Comics intrinsically create parallel
worlds for youngsters. The grandiose they are built, the loftier experiences
the readers could draw. Stan Lee, who passed away this week, understood this inherent
philosophy way back in the 60's and 70's and created some of the finest superhero
characters and mind-numbing stories, taking youngsters on a ride, sometimes on
an intergalactic ride, giving them a time of their life.
Actually, Stan Lee to a great extent
was behind the superheroes, who starred in comic books then, transitioning to
the silver screen now, without losing their sheen! Today, these superheroes are
a huge rage!
Whether it’s casting spider webs
donning the red-faced mask, or the green beefcake hurling tanks across the
battle field or the military man throwing his blue-and-red stripped shield to
protect his fellow friends, or the ‘unequalled four’ molding and melting into the
foreground before delivering the fatal attack, Stan Lee’s visionary thinking had
created a lively world of superheroes, the today’s millennials are madly in
love with and would do anything to share its spirited glory.
Yes! We are referring to “Marvel
Movies”. Stan Lee, the man instrumental in the creation of “Marvel Cinematic
Universe” and the release of movies such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers:
Infinity war, The Incredible Hulk, Thor: Ragnarok, Captain America, Guardians
of the Galaxy, and numerous others, is simply phenomenal. While most people are
mapping their retirement plans by their early 40s, Lee has been carving his
name in golden letters on the silver screen with his amazing marvel stories
even in his 90s. What a colossal attitude!!!
Lee’s brilliant mind co-conceived many
superhero characters in collaboration with co-writers/artists Jack Kirby and
Steve Ditko along with the marvel team. Spiderman, The Hulk, Thor, X-men, Doctor
Strange, Fantastic Four and the Ant-Man are some characters that have dent the
history and gone on to make history. The string of works he has produced speaks
of his genius. All his characters and their movies were total sell-out to
global audiences. While everyone thought this sudden attraction to “Marvel
Movies” would fizzle out; to the utter surprise and dismay, it gathered momentum.
What’s more, novelty and multidimensional cinematic values delivered top
dollar’s worth of viewing to global audiences, raking in huge moolah for
producers.
However, one question keeps popping
up: how did Stan Lee create this vast canvas of works that speaks of flawless characters
and incredible stories?! Agreeably, he was a team man! First, he would give out
the synopsis of a story to his artists and he would then lend them creative
liberties to draw pictures as they imagine in their eye of the mind, giving full
scope for imagery. After it’s completed, Stan Lee would fill up the blurbs and
boxes with his story. Brilliant, isn’t that?!
In fact “Black Panther” is another of
his “marvel”lous creation. Though the character was created much earlier, it
only caught everyone’s eyes with the movie “Black Panther”. While the script
kept one deeply engrossed, the cinematic production was too awesome to
overlook. The rich narrative coupled with usage of high-technology gadgetry puts
Africa on a different pedestal. The whole story gives the audiences goose
bumps, while carving a distinct place for itself. How, Black Panther story is crafted
and how it rose to occupy its rightful spot in the hearts of audiences is a
secret only Lee could perhaps tell. What’s more! Watch carefully, you will find
Lee doing a cameo role in the movie. He is known to do lot of cameos in Marvel
movies.
From the beginning, Lee was passionate
about becoming a writer, but unfortunately, poverty stood him up against
pursuing his career! In fact, he took up menial jobs to survive before landing the
job as Assistant at the new Timely Comics, a Martin Goodman’s company. From
then on, it was a no-turning back. After
Simon and Jack Kirby, creative partners, left the company, Goodman installed
Lee as Interim Editor. This gave him an opportunity to rise through the ranks.
Over a period, he created a technicolor
virtual kingdom, where the good fight against the bad - in print as well as on
screen - while the whole world watches and applauds. Frankly, Lee was like no
other. He may have left this world. But, he definitely created an alternate
universe for his readers and viewers to revel in forever. At his sad demise, It’s
only apt for us to remember a quote from his Marvel Movies “Heroes are made by
the path they choose, not the powers they are graced with”. Farewell, Stan Lee!
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