Best Selling Books by Joe Simon

"Gripping from the first page... If you love comic books, history, or just love a story of a real self-made man, you must read this book." - Shadowlocked "A true visionary, Simon''s book is laced with never-before-seen photos and illustrations, and told in his own words. If you''re at all curious about the history of comics and one of its earliest visionaries, My Life in Comics is a must-read." - IGN "... a lovely memoir, often funny, sometimes thought-provoking, and never ostentatious. It’s a true pleasure to read." - Graphic Novel Reporter "... essential reading for any fan of comic book history and storytelling." - ComicBook.com -- In his own words, this is the life of Joe Simon, one of the most important figures in comics history, and half of the famous creative team Simon and Kirby. Joe Simon co-created Captain America, and was the first editor in chief of Marvel Comics (where he hired Stan Lee for his first job in comics). Simon began his prolific career in the Great Depression, and this book recounts his journey to New York City, his first comic book work, his meeting with Jack Kirby, and the role comics played in wartime America. He remembers the near-death of the comics, and the scramble to survive. And he reveals what it was like to bring comics out of their infancy, as they became an American art form.

Every appearance of the DC Universe’s youngest Head of State leading up to Mark Russell’s critically acclaimed 2015 series-from the character’s debut in 1973 to his appearances in SANDMAN, THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN and more! When a Constitutional amendment lowers the age of eligibility to run for public office, young people across the USA unite to elect the country’s first teenaged president-the aptly named Prez Rickard! Created by Joe Simon and Jerry Grandenetti in 1973, Prez captured the spirit of his era, spreading a message of “Peace in our Time” and fighting government corruption in the form of the villainous Boss Smiley. Though his term in office was short-lived, the idea of the nineteen-year-old political whiz kid nevertheless went on to inspire such comics greats as Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, Ed Brubaker and Grant Morrison. Collects PREZ #1-4, CANCELLED COMICS CAVALCADE #2, SUPERGIRL #10, SANDMAN #54, VERTIGO VISIONS: PREZ, THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #2, THE MULTIVERSITY GUIDEBOOK #1.

Beginning with Blue Bolt in June 1940, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby set the standard for costumed heroes. Their creation Captain America remains one of the most famous heroes in comic book history, and their work for Timely and DC Comics raised the bar. This large format hardcover collects the duo’s most exciting characters: Fighting American, their cold-war take on the patriotic hero, The Fly, with origins in an unknown Spider-Man prototype, Lancelot Strong, the man with the double life, and the Hollywood swashbuckler known as Stuntman. This is the only edition authorized by both Joe Simon and the estate of Jack Kirby, gathered from the official Simon and Kirby archives.

In the late 1940s, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby ― creators of Captain America ― set the comics world on fire with the creation of a new genre that resulted in some of the best-selling American comic books of all time: the romance comics. The stories they created were exciting, innovative, and beautifully drawn, and remain a high point in both artists’ careers, even as Kirby went on to become the unrivaled King of Comics and co-creator (along with Stan Lee) of many of the most iconic characters in American history.

The Autobiography of Joe Simon

Set in the early 1940s, The Newsboy Legion is the first of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby''s very successful "kid gang" comics, featuring a group of scrappy boys who work together to stop crime in their home of Suicide Slum. Watched over by adult hero The Guardian - a.k.a. policeman Jim Harper - The Newsboy Legion battle crime through their own newspaper reporting, taking on crooked politicians, slum lords, fifth column agents and much more.

