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In a better world, I would not have learned of Joe Simon’s 98th birthday today via Facebook at 8 PM.

In a better world, there would be multiple news articles streaming through Google News chronicling the amazing contributions Joe Simon has made to comics, an American art form.

In a better world, network news would report on how he co-created Captain America, how he helped pioneer the genres of romance and horror comics.  There would be a slightly embarrassing picture of Brother Power the Geek and Prez.

In a better world, publishers of his work would celebrate his past work on their homepages.  In a better world, comics news sites would offer week-long posts chronicling his achievements, lauding his influence on the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, and reviewing his latest creation.

Instead, the world is a bit imperfect.  But superheroes show us that the world can be a better place, not because of fantastic superpowers, awesome weapons, or fancy costumes, but because the person underneath the union suit strives to be a better person, helping others to better themselves.  Stories can inspire, stories can resonate, like mysterious Vita Rays which beam directly into a reader’s subconscious.  The Grand Comics Database lists over 3100 credits for Joe Simon, and that’s a lot of inspiration, whether he wrote, drew, edited, or published comics.  He still inspires, as seen recently.

May he continue to inspire for many years to come!

1 COMMENT

  1. Mr. Simon’s Facebook page:
    http://www.facebook.com/joesimonstudio?ref=ts#!/joesimonstudio?sk=wall

    Also: New York Comic Con

    Joe Simon: My Life in Comics
    Date: Friday, October 14
    3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
    Location: 1A23
    Speaker: Joe Simon
    Description:
    What was it like to be targeted by the Nazi party? What was Stan Lee like as a teenage kid? How did it feel to have your comics torn apart by a Congressional committee–on live television!? And what was the real origin of the Red Skull? These secrets and more, revealed by the man who lived them–Joe Simon, co-creator of Captain America, first editor at Marvel Comics, creator of Sick magazine, and a genuine living legend. Joe turned 98 years old on October 11, and this is his only appearance at a comic book convention. So come out and wish him a happy birthday!

    [Titan will host a book signing after the panel.]