In his new autobiography, My Life in Comics, Joe Simon presents us with his perspective on the history of comic books. It is a valued perspective of a 97 year old man whose professional life started with the life of his profession. Joe Simon was at the beginnings of comic books the 1930s and continues to work today. He walks us through all the historical milestones of the early years of comics and introduces us to many titans of the trade. He reveals the inspirations of his own accomplishments in the industry, discusses his creation of Captain America. After enduring censorship, law suits, and economic strife, Joe Simon gives voice to the American comic book.
Simon drew much of his inspiration from his youth. In the preface, Simon tells a story of his school boy days. He talks about a veteran of the American Civil War who came to his class and shook his hand. He never forgot the patriotic awe he felt in that man’s presence. Evidence of this is seen in the creation of his most iconic hero years later. This was not his only source of inspiration. Simon mentions his early mentors, art deco sky scrapers, and Citizen Cane among his influences.
Simon was possessed by a relentless desire to create comics. His need to be an artist made him a rare success story during the Great Depression. This drive caused him to find comic work even while he served during World War II. It is this drive that prevented him from retiring all these years. Joe Simon’s professional longevity allowed him to witness the creations of early classics like the Human Torch. He even wrote for several great characters like Dick Tracy and Ct. Marvel. Simon was also working in 60s when Marvel was launching most of their modern heroes. He wrote for humor magazines, War Stories, Sci-fi tales and Horror Collections. He even claims to have spearheaded comics for young girls. Joe Simon was a first hand witness to the Golden and the Silver Ages of comics and he remains a witness to modern day comics.
As his career blossomed, Simon met and worked with other industry giants such as Will Eisner (creator of The Spirit), Jerry Siegel (co-creator of Superman), and the legendary Stan Lee as a teenaged intern. Possibly the most important relationship in his professional life, however, was his partnership with Jack Kirby. Together they created many wonderful stories and characters such as Young Romance and the Newsboy Legion. More importantly it was with Jack Kirby that Joe Simon produced the first appearance of Ct. America. Simon and Kirby became a powerful team and they worked in every genre for several companies. Their work in the industry has become the standard that the comic creators of today compare themselves to.
The road Simon’s career took was not without a few speed bumps. Legal battles are a constant in the comic book trade. Comic Copyright was a slippery subject in the early years due to mercurial businesses, multiple pen names for every artist, and the general similarities of all super heroes. The biggest legal battle, however, was censorship. During the McCarthy era, comic books were accused of being subversive and corruptive to the youth of America. Artists’ works were reviewed under a microscope and Joe Simon was not spared. After the implementation of the Comics Code, the industry lost much of its edge. Comic books and Joe Simon survived despite the heavy censorship. After a long career, Simon got the last laugh. At 97 Simon is alive and well while the Comics Code died three years ago.
Through the highs and lows of the trade, Joe Simon has seen it all and lived to tell of it. He has helped forge several periods of comic book greatness. Simon’s name has become a symbol of comic book potential and endurance. He has created stories and characters that are still successful to this day and he has a rare love for what he does and he can’t stop doing it. While Joe Simon breathes, he remains a true comic book artist.
