alpha Flight, Wolverine's Canadian team when he was first introduced. Full circle complete.
I love this channel. I’m always learning new things about comics I have. I didn’t even know this artist’s name but I have some of those books.
Great video. He was a very underrated artist. Thanks for something good to show my sons.
For me he was the first artist I was actually conscious to (I was 5). His work on Shogun Warriors was mind blowing. Like you said he was good at drawing vehicles and he really made those robots come to life for me.
Comic Tropes knows… one of THEE reasons I started MY channel is lack of RESPECT Modern Comic Kiddos have for Herb Trimpe and Larry Hama …. There would be NO Todd Mcfarlane, Jim Lee, and Rob Liefield if there wasn’t Herb…. I find it weird all these under 35 year olds go crazy for Hulk 181 and NOT realizing Herb drew the iconic cover …
No. Herb Trimpe was a mid artist. His inkers actually defined his aesthetic and fixed his art.
@@rockon8174A "mid" artist who did the work is worth a lot more than an unexceptional CZcams commenter.
@@rockon8174 - did you grow up on end of 70s and 80s? I’m assuming no . Gen X lived thru how his art was our childhood either GIJoe and Transformers… Yes we also saw the Mcfarlane, Lee, Liefield boom in 90s … WHY those 3 are put on higher reverence by Modern Comic kiddos ( Millennials and this TikTok/ selfie generation is kinda silly ) they didn’t live thru nor experience the impact Trimpe’s body of work had.. the fact Everyone is trying to recycle GenX era properties shows lack of imagination/ social impact. Mention Trimpe’s name to either Mcfarlane, Lee, Liefield and they will say same thing as a top 5 reference to even them
bro read what you type out loud before you hit send
@@new2vero2I'm a millennial (older end lol, turning 40 next month) & I 100% agree with and respect what you said.
Hell yeah new Comic Tropes!!!
Wolverine has come a long way from his start as just a back up camera
His Hulk was my first introduction to Marvel comics. Seeing those old books fills me with nostalgia. And when I see it now, I still think the art is great!
I never collected the Hulk. I appreciated him as I did Superman when he returned in Kingdom Come… oh *bleep*, we’re screwed now. Which is to say, small dramatic doses.
What I didn’t realize until this exceptional episode is that Herb Trimpe was responsible for my visual perception of the Hulk. Much like John Byrne for the X-Men, Neal Adams with Batman, Steranko for Nick Fury, or George Perez on everything he touched in the 80s, but especially the Teen Titans.
In any case, when I’d see Trimpe’s name on post-Hulk stuff, it was never “oh, I’ve got to get this!” but there was the security that the work would be solid.
Now, learning his story and his attitude, my appreciation has vaulted to admiration. Thank you for that Chris.
With that in mind, I hope anyone watching this channel on their $1000 phone, paying $100 or more for cell service, drinking their daily $5 cup, can actually find as little as $1 a month for Patreon to support a creator who has provided us with hours of thoughtful, insightful, and fun content for years. Okay, I’ll stop spend-shaming.
This is the best comic book channel on CZcams.
Pretty impressive that he could pivot his artstyle to look 90's just like that.
I have a new appreciation for Herb Trimpe after watching this video. He should be recognized among the all-time greats in comic book art. Some major contributions to the business. A very informative video.
This is one of the most respectful and honouring videos I've seen. I think ComicTropes is my favourite comic channel... and then he blows me away with this.
My favourite Trimpe work is, controversially, GI Joe vs. The Transformers. I think he's underrated on that because I don't think the story is well regarded but it isn't because of Trimpe.
Respect to the artists who are transparent about the pay rates.
Met herb when I was in High School, lived in the same town. Really welcoming, cool guy, let me visit his studio, and talk about comics as a career.
Herb was a regular at the art store I worked at. He was the nicest guy, and was always willing to chat. I miss him.
Thanks Chris, the bell still works. Mr Trimpe made Wolverine and Psylocke and I never heard of him!? Thanks for the history lesson.
Your channel is in my view, the best resource for comic books, graphic novels and any kind of sequential art which is demonstrated by over 200,000 subscribers. There is no channel better who respects the work of graphic artists.
Thanks for giving some love to herb! Sure you did it for the paycheck, but the man you know how to work with the system and still is able to push out something that was really wonderful to us all! Definitely didn't think he contributed so much without realizing the body of work he completed😂
This was fantastic. I was vaguely familiar with Trimpe but had no idea he was so important, and seemingly a great guy to boot. Trimpe may say he just did it for the check but it's hard to look at some of the stuff he drew and not think that he didn't have a passion for it. But hey, maybe he was just that dang talented. Great video.