Filled with real-life anecdotes and insights, this is a history of the talented creators who brought us Superman, Captain America, Archie, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man, and dozens of other comic book favourites, as well as the stories of the other people who helped shape comic book history. Meet the crime comics editor who would himself be accused of a gruesome murder; the horror artist who was periodically released from a mental hospital in order to meet his publishing deadlines; the famous Senator Estes Kefauver, whose subcommittee investigated comic books as a cause of juvenile delinquency; and dozens of other fascinating personalities. The volume also tells stories of the birth of the American comic book industry - deals brokered in publishing offices, epic collaborations and terrible feuds among the creators, and the working conditions and industry practices that left the creators of these legendary characters destitute while the publishers made fortunes. In this book, original Captain America creator, Joe Simon tells the compelling, definitive history of the creators who gave us Superman, Captain America, Archie, Captain Marvel, Spider-Man and more. Meet the crime comics editor who would himself be accused of a gruesome murder; the horror artist who was periodically released from a mental hospital in order to meet his publishing dead-lines; the famous Senator Estes Kefauver, whose sub-committee investigated comic books as a cause of juvenile delinquency; and dozens of other fascinating personalities. "The Comic Book Makersis like a school reunion, lavish with anecdotes that fill in the gap of threadbare memory. The Comic Book Makers is avery valuable work by amember of one of the most important teams in comic book history. Joe Simon deserves applause." -- Will Eisner

Legendary two-fisted tales from comics’ Golden Age are available in handsome hardcover editions for the first time ever! The Nazi menace has fortified the entire European continent to repel any efforts at liberation. Uprooting these entrenched forces will take more than a navy, more than an air force, more than a mighty army-it will take the Commandos! Led by Captain Rip Carter, the Commandos stand ready to strike at the enemy with devastating surprise anywhere in the world-and serving alongside these highly trained men are four irrepressible youths whose fighting spirit more than matches their elders’ determination. Jan, Pierre, Alfy and Brooklyn-these are Joe Simon and Jack Kirby’s Boy Commandos! This second volume collects the Commandos’ adventures from DETECTIVE COMICS #74-85, WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #10-13 and BOY COMMANDOS #3-5 together with an insightful introduction by Kirby chronicler John Morrow.

A collection of complete comic book stories from the legendary team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, covering every genre in which they made their mark. From the very beginning in the late 1930s, Simon and Kirby produced the finest stories around, creating dramatic new super heroes (Captain America, Blue Bolt, Fighting American, The Fly), western action (Boy’s Ranch), gruesome horror (Black Magic), explosive detective fiction (Justice Traps the Guilty), and the very first romance comics (Young Romance). They were the dream team. • The only edition authorised by both Joe Simon and the estate of Jack Kirby • Hand-picked by Joe Simon himself, with introductory material by him • The images are fully restored to their original vibrancy by Harry Mendryk and presented in an impressive, collectible package • Contains more than two-dozen tales, presented in their entirety, including stories from Simon and Kirby’s time at DC and Marvel • Includes some of the most famous S&K creations, including Captain America, Fighting American, The Fly, Boy’s Ranch, Bullseye, and Stuntman • The beginning of a planned collection of the entire Simon and Kirby Library • With illustrated essays by Mark Evanier, author of Kirby: King of Comics

The Penguin Classics Marvel Collection presents the origin stories, seminal tales, and characters of the Marvel Universe to explore Marvel’s transformative and timeless influence on an entire genre of fantasy. A Penguin Classics Marvel Collection Edition Collects Captain America Comics #1 (1941); the Captain America stories from Tales of Suspense #59, #63-68, #75-81, #92-95, #110-113 (1964-1969); “Captain America…Commie Smasher” from Captain America #78 (1954). It is impossible to imagine American popular culture without Marvel Comics. For decades, Marvel has published groundbreaking visual narratives that sustain attention on multiple levels: as metaphors for the experience of difference and otherness; as meditations on the fluid nature of identity; and as high-water marks in the artistic tradition of American cartooning, to name a few. Drawing upon multiple comic book series, this collection includes Captain America’s very first appearances from 1941 alongside key examples of his first solo stories of the 1960s, in which Steve Rogers, the newly resurrected hero of World War II, searches to find his place in a new and unfamiliar world. As the contents reveal, the transformations of this American icon thus mark parallel transformations in the nation itself. A foreword by Gene Luen Yang and scholarly introductions and apparatus by Ben Saunders offer further insight into the enduring significance of Captain America and classic Marvel comics. The Penguin Classics black spine paperback features full-color art throughout.

