In memory of Stan Lee, 1922-2018

[ecosophia]

 Though I wasn't a major Marvel Comics fan back in the day -- I went from Gold Key early on to DC's Batman and Green Arrow comics -- my imagination, like that of pretty much every other American in my generation, was shaped by Lee's creative vision. The following, from an otherwise unremarkable back issue of a Marvel comic, makes a good tribute to the man.



It's a reminder that all of us, on all sides of the fractured political landscape of today's world, would be well advised to take to heart. 

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Would it be suitable to light a candle for him? I have a sort of personal canon of Saints of the Imagination, and he surely rates inclusion.
-Cliff

[(Anonymous)]

Meanwhile the Twitteratti thought police is berating Stan Lee for... poisoning young minds with toxic masculinity. If only they knew the truth, if only they could've read this soapbox text and taken it to heart...

RIP Stan Lee, you funny old man.

[(Anonymous)]

Thanks for posting this. It's not something I would have come across anywhere else. I think the last comic book I read was an Archie, and that was well over 50 years ago.

[ecosophia]

Good heavens, yes. If this were a sensible, polytheist culture, people would already be drawing up plans for a temple where aspiring artists and writers could burn incense to his memory and get inspiration for their work.

[ecosophia]

Nah, if they'd read it, they'd find some way to discount it, and keep on with their ranting. What's the phrase? "Haters gonna hate..."

[ecosophia]

You're welcome. My wife spotted it on a website somewhere and snagged it for me, knowing I'd want to see it. Please forward it far and wide if you feel so moved!

[(Anonymous)]

"If MAN is ever going to be worthy of HIS destiny..."

I've already heard people arguing that those words are proof he's misogynistic, so I think you're right.

[(Anonymous)]

Hmm. A temple is a bit out of my budget, but I could start tinkering around with a shrine.

[ecosophia]

A good photo and an incense burner are the basic requirements. You might also do some biographical research to find out if there was a beverage he appreciated, and pour a libation for him from time to time.

[(Anonymous)]

Thank you!

Thanks for this!

[(Anonymous)]

Thanks for posting this, JMG. I just recently read a biography of Stan Lee because I am in awe of his creative imagination (he practically created a whole modern-day "pantheon" single-handedly) and wanted to learn more about him. His cultural influence on North American youth over the past 60+ years (for better or worse) is undeniable and his ability to create “flawed” characters bucked against the super-hero norm of the day but was truly brilliant. He also had an interesting and humorous perspective regarding his creations as if they have an independent life – for example, in the issue of The Fantastic Four where Reed Richards marries Susan Storm, he and his illustrator show up for the wedding but are are barred by security from attend the wedding! The biography of Stan that I read mentioned that in the ‘60s he was alarmed by the social unrest in America and got on his soap-box several times despite his boss’ objection – and hats off to him for doing so!

Ron M

Re: Thanks for this!

[ecosophia]

I'll have to find his bio -- it sounds well worth reading. Thanks for the heads up!

[(Anonymous)]

And now William Goldman. Inconceivable!

- S. T. Silva.