Joseph Henry "Joe" Simon was born Hymie Simon on October 11, 1913. He was an American comic book writer, artist, editor, and publisher who made significant contributions to the medium. During the 1930s-1940s Golden Age of Comic Books, Simon created or co-created numerous iconic characters.
As the first editor of Timely Comics, Simon played a crucial role in shaping the company's direction, which would eventually evolve into Marvel Comics. His collaborations with artist Jack Kirby resulted in the creation of Captain America, one of the most enduring superheroes in comics, as well as other notable features.
Simon and Kirby's work extended beyond Marvel, as they created characters for DC Comics, such as the Sandman and Sandy the Golden Boy, and co-founded the Newsboy Legion, the Boy Commandos, and Manhunter. They also worked on projects for other publishers, including Boys' Ranch, Fighting American, and the Fly.
In the late 1940s, Simon and Kirby pioneered the genres of romance comics and horror comics. Simon's career continued to evolve, as he transitioned to advertising and commercial art. He founded the satirical magazine Sick in 1960 and remained involved for a decade.
In the 1970s, Simon briefly returned to DC Comics before being inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1999.
