I probably haven't done enough plugging here of The Best of Simon and Kirby, a smashing new book that reprints glorious helpings of comic book work by the team supreme of Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. I wrote a batch of intros for it but that's not at all why I'm recommending it. It's Simon and Kirby and it's very well done in terms of reproduction and presentation. That's why I'm recommending it. Here's an Amazon link to order a copy if you haven't already…and if you need more convincing (God knows why), here's an interview with the book's editor, Steve Saffel, who did a fine job on this and who will doubtlessly do a fine job on subsequent volumes in this series.
I will also add that this is an authorized reprint collection. The Jack Kirby Estate gave its blessing (and has financial participation) and Joe Simon licensed and supervised the whole package. There are a lot of books out there that are reprinting vintage comic book material without the permission of the creators or their families…and in some cases, in the direct disapproval of those folks. Some of this material is public domain. Some of it isn't, or the status is arguable, and the publishers are trusting that their operations are small-time enough that the rightful owners won't find it cost effective to sue. In any case, most of the unauthorized or p.d. reprints are as disrespectful of the material (in terms of reproduction) as they are of the rights/wishes of the creators or their heirs.
One of the reasons I'm proud to have contributed to this Simon-Kirby project is that it is authorized and that, not coincidentally, a lot of time and expense went into making the material look as good as humanly possible. A gent named Harry Mendryk deserves a lot of the credit. So does Steve Saffel and so, of course, does Joe Simon for saving so many pieces of the original art or good photostats, thereof.
I have a personal problem with supporting with my dollars, certain projects that I think trample on the rights of creators, even though perhaps legally. If that doesn't matter to you, it might matter that when these books are done with the participation of the creators or their offspring, there's a much better chance of them being done right. This Simon and Kirby book was done right.