Joe Simon, who co-created Captain America, dies

[December 17, 2011]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Joe Simon, the co-creator of Captain America and one of the comic book industry's most revered writers, artists and editors, has died.

His family said Thursday that the 98-year-old artist and writer died Wednesday night in New York City after a brief illness.

Simon, along with artist Jack Kirby, helped create several comic icons, including Captain America for Timely Comics, the predecessor of what is now Marvel. In his first appearance in 1940, Captain America gave Adolf Hitler a hard right hook.

The duo also created the Newsboy Legion, Boy Commandos and others for what is now DC Comics.

Besides heroes and villains, Simon also delved into horror, crime, humor and romance comics.

Simon is survived by two sons, three daughters and eight grandchildren.

[Associated Press; By MATT MOORE]

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