Joe Simon, born on November 10, 1913, in New York, was a pioneer in the comic book industry. His father immigrated from Leeds, England, in 1905 and ran a tailor shop out of the family's first-floor flat in Rochester, New York. Growing up, Simon developed a love for storytelling and art, which would eventually lead him to a career in comic books.
Simon's career in comic books began when he became the first editor of Timely Comics, which would later be known as Marvel Comics. His first comic book creation was the Fiery Mask, marking the start of his prolific career in the industry.
One of Simon's most notable collaborations was with legendary comic book artist Jack Kirby. Together, they co-created Captain America, a superhero who would go on to become one of the most iconic characters in comic book history. Simon and Kirby also worked together on Sandman, the Newsboy Legion, the Boy Commandos, and Manhunter during the Golden Age of Comic Books in the 1940s.
Simon and Kirby were known for pioneering romance and horror comics, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the medium. Their work was ahead of its time and helped shape the future of comic books as an art form.
In 2009, Joe Simon was posthumously inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame, recognizing his immense contributions to the industry. While not as well known outside of the comic book community as his contemporary Stan Lee, Simon's impact on the medium cannot be understated.
Joe Simon was married to Harriet Feldman until 1971, and he had a close relationship with his family. His upbringing and background influenced his work, and his passion for storytelling shone through in his comics.
Simon's legacy lives on in the characters and stories he created, which continue to inspire and entertain readers to this day. His work with Jack Kirby remains a testament to his talent and vision, solidifying his place in comic book history as a true legend.