JOE SIMON, R.I.P.

Joe Simon, a co-creator (with partner Jack Kirby) of Captain America, died last night at age 98.  Simon also created the character The Human Torch in the 1940s.  Other characters created by Simon were Blue Bolt and The Boy Commandos.  Much of Simon's better-known work was for Timely Comics, the precursor to today's Marvel Comics.

     Simon not only created a national icon, he helped shape an industry.  An era has passed.

     Last month Titan Books released The Simon & Kirby Library:  Crime, with an introduction by Max Allan Collins.  Planned releases in this series include Heroes, Detective Adventures, Horror Tales, and Romance Stories, all of which will be worthwhile.