My 13 Favorite Characters Co-Created by My Grandfather, JOE SIMON — RANKED
Jesse Simon pays tribute to his ancestor, an all-time comics great… Jesse Simon is the keeper of the Joe Simon flame, and since it’s his late grandfather’s birthday — the elder Simon, a writer and artist, was born Oct. 11, 1913 — we’ve asked him to rank his 13 favorite characters created or co-created by his illustrious ancestor. Right on. — By JESSE SIMON 13. Brother Power, the Geek, 1968, DC. Freaks and Geeks, this time just the Geek! This one had a connection to Joe’s father as he was a tailor. Seeing a mannequin get struck by lightning and then coming to life is just another level. Joe was having fun and then so did I while reading it. He has such a unique design to him, hopefully we see him again soon! — 12. The Vision (with Jack Kirby), 1940, Timely. No one talks about Simon and Kirby’s Golden Age Vision. It’s always been a favorite of mine! A space cop who travels through smoke? So ridiculous that I’m sold! Plus: The first appearance of Vision is what John Buscema based his famous The Avengers #57 cover art on. Same pose, smoke, and men running. Without the original, there would be no Vision as we know it today. I particularly love the Vision stories from Marvel Mystery Comics #13 and #27, Simon and Kirby’s first and last time on the character. — 11. Stuntman (with Kirby), 1946, Harvey. Stuntman features some great double-page spreads. I wonder what would’ve happened if we got to see the rest of the “stunt” family that Joe and Jack were dreaming up. — 10. The Green Team (with Jerry Grandenetti), 1975, DC. Personally, I always loved the concept of kid millionaires. The art was so playful and the stories so ridiculous. Joe and Jerry weren’t taking comics too seriously and that was a wonderful change of pace. Plus, what kid wouldn’t want to be on a Green Team. Sign me up! — 9. Boys’ Ranch (with Kirby), 1950, Harvey. No true Simon and/or Kirby fan could possibly not have Boys’ Ranch on their list. Forget the stories and dialogue, the art alone is gorgeous. Museum level. Take time to really look at the details and delicate line work, as well as the striking bold lines of the inks. Both Joe and Jack...
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