For the first time, legendary tales from comics’ Golden Age are being reprinted in two must-have hardcover editions. This concluding volume collects the stories from STAR SPANGLED COMICS #33-64 and features an insightful introduction by Kirby historian John Morrow. In 1942 the creative team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby was firing on all cylinders. Following their spectacular success with Captain America and the Sandman, anticipation for Simon and Kirby’s next project was sky-high—and the two comics powerhouses did not disappoint when they unveiled the Newsboy Legion starring the Guardian! With its bracing mix of streetwise urchins, graft-fueled gangsters and panel-busting action, the Newsboy Legion was an instant smash. The adventures of Gabby, Scrapper, Tommy, Big Words and Officer Harper ran for nearly five years and cemented Simon and Kirby’s reputations as two of the medium’s most innovative and prolific practitioners. Collects the stories from STAR SPANGLED COMICS #33-64.

Relive the earliest adventures of Captain America, Sentinel of Liberty! Return to the Golden Age of comics as Cap and Bucky come face to face withthe Red Skull, the Ringmaster of Death, and more! Captain America Comics (1939) #1-4.

The author, Joe Simon, has combined (as he describes it) his Quirky Art with his new concept of mental conditioning. He refers to these novel ideas as Intention Definitions, which are gleaned from his understanding of science, religion, and the Arts. Intention Definitions are a specific way to mentally grasp a definitive term applied to a visual image. Allowing the mind to indulge itself in such imagery can be quite stimulating. Joe''s desire is to share his Art with the world as a tool for playful minds. Not only does it offer the opportunity to sharpen one''s mind, but can also be used to relieve our minds of the day''s stress. This book challenges its readers to overcome their own limiting thoughts and fears, and attempts to unlock the creative regions of the mind by offering a delightful challenge. This art itself is engaging and alluring for all ages, and will be a treat for maze aficionados and newcomers, alike.

Catch a glimpse of what it was like to live through two World Wars through the eyes of characters including Sgt. Rock, Enemy Ace, the Boy Commandos, Blackhawk, and many others. From tales of rebellion to surviving the battlefield, this title collects some of the greatest war stories of their time. Collects Sgt. Rock Special #2, Enemy Ace: War in Heaven #1-2, Showcase #57, Our Army at War #67, #83, #233, and #235, Boy Commandos #1, Star Spangled War Stories #87 and #183, All-American Comics #48, Weird War Tales #3 (1972), G.I. Combat #87, Our Fighting Forces #49 and #102, The Losers Special #1, and Military Comics #1.

ÒTHE CITY OF HATE!Ó A deranged lunatic tries to sabotage the Daily Planet by killing four people the newspaper has selected as ÒThe Finest People in the CityÓ through the use of his invention: hate gas.

“THE MAN FROM TRANSILVANE!” Superman and Jimmy Olsen do battle with the undead as they face a real-life vampire! Plus, the Newsboy Legion in “LAST MILE ALLEY!”

“HOMO-DISASTROUS!” Superman, Dubbilex and the Guardian investigate leads into the DNA Project. Meanwhile, Jimmy Olsen and the Newsboy Legion battle a living caveman! Plus, “ARIN THE ARMORED MAN!” and “PREVUE OF PERIL!”

Cosmic rays, exotic villainess, alternate dimensions, monsters & mayhem! In the early days comic books'' golden age, the heroic Blue Bolt battles the beautiful femme fatale villainess, the Green Sorceress, and her strange army below the surface of Earth! Created by Captain America co-creator, Joe Simon. Includes comic book stories that mark the first team-up byline of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Blue Bolt: The First Ten Stories is a time capsule of comic greats in the early golden age of comics. Full color.

Reprints from the 1950s series by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. Stories include “Nasty Little Man!”; “The Angel of Death!”; “The Courts of Sleep!”; and a one-page text story, “Minuet by Moonlight.”

