Joseph Henry Simon, originally named Hymie Simon, was an influential figure in the American comic book industry, born on October 11, 1913, and passing away on December 14, 2011. Renowned as a writer, artist, editor, and publisher, Simon played a pivotal role during the Golden Age of Comic Books in the 1930s and 1940s. He was the inaugural editor at Timely Comics, the precursor to what would become Marvel Comics.
In collaboration with artist Jack Kirby, Simon co-created Captain America, a character that has achieved iconic status in the superhero genre. Their partnership also produced notable works at DC Comics, including the 1940s series featuring Sandman and Sandy the Golden Boy, as well as the creation of the Newsboy Legion, Boy Commandos, and Manhunter. Additionally, Simon and Kirby introduced compelling titles such as Boys' Ranch, Fighting American, and the Fly, further expanding the boundaries of comic storytelling. In the late 1940s, they were trailblazers in the romance comic genre and contributed significantly to the development of horror comics.
Beyond comics, Simon ventured into advertising and commercial art, founding the satirical magazine Sick in 1960, which he edited for over ten years. In the 1970s, he briefly collaborated with DC Comics. His contributions to the field were recognized with his induction into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1999, cementing his legacy as a key figure in comic book history.
