Comics

May 07, 2008

Stan Lee: Thank you- You are indeed 'The Man'.

After watching the recent iFanboy video interview with Stan Lee, I feel moved to write a little something regarding Stan ‘The Man’ Lee. Think of it as an open letter to him, from a pair of fans that have grown up on the characters and the stories he created and continues to create. This letter is written by staffers Andy (29) and Chris (19).

Dear Stan…

The Bullpen Bulletins and the ‘Stan Lee presents’ blurbs are the first memories I have of coming across your name, and the Bullpens in particular struck a chord. I’ve always admired the way you talk to your audience on the same level, involving us in everything you work on in the same manner whether we’re nine or ninety. I also really admire the amount of time you have for your fans, and I can’t begin to imagine what it must feel like to have parents and children enjoying your creations together. You’ve created some of the biggest names in modern culture and you still come across as a genuinely nice guy.

You come across as one of us, a dreamer with a head full of stories to share. Add to this a relentless sense of humour and a distinct air of a shrewd businessman, and you too are a hero amongst men. No wonder your popularity has endured for so long. You’re our friend, a storyteller, and a legend to all of us. Stan mate, I salute you. Thanks for the characters, the adventures, and for not giving up on them, or indeed, us.

March 21, 2008

Will the real CAPTAIN AMERICA please stand up?

Capamerica I just read CAPTAIN AMERICA 36 and am not happy. Read the issue, then come back and read this, as it contains SPOILERS.

Read it?

You sure?

Even the last page?

Good.

 

Did I mention SPOILERS? Do not read on if you’ve not read the issue and don’t want your dreams crushing to dust!

 

Now, how many of you, like myself, saw that coming a mile off? Sadly, this looks like it is gradually starting to turn into Marvel’s version of the KNIGHTFALL saga. The discovery of Steve Rogers’ preserved body was always going to happen, wasn’t it? How long before he comes back completely, and we discover the super serum had just put his body into hibernation until he healed? Jaded cynic I might be, but I was hoping Bucky was going to have a good shot at being Cap for a while. As much as a hyper-violent incarnation of the hero grates on the senses, it gives Marvel a good deal of scope for exploring the character as he finds his feet as the new Cap. But now we get this… hopefully I am as wrong as a big wrong thing and we get a decent story out of all this before the real Captain America takes his shield back.