/John Byrne As World War II rages on, Batman and Captain America, along with their teenaged sidekicks Robin and Bucky, must become allies to combat the villainy of their greatest foes, the Joker and the Red Skull. This fun, fast paced tale is co-published with Marvel Comics and is drawn in a style reminiscent of the 1940s Golden Age of

The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window ? from the moment Captain America charged into battle in World War II to the present day! Marvel?s characters face relevant and real-life issues alongside their extraordinary adventures ? from grappling with alcoholism to participating in politics to celebrating diversity and everything in between! These powerful stories from Marvel?s 80-year history feature iconic heroes tackling heavy-hitting subjects including drug abuse, teen suicide, HIV, terrorism, school shootings and more. Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #97, HOWARD THE DUCK (1976) #8, IRON MAN (1968) #128, NEW MUTANTS (1983) #45, ALPHA FLIGHT (1983) #106, UNCANNY X-MEN (1981) #303, INCREDIBLE HULK (1968) #420, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) #36, CAPTAIN AMERICA (2002) #1, ASTONISHING X-MEN (2004) #51, MS. MARVEL (2015) #13, CHAMPIONS (2016) #24 and material from CAPTAIN AMERICA COMICS #2 and AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1999) #583.

“JIMMY OLSEN: MONARCH OF ALL HE SUBDUES!” Superman, Jimmy Olsen, and the Newsboy Legion have a showdown with Victor Volcanium, who hopes to conquer the world! Plus, “DNA PROJECT: GENETIC CRIMINAL”.

ÒTHE INSECT TERROR!Ó A new criminal succeeds in terrorizing Metropolis with hordes of insects, something he says will continue unless the citizens pay him tribute!

“We’re the Outsiders.” DC’s original, highly obscure Outsiders team (who go on a rescue mission in this issue) were a gang of super-deformed heroes named Lizard Johnny, Amazing Ronnie, Hairy Larry, Mighty Mary, Doc Scary, and Billy.

Collects Avengers (1963) #4, Sgt. Fury #6, Fantastic Four (1961) #48-51, Captain America (1968) #200, Eternals (1976) #7, What If? (1977) #11; material from Red Raven Comics #1, Marvel Mystery Comics #13, Captain America Comics #1, Yellow Claw #3, Strange Tales (1951) #94, Amazing Adventures (1961) #1, Rawhide Kid (1955) #17, Incredible Hulk (1962) #3, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #8, Fantastic Four Annual #5, Thor (1966) #134-136, Amazing Adventures (1970) #1-2. Celebrate the career of a true Marvel Visionary! Comics’ premier storyteller for over 40 years, Jack “King” Kirby brought new vitality and imagination to the medium, setting the standard for every artist to follow! This volume collects some of Kirby’s most monumental moments — including his earliest Marvel work, the debut of Captain America and the coming of Galactus! From the mystic fantasy of the Golden Age Vision to the Western world of the Two-Gun Kid, Kirby’s work spanned all genres and touched every corner of the Marvel Universe!

“A BIG THING ON A DEEP SCOTTISH LAKE!” While Superman and the Guardian do battle with the San Diego Five String Mob in Metropolis, Jimmy Olsen and the Newsboy Legion encounter the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. Plus, “THE TORN PHOTOGRAPH” and “KINGS FOR A DAY!”

Learn the history of the war between New Genesis and Apokolips, including the tale of the pact Izaya and Darkseid made to bring a temporary peace.

“GENOCIDE SPRAY!” Superman and Jimmy Olsen take on a host of monsters from the small world of Transilvane! Plus, the Newsboy Legion in “THE ROOKIE TAKES THE RAP!”

ÒTHE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS!Ó Lois and Clark are given the assignment to write a special story concerning the staff of the Daily Planet, but gangsters try to stop the Planet from publishing that 100th Anniversary issue.

ÒONE SECOND TO LIVE!Ó The murder of a famous explorer leaves the Man of Tomorrow only one second to gather the evidence necessary to free an accused man from dying in the electric chair.

“BRIGADOOM!” Jimmy Olsen and the Newsboy Legion are captured in Scotland! At the same time, Superman encounters another mysterious “Boom Tube.” Plus, “THE PARADISE PRISON!”

“A SUPERMAN IN SUPER-TOWN!” Superman finally makes a visit to the otherworldly New Genesis! There he meets a being of immeasurable power who calls himself Highfather! Plus, “THE SCOOP OF SUICIDE SLUM!”