Rolling Stone cover by Trimpe
Herb Trimpe, a prolific comic book artist who illustrated Incredible Hulk, G.I. Joe, and was the first artist to draw the character of Wolverine for publication, passed away at age 75, according to a Facebook post from his cousin.

Trimpe drew the iconic 1974 cover of The Incredible Hulk #181, which featured Wolverine and the Hulk battling. Wolverine first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #180, drawn by Trimpe and Jack Abel. The original artwork was sold for over $650,000 last year (see “Comic Art Page Sells for $657,250”). A prolific artist for Marvel, he was best known for his work on The Incredible Hulk and G.I. Joe, but he also worked on licensed properties including Star Wars, and more recently on non-Marvel titles like B.P.R.D. and Savage Dragon.

In 2002, he won the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award for work as a chaplain after the September 11 attacks. He also won the Inkpot Award in 2002. Last year he was awarded the Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award at the Harvey Awards (see “ 2014 Harvey Award Winners: 'Saga,' 'Adventure Time,' 'Sex Criminals' & 'The 5th Beatle'”).

According to a statement posted on the Hero Initative website, Trimpe’s family requests privacy while they make memorial arrangements. They ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hero Initiative or the Kerhonkson Accord First Aid Squad.