There’s nothing like looking at life through the eyes of another. On Thursday (Oct. 9th), and again on Friday, I was given that opportunity in a very profound way.
It started with an event at the New York Comic Con honoring Irwin Allen. He’s one of the last remaining comic illustrators from the industry’s golden age (the 1940s). Among his many credits, Irwin illustrated the original Green Lantern, as well as the Wonder Woman comics. He was also the artist on the old “Dondi” comic strip for 30 years.
While accepting his award for his decades of service, Irwin related tales from his childhood, his experiences during World War 2, and up to present day. His accounts of the Depression, and the war were extremely vivid and candid. They encompassed delivering newspapers in all kinds of weather, the fight game, mobsters, ladies of the night, and big business deals.
They enable me to truly sense the feel of that era and the mindset of some of its colorful people, good and bad.
Later, as I left the event, I had no idea that the following day would give me an even closer view – one steeped with joy and great pain.
To Be Continued
About Alex Simmons Says
Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer, comic book creator, playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He’s written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, Marvel, DC, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. As a teaching artist, Simmons has created and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, Europe, West Indies, and Africa.
Simmons has served on panels and delivered lectures on children’s entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a comics and creative arts program for children all over the world.
During the past 35 years, Simmons has participated as a member of arts and education boards for several New York State nonprofit organizations, as well as one in Nigeria.
As a teaching artist Simmons has worked with youth through the Bronx Community College, the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, Apollo Theater In-School Arts Program, Henkel McCoy, Upward Bound, New York Council on the Arts, Children’s Art Carnival, Wings Academy, and NYU Creative Arts Team, to name a few.
He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad.
SimmonsHereAndNow 