THE GOTHAM TRIBUNE: Englehart and Rogers’ Batman classic
Fact: The best Batman story not in print right now is the Steve Englehart-Marshall Rogers run from Detective Comics in 1977-78. This is a crime.
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...
A SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN birthday salute to JOE SIMON… By KERRY CALLEN I recently received a commission request to create a Captain Americat cover, which included Cap Cat punching “Kitler.” The request included a list of other characters to use in the background, as well as their evil organization, S.H.R.E.W. (Science, Hate, Reign, Exploit, War). I don’t usually give the name of patrons, but Geoff Holland was pretty inventive with his creation of villains and deserves credit. As for Cap punching Kit, I referenced the iconic Captain America Comics #1, by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon (whose birthday happens to be today). Considering some of the past commissions from Geoff, I’m starting to think he may be a “Marvel Tails” fan. Some of his previous requests included Spider-Ham, Hulk-Bunny, and Goose Rider. I’m a little surprised Marvel doesn’t publish an on-going Spider-Ham comic! — Want more SUNDAY FUNNIES WITH KERRY CALLEN? Come back next week! Want a commission? Send an email to KerryCallenArt@gmail.com. You can also find other work at linktr.ee/kerrycallen. — MORE — What’s Up With My Copy of THE AVENGERS #155?! Click here. — RICOCHET ROCKETS: They Don’t Write Comic-Book Ads Like They Used To. Click here. — KERRY CALLEN spent much of his career as an artist and art director, developing product for Hallmark, but has also dabbled in comics for many years. As a freelancer, he creates work for a range of needs, spanning from Mad Magazine to children illustrations. He has two graphic novels available on Amazon worldwide, Halo and Sprocket: The Definitive Collection, as well as Dirtnap: Mystic...
Fact: The best Batman story not in print right now is the Steve Englehart-Marshall Rogers run from Detective Comics in 1977-78. This is a crime.