Trimpe's website was one of the first things i ever found on the nascent internet! i read ever word. He drew Marvel Team-Up for a year, in 1981. Kudos for including the documentary from back when!
Herb and Sal seemed greatly underappreciated in their day, two of my favorite Hulk artists. I have a Marvel school folder signed by Trimpe.
This was great. What an interesting character. The name always stood out to me but I couldn't tell you what he worked on.
"I couldn't wait to get in to work..." what a positive situation; shame it went tits-up after 20 years. It is good to hear that he remained positive throughout his life.
He thought his 90s Image inspired work was his best?
God bless this man.
My take on Trimpe is exactly the same as yours - and its sad how Marvel treated him in the 90s. Sidenote- LOVED his G.I. Joe work. I was SO pissed and disappointed when I opened up the first Vosberg issue of G.I. Joe and there was no more Trimpe art. Issues 6 and 7 are iconic for me.
One of my most treasured comics in my collection is a Hulk 148 that has an original sketch of the Hulk’s face on the cover. It’s small but it is an original artwork for the late, great Herb Trimpe.
Great tribute. Great episode. Haven’t watched in a while, glad I tuned in today.
Competent workers who get little credit make the world go round. Herb Trimpe, like so many staff artists, are the tradesmen of comic art.
Stellar video, Chris. While I love getting deep dives into the careers of artists I'm less familiar with (like Trimpe), please keep your health in focus and don't work too hard!
Man, you're awesome. Thanks a lot for EVERY show you've been releasing through these years. I always feel better when I watch your work, no matter how bad or sad I might be, because it always bring me back to the amazing feeling of getting deep into universes and creations I love.
the way that he was most interested in the money is so charming lol
Well done. Trimpe was a real contributor to the best era of Marvel Comics. I love his 60’s/ 70’s Hulk.
This kind of videos is why I like your content so much. Thank you.
Machine Man? I only remember Barry Windsor Smith. But Trimpe is listed Right there!
Machine Man was BWS's big return to comics after taking a break and he thought his storytelling needed some help because he was out of practice, so he got Trimpe in to do the pencil breakdowns for the series, allowing BWS to just concentrate on making everything look beautiful.
21:46 Sergio Leone inspiration. Cowboy movies were awesome!!!
I loved Herb Trimpe's HULK when I was buying it off the stands in the Silver Age, and it remains my favorite to this day. I've got them all. Phantom Eagle, too, He was a one of a kind artist.
Mr. Trimpe is my favorite Hulk artist. Before he passed away he appeared at a con near me and I was looking forward to meeting him. But, there was a very long line and the person in front of him was treating it was an opportunity to have a personal meeting/signing with Mr. Trimpe. So, I stood aside where he could see me and, when I caught his eye, I mouthed “Thank you”. He smiled and mouthed back, "You're welcome".
After Mr. Trimpe passed, some of his personal items went up for auction on eBay and I was able to get the first “EC Portfolio” (I’m also an EC Fan-Addict) for my collection.
Herb was my cousin and just an amazing guy. He was a personal hero of mine growing up and a hero to many. While he is best known for his work with Marvel, not many people were aware that he was an ordained minister and spent many months as a chaplain working at and around Ground Zero helping people to cope with the death and destruction after 9/11.
That feeling on seeing a 90's panel. Like you've fallen down on a playground, and your face slams into the wood-chip mulch.
Thank you for covering Herb Trimpe! He doesn’t get the credit he deserves. All your videos are so interesting and thorough!
I never knew Herb Trimpe still did stuff in the 90s. Also, I never know that's how you pronounce his surname(like it ends with a 'y')! Great content as per usual. Memo: have you ever covered Ross Andru's run on Spiderman?
Yes, I have. Someday!
I’d love to see an episode about Andre also!
IKR? I always prenounced his name as Trimp
I knew Herb through Ron Wilson. Used to gang around him at Baltimore Comic Cons, very cool guy. He went slways show up to his rable late but have a long line of people patiently waiting fir him. His wife would always split the table with him displaying/selling her homemade jewelry and trinkets.
Great episode. His Captain Britain work is often unfairly overlooked, it definitely has a Kirby vibe.
I'm currently reading the Hulk run that Herb Trimpe draws. I was very surprised with his art, the establishment of the location of the scenes and the visual narrative in general is very good! And what a great coincidence that you made a video about his career right at this moment, when i'm reading it. That was very pleasant. Thank You! Hello from Brazil \o/
I’ve been a fan of Herb since about 1972. Near the end, I was blessed to get to know him and Patricia. A gracious and kind professional, I miss him tremendously still.