PARK CITY, UTAH (ABC 4 News) –He’s the man behind Spider-Man, the X-Men, Captain America, and the Hulk, but Stan Lee, the comic book legend, says he saw little value in his work in the early years of his career.
Stan Lee was in Park City for Slamdance, and the debut of the documentary “With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story. Lee has created thousands of characters, and a comic book empire. He says it’s gratifying to do what you love, and have it enjoyed by so many. "I love the enthusiasm of the fans. They're almost as enthusiastic as I am."
Lee says while he has always had an enthusiasm for comic books, and the stories he created through Marvel Comics, he hasn’t always been proud of his accomplishments. "When I was younger I was almost a little embarrassed to be writing comics and trying to do movies and things like that."
The comic book legend says he had a hard time seeing the value in it. "I thought there are people building bridges, and doing scientific things, and here I am with this nonsense."
He watched in awe as people worldwide embraced the characters he created. Lee says they are naturalistic and therefore appealing. His superheroes reflect both the flaws and strengths of the human spirit. Their acceptance led him to the realization that entertainment is important. "People have such problems, and if you could entertain them, so suddenly I love what I do, and I don't feel guilty or apologetic about it. I just hope I can succeed. I hope I can entertain people.”
The way Stan lee has entertained people has expanded from comic books to movies and video games. Lee has appeared alongside his characters in many of the films based on his superheroes. The 89-year-old’s next screen appearance is in a documentary about his life. "It’s almost embarrassing. It’s something I would never have suggested or imagined."
But in his comic books, and in life, Stan Lee continues to imagine a better world. "I think the one thing the world needs is for people to like each other. There’s just so much hatred in the world."
“With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story” was picked up by a distributor and has received favorable reviews.
