Seth Kushner, introducing his photo tribute to Captain America co-creator Joe Simon:
I had the honor of meeting Joe Simon in 2009 when I took his portrait for, LEAPING TALL BUILDINGS: The Origins Of American Comics.
Through the efforts of Steve Saffel, his editor at Titan Books, Chris Irving and I were able to visit Mr. Simon at his Manhattan apartment. I was nervous to meet the legendary co-creator (with Jack Kirby) of Captain America, but Mr. Simon was kind and put me at ease. He was 95 at the time, in good shape, had a twinkle in his eye, and still working every day.
He talked about his time working with Kirby, being the first Editor-In-Chief at Marvel Comics (then Timely Comics), and about the then-in-development Captain America film. He was engaging and inspiring.
It is Mr. Simon’s hand seen drawing Captain America on the cover of the book. While he did not see the actual book, he did see and approve the cover design. We were told he thought it was a “very striking cover”, and commented on it more than once.
I feel fortunate to have met Joe Simon.
Here’s to you, Joe Simon (1913-2011)
