Though Matt Groening created the characters, it was Simon who went out and employed the writers who formed the foundation for the first seasons. A fan of Army Man magazine, Simon was inspired to bring in both George Meyer and John Swartzwelder as part of his writing team, which also included Jon Vitti, Jeff Martin, Al Jean, Mike Reiss, Jay Kogen and Wallace Wolodarsky. In Swartzwelder, Simon gave the show its most prolific writer, who has been credited with 59 episodes (as well as segments of others), and basically made sure the genetics of the show were assured.
