Irving Tripp

Irving Rose Tripp, born June 5, 1921, in Poughkeepsie, New York, spent four decades at Dell Comics building one of the most quietly enduring careers in American comic book art. He is best remembered as the principal illustrator of Little Lulu, a collaboration that would define his professional life.

Tripp entered the industry in 1941 as a Dell staff artist, contributing to roughly half a dozen issues of Four Color before military service interrupted his career. He served with the U.S. Army in the Philippines during World War II, returning to Dell in 1946. Three years later, the growing popularity of Little Lulu demanded a faster production pace than writer John Stanley could sustain alone, and Tripp stepped in as Stanley's artistic partner — a working relationship that would prove remarkably durable.

Beyond Little Lulu, his decades at Dell encompassed a wide range of licensed properties. He inked Tom and Jerry and Bugs Bunny adaptations, contributed to several Disney projects — most notably Dumbo — and provided much of the artwork for Clyde Crashcup #1. His credits across the Little Lulu franchise eventually extended to international editions, reflecting the strip's global reach.

Tripp remained a valued member of the Dell roster until his retirement in 1982. He died on November 27, 2009, in Lakeland, Florida, from complications related to cancer. His association with Little Lulu across 241 credited issues ensures his place as a foundational figure in mid-century American comics.