The Simon & Kirby Library: Science Fiction

Author Joe Simon
Illustrated by Jack Kirby
Hardcover
$49.95 US
7.83"W x 11.38"H x 1.36"D   | 51 oz | 8 per carton
On sale Jun 04, 2013 | 320 Pages | 978-1-84856-961-4
The Simon and Kirby Library: Science Fiction spans more than 20 years, beginning with the first stories Joe Simon and Jack Kirby ever produced together (beginning in June 1940)--their ten-issue run of Blue Bolt adventures. Then the Cold War years will be represented by Race For the Moon, featuring pencils by Kirby and inked artwork by comic book legends Reed Crandall, Angelo Torres, and Al Williamson.

"Joe was one of the industry's greatest innovators--he commissioned stories from some of the greatest talents of the time," series editor Steve Saffel notes. "Thanks to his efforts, we have exclusive access to more than 80 pages of original artwork from the 1950s. Stories by all four artists appear in all of their stunning detail. This was a book Joe wanted the world to see."

Other rarities from both decades are included, and as a bonus for readers, the volume features stories illustrated by Crandall, Torres, and Williamson--without Kirby.

Including an introduction by Dave Gibbons, the award-winning co-creator and illustrator of Watchmen, this is an historic volume no comic book aficionado will be able to live without.

Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created one of the most famous icons in popular culture with Captain America, star of the 2011 blockbuster film, also featured in the 2012 blockbuster The Avengers. Simon was the first editor of Marvel Comics, and together he and Kirby conquered every genre, raising the bar on an entire industry.

“In addition “The Simon and Kirby Library: Science Fiction” contains unpublished material so this is a rare treat. This volume is a book to sit down with and not hurry through. It takes time to read and enjoy the stories and really savor the artwork. I really enjoyed everything about this book and recommend it highly!” – Vic’s Media Room 

“At 320 pages, you’ll spend several days enjoying these stories of the future through the eyes of guys writing when Sputnik was circling the planet. Their own optimism and sense of wonder about far off, unknown worlds seeps through the pages of every story. Readers expecting classic comic books stories to be ho-hum will be surprised by how modern many of the tales feel. Their work also establishes early wide boundaries for the science fiction genre, expanding into fantasy, action/adventure and even horror.” – Borg.com 

“It’s a great addition to a comics collection and a tribute to the skill of Simon and Kirby.” – Hearts on Fire Review 

"Most old school fans primarily go to Simon & Kirby for the superhero stuff, but the fact of the matter is these guys produced top-of-the-line work in whatever genre they chose. Heartily recommended to lovers of good, basic comic book storytelling." - Blogcritics

"Amazing tales of aliens and madness in one collection from the godfathers of comics." - Crave gift guide

About

The Simon and Kirby Library: Science Fiction spans more than 20 years, beginning with the first stories Joe Simon and Jack Kirby ever produced together (beginning in June 1940)--their ten-issue run of Blue Bolt adventures. Then the Cold War years will be represented by Race For the Moon, featuring pencils by Kirby and inked artwork by comic book legends Reed Crandall, Angelo Torres, and Al Williamson.

"Joe was one of the industry's greatest innovators--he commissioned stories from some of the greatest talents of the time," series editor Steve Saffel notes. "Thanks to his efforts, we have exclusive access to more than 80 pages of original artwork from the 1950s. Stories by all four artists appear in all of their stunning detail. This was a book Joe wanted the world to see."

Other rarities from both decades are included, and as a bonus for readers, the volume features stories illustrated by Crandall, Torres, and Williamson--without Kirby.

Including an introduction by Dave Gibbons, the award-winning co-creator and illustrator of Watchmen, this is an historic volume no comic book aficionado will be able to live without.

Creators

Joe Simon and Jack Kirby created one of the most famous icons in popular culture with Captain America, star of the 2011 blockbuster film, also featured in the 2012 blockbuster The Avengers. Simon was the first editor of Marvel Comics, and together he and Kirby conquered every genre, raising the bar on an entire industry.

Praise

“In addition “The Simon and Kirby Library: Science Fiction” contains unpublished material so this is a rare treat. This volume is a book to sit down with and not hurry through. It takes time to read and enjoy the stories and really savor the artwork. I really enjoyed everything about this book and recommend it highly!” – Vic’s Media Room 

“At 320 pages, you’ll spend several days enjoying these stories of the future through the eyes of guys writing when Sputnik was circling the planet. Their own optimism and sense of wonder about far off, unknown worlds seeps through the pages of every story. Readers expecting classic comic books stories to be ho-hum will be surprised by how modern many of the tales feel. Their work also establishes early wide boundaries for the science fiction genre, expanding into fantasy, action/adventure and even horror.” – Borg.com 

“It’s a great addition to a comics collection and a tribute to the skill of Simon and Kirby.” – Hearts on Fire Review 

"Most old school fans primarily go to Simon & Kirby for the superhero stuff, but the fact of the matter is these guys produced top-of-the-line work in whatever genre they chose. Heartily recommended to lovers of good, basic comic book storytelling." - Blogcritics

"Amazing tales of aliens and madness in one collection from the godfathers of comics." - Crave gift guide