Stan Lee Day

October 2nd was Stan Lee day in Los Angeles. For anyone who ever read a comic book he was a major presence in their lives. It always seemed that if he hadn't been born that comics would have created a bigger than life character anyway to act as Marvel's head cheerleader.

In those lean times when comics were on their way out, he (with the help of Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and so many others) created a whole new universe of characters who were at their heart just flawed human beings like the rest of us. His Spider-Man was some kid with issues and fears and failings before he was a superhero. All of Stan's characters were heroes you could relate to. The Fantastic Four bickered with each other just like your family did. Anyone who has ever been around a toddler for any amount of time understands the rage and destructive capabilities of the Hulk who is really just a big 2 year old throwing a fit.

Of all the people I would ever want to have lunch with Stan would be the one. I had nothing but envy for Kevin Smith when he did his interviews with this comic icon. For myself, Stan's comics took me out of my daily world and put me into a place of magic and adventure. I am sure he hears it all the time but there are generations of kids who owe the best years of their childhood to him. It will be a sad day when he is no longer with us and we will miss his gentle good humor, his energy and his enthusiasm for a medium that we love so much. 'nuff said. (click declaration to enlarge and to read about all of his accomplishments)

Excelsior!