The Visionary of Marvel Comics: Stan Lee
David Gelb’s documentary, “Stan Lee,” sheds light on a momentous point in comic book history. Lee, the creative force behind Marvel Comics, was burnt out on superheroes. He was then given a directive from Martin Goodman to create a team of superheroes to compete with DC’s Justice League. Lee’s wife, Joan, encourages him to create characters that ordinary people can relate to. With nothing to lose, Lee creates the Fantastic Four – a more realistic comic book figure.
The Marvel Method
The Fantastic Four were created utilizing what became known as the Marvel Method. Lee would come up with a storyline and hand it off to illustrator Jack Kirby. Kirby would then create panels that advanced the story in his own way. Only after the art was completed would Lee write the words, laying them into dialogue bubbles. The stories weren’t planned out or meticulously executed; they were essentially improvised.
Lee’s Impact on the Comic Book Industry
Lee’s desire to see heroes that were just like us and monsters and villains who weren’t one-dimensional revolutionized the comic book industry. The Incredible Hulk, launched soon after the Fantastic Four, was a character that people cared about. Lee’s dream of superheroes that ordinary people could relate to has lived vastly more in the comics than in the movies Hollywood has made since.
Stan Lee’s Alter Ego
One of Lee’s most iconic creations was Spider-Man. He created the character out of the desire to inject the comics with everyday realism. Lee embraced his public image as an alter ego, similar to one of his comic book characters. David Gelb’s “Stan Lee” captures the essence of a man who grew up happy and stayed that way.
The Creative Process
Lee’s most legendary comics were created with artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Kirby was the master of spectacle, while Ditko was more of a quiet psychodramatic draftsman. Lee’s stubborn streak of ego humanizes the creative superhero behind Marvel.
“Stan Lee” is a well-made documentary that highlights Lee’s contributions to the comic book industry. Marvel Comics revolutionized the industry with heroes that ordinary people could relate to. Lee’s impact on the industry continues to be felt today.
