He is the creator of such classic comic book titles such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, X Men, and the Fantastic Four just to name a few.
However, Stan didn't start at the top. He had to work his way through the ranks at Marvel comics.
Stan's First Comic
From his humble beginnings as a text filler on the first published comic he ever worked on (Captain America Comics #3 May 1941) Stan showed a natural understanding of the medium of comics. Within his first year at Marvel Comics (then called Timely Comics) he had graduated to a writing position and work on a variety of different titles.
In the 1960's Stan Lee turned the world of superhero comics on its head by creating a-typical flawed characters that had to contend with the everyday problems of life. This new generation of characters had to find a job or struggled paying their rent, while super villains threatened the sanctity of their fair city.
Until Stan, the majority of superheroes were unnaturally perfect humans without any character flaws whatsoever. This made for one dimensional, repetitive stories that readers quickly became bored with.
So Why Use Stan Lee?
Born, Stanley Martin Lieber, Stan Lee originally used the name when he was first published with marvel in 1941. He said he was saving his real name for more literary work. Latter in life he would change his name legally to Stan Lee.
From 1942 to 1945 Stan Lee served in the US Army. By providing text for training films and field manuals, Stan found a way to serve his country during World War II without ever leaving for Europe or the Pacific. After the war ended Stan returned to Timely Comics and picked up right where he left off.
By the year 1975 Lee had secured himself as the face of Marvel and his creations has been permanently etched into American pop culture. He began to make appearances at comic book conventions all over the country, as well as lecturing at collages. It was around this time that Lee began to achieve the financial windfalls that his creations would eventually provide him.
Stan Lee Also Appears In Many Of The Adapted Movies
Stan Lee has appeared in most, but not all of the major motion picture adaptations of his comic book creations. Although, usually only as cameo appearances, Lee has been credited with over a dozen roles in these movies. In 2005, Stan Lee went to court against Marvel Comics over an agreement dispute regarding his share of profits pulled in by recent movies. After all was said and done, Stan Lee walked away with over $10 million.
Stan Lee's contribution to the world of comic books is legendary. His character creations have brought joy to countless avid fans of his fiction. In his later years, he has enjoyed his greatest creations immortalized on the big screen and has also enjoyed the financial benefits of repeated box office success.
Stan Lee is the most significant and influential individual to ever work in the comic book industry.
