Farewell to Stan Lee

  It's heartbreaking to note the passing today of Stan Lee, 95, one of the most important figures in the history of comic books.

   He started in the business when he was a teenager, working as a gopher for his uncle, publisher Martin Goodman, at Timely Comics.

   Through the years his career survived the near destruction of the comics industry and by the late 1950s he was the editor and main writer for the company then known as Atlas Comics.

   He wasn't very proud of his work, as evidenced by his use of a pen name instead of his real name, Stanley Leiber. But with a new, creative approach to comics, he was about the rejuvenate the industry.

   Teaming up with legendary artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, they created dynamic new heroes for the company that changed its name again, as it became Marvel Comics. Heroes such as the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Dr. Strange, the X-Men were brought to life, and by combining action, humor and soap opera elements, they brought new energy and new interest to the comics industry.

   Stan gets a lot of praise for his work as a writer and scripter, but he doesn't alway get enough credit for his work as an editor - he was able to urge the best work of their careers from everyone in the Bullpen, including Kirby, Ditko, John Buscema, Don Heck, George Tuska, Gene Colan, John Romita, Jim Steranko and Gil Kane (and many others) - and hired terrific writers to add to the mythos, including Roy Thomas. 

   But his most important work was as a promoter for comics. He created the attitude at Marvel that we were all part of the club. Stan was the funny, lovable leader of the gang, and we were all welcome. He became the face of the industry, and without his tireless promotion, pushing that product, I suspect comic books might long ago have gone the way of radio dramas.

   It occurs to me that he's probably the only comic book creator that almost anyone on the street could name. 

   At his advanced age and (apparently) failing health, his passing is probably a blessing - but it's a tough loss to bear. Stan was a true inspiration. For me, there are few writers who had as much influence or whose work affected me more. He crafted mythologies and stories that still resonate, and told stories I can almost repeat word-for-word. 

   He was a titan of entertainment, with characters and stories continuing long after he last provided their dialogue. It seems a fitting memorial that he leaves behind a billion dollar industry that produces several movies every year (in addition to TV shows, video games, books and, yes, comic books) based on characters that sprang from his work with talented artists over 50 years ago.

   I was lucky enough to meet him for an interview in the late '80s and he was exactly what you'd expect: funny, quick, lovable, kind and brimming with energy. That's the Stan I'll remember and cherish. 

   At the end of the interview, I asked the usual question: "Is there anything you'd like to add?" He paused for a moment, leaned forward, smiled, and said, "Excelsior!"