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The Comic Book Makers Paperback – May 21, 2003
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length192 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherVanguard
- Publication dateMay 21, 2003
- Dimensions8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
- ISBN-101887591354
- ISBN-13978-1887591355
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About the Author
Jim Simon is a published author of fiction and nonfiction books. Jim's writings on comic book history have been published in books by Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Titan Publishing, and Abrams ComicArts. The sci-fi graphic album, ShieldMaster: The Phoenix Project, is now available on Amazon in digital (ASIN: B013YPY93Q) and print (ASIN: 096268581X) format.
Product details
- Publisher : Vanguard (May 21, 2003)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 192 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1887591354
- ISBN-13 : 978-1887591355
- Item Weight : 1.75 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #2,780,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,360 in Illustration and Graphic Design
- #5,267 in Artist & Architect Biographies
- #11,555 in Arts & Photography Criticism
- Customer Reviews:
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`The Young men in the golden age of Comic Books were as bizarre as the characters they created.'
Joe Simon was one of those men. He, along with Jack Kirby, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Bob Kane, and a host of others toiled in the early comic book trenches blanketed in anonymity for decades. The major creators were well paid for a time, then their fortunes fell and many died in poverty, obscurity, and bitterness. Fortunately, with the rise of Comic Book Scholars and Historians, and the growing necessity to record the events of the Golden Age of Comics, we have `Comic Book Makers.'
The history of comic books is a twisted story. Fraught with danger, and drama, the publisher vs artist/writer power struggle threatened to destroy the very industry in its' infancy. Publishers like Donenfield, and Martin became wealthy, while those who created their `power', struggled to survive. Joe Simon was there. Bob Kane was there. And today, after decades of denial of many of the creators have finally received their due.
The Comic Book Makers is a powerful, and lively book. Co Written by one of comicdoms greatest talents, it exposes the comic book industry at its' creative and financial peak. Joe Simon was there for many of the quintesessential moments. Co creator of Captain America, friend of Siegel and Shuster, associate of Bob Kane, and long time friend of Stan Lee, he has been privy to many of the critical times in the industry.
Written in an episodal format, in each chapter he discusses the history of comics from various perspectives, and includes fascinating first person stories about the many influential comics professionals. Details of his conversations with Martin Goodman, Will Eisner, Victor Fox, Jacob Kurtzberg (Jack Kifby), Stan Lee (Stanley Lieber), Charles Biro, Creig Flessel, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Jack Liebowitz, Alfred Harvey, Allan Harvey, Harvey Kurtzman, William Gaines, Ham Fisher, Al Capp, add significant value to the book, giving it a `history' feel.
Sections on the Captain America wars with Marvel Comics, the witch hunt of the 1950's that led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, his untold origin of Spider Man from 1953, Simon and Kirby's creation of the Romance Comic, and his last flings with King Kirby at DC on Sandman add more flavour to this tasty comic book morsel.
Illustrated profusely with both published and unpublished pieces from industry giants, his artwork for Boys Ranch, The Boy Commandos, The Fighting American, and ghost work for Palooka and Capp are represented in loving detail. The life of Joe Simon was NOT one of mediocrity, but one of creative excellence.
The Comic Book Makers is a joy to read, a joy to look at, and a book that I am proud to say that I own. Thanks Mr Simon,.
Comic Book Makers is available from Vanguard Productions, ([...]) or your local comic store.
With The Comic Book Makers, Mr. Simon, along with his son Jim, have created a memoir regarding the early days of the comic industry, which is impressive in its execution. Do not think that this is some dry history lesson. They make the past come to life with humorous anecdotes and gorgeous full and half page art from some of the biggest names in the field at the time. Artists like Lou Fine, Dick Briefer, Joe Shuster, and Mr. Simon's frequent partner Jack Kirby, in glorious black and white so you can see the pages as they were intended. There is also a beautiful color section highlighting the art of such luminaries Jack Davis, Jack Kirby, as well as Mr. Simon's own work-truly beautiful.
He shares stores with such insight that even I, a long time comic fan and bit of an historian myself, learned something new-and let me tell you, that is no easy feat. The style of storytelling, as his art, is crisp and dynamic, humorous and insightful. You will learn new facts about the sale of Superman to National Periodical Publications, the near sweatshop conditions that artists used to work under, the birth of Captain America and the development of the character for the Saturday morning movie serials. He talks about the lawsuit of Superman vs. Captain Marvel regarding copyright infringement, and the birth of many characters; some faded into the annals of obscurity, while others have become classics like Li'l Abner and The Spirit.
I should also mention the beautiful work done by the publisher Vanguard Productions. I have had the pleasure to review several of their books, and I have to compliment them of the consistent quality and care to details they have shown with each of the releases I have read. This company is striving to honor the forbearers of the industry, and it shows in the work they do-my compliments to them.
The Comic Book Makers by Joe Simon and Jim Simon deserves to be on the shelf of any comic fan; it doesn't matter if they have been reading for decades or just picked up their first issue not too long ago. It is always important to know the roots of anything you love, and this shows them with the love and respect they deserve from a man who was there-and it just don't get no better than that.
Highest recommendation.


