The Best of Simon and Kirby
by Jack Kirby, Joe Simon
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jack Kirby, Joe SimonEditor: Steve Saffel
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-05-12
ISBN: 1845769317
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Titan Books
Book Reviews of The Best of Simon and Kirby
Book Review: The Best, simply the BEST
Summary: 5 Stars
Carly Simon wrote a song once, "Nobody Does it Better, nobody quite like you..." Now, I know that the song was about a person, not a creative team, but in the case of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, that phrase is so true.
From the early days of the comic book artform (1941), Simon and Kirby created industry conventions, broke industry conventions, and through sheer talent and perserverance, redefined the industry. The `Best' of Simon and Kirby is a misnomer as there is so much that is amazing. Harry Mendryk, Steve Saffel, Joe Simon, and Jim Simon have selected work that is outstanding for many reasons. A partial listing of the characters featured includes Stuntman, Captain America, The Fly, Boys Ranch, Sandman, and selections from Sick Magazine and the Romance genre. There are several amazing stories in the book, the most notable for myself is the Red Skull story from Captain America (Timely) that reveals the Skull as George Maxon. Obviously, in later years, the Skull would be resurrected and become as memorable a villain as Galactus (another Kirby artistic gem). I also enjoyed Stuntman, Boys Ranch, the "Savage in Me" (a western romance), and "The Scorn of the Faceless People".
Artwise, we can see a progression from a young artist with enthusiasm and talent who illustrated great stories but did not always practice good anatomy, to a great artist who bent the rules with spectacular results. `Crude' art can be seen in the Captain America story as Cap's head often is misaligned while his sense of panel structure overpowers any weaknesses. The net result is still art that makes you go `Wow'! Represented in this book, too, is Joe Simon art, writing and editing. His art in Sick and on Blue Bolt is remarkable. Obviously, his talent in every aspect of the comic book industry is unmistakable. If I were to pick my favorite sections, it would have to be the western romances, and horror examples. While Stuntman, Cap, and Boys Ranch is good, the full range of Kirby's and Simons' talent is best seen in the mundane. Boys Ranch rocks, and is a precursor to Kirby's Rawhide Kid sagas.
Mark Evanier, has as usual, written insightful essays on the various genres the team found themselves in. If you have to buy one book this year, make it "The Best of Simon and Kirby". If you have to buy two, buy Evanier's King of Comics' as well.
When faced with the difficulty of deciding what kind of format, I can imagine the conversation. "Glossy". "Masterpiece edition style". "Black and white". "Oversize...." That's what this book is. From the larger than `life' pages we re-examine a team that was larger than life.
I can hardly wait for the other books coming soon from Titan.
www.titanbooks.com
Tim Lasiuta
Summary of The Best of Simon and Kirby
A collection of complete comic book stories from the legendary team of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, covering every genre in which they made their mark.From the very beginning in the late 1930s, Simon and Kirby produced the finest stories around, creating dramatic new super heroes (Captain America, Blue Bolt, Fighting American, The Fly), western action (Boy?s Ranch), gruesome horror (Black Magic), explosive detective fiction (Justice Traps the Guilty), and the very first romance comics (Young Romance). They were the dream team.
? The only edition authorised by both Joe Simon and the estate of Jack Kirby
? Hand-picked by Joe Simon himself, with introductory material by him
? The images are fully restored to their original vibrancy by Harry Mendryk and presented in an impressive, collectible package
? Contains more than two-dozen tales, presented in their entirety, including stories from Simon and Kirby?s time at DC and Marvel
? Includes some of the most famous S&K creations, including Captain America, Fighting American, The Fly, Boy?s Ranch, Bullseye, and Stuntman
? The beginning of a planned collection of the entire Simon and Kirby Library
? With illustrated essays by Mark Evanier, author of Kirby: King of Comics
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