Posted in: Comics | Tagged: captain america, jack kirby, joe simon

Joe Simon, Co-Creator Of Captain America, Passes At 98

Longtime comic book creator Joe Simon passed away earlier today at 98, according to a Facebook post from Joe's son.

Simon is best known for his work as the co-creator of Captain America with artist Jack Kirby, but that is just one of scores of contributions he made to the industry, both as a writer and as an artist. Paired with Kirby, the duo would create the Newsboy Legion, the Boy Commandos, Manhunter, Fighting American, Boy's Ranch, and the entire genre of romance comics. Oh, and he "invented" Stan Lee too, having been the first person to hire him.

With the comic market collapsing in the 1950s, Simon would eventually move away from the industry, but would make periodic appearances back in comics, such as the 1959 Archie superheroes revival, which he worked with Kirby on, the classic Brother Power, the Geek, which be both wrote and drew, and he would pair again with Kirby for a Bronze Age version of the Sandman.

Here are some reactions from around the comic industry.

Greg Rucka:

Not Joe Simon… very sad at the news of his passing. Thank you for everything you gave our art.

Dan Slott:

Joe Simon, co-creator of Captain America, has passed away at 98 years of age, leaving us an incredible legacy of art, stories, & characters.

Mark Waid:

Condolences to the family of Joe Simon. He was a terrific guy and a giant in the comics industry his entire life.

Jerry Bingham:

Joe Simon, thanks for the inspiration.

Ed Brubaker:

RIP – Joe Simon. Thanks for Captain America and Prez, both of which helped my career immensely.

Rob Liefeld:

Joe Simon in his late 80's was savvier than most of us in our 40's. Generous and enthusiastic until the end!

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