I don’t typically do programs on the recently deceased, but when Stan Lee—the creator behind dozens of stupendous superheroes you know and love—passed away in November, 2018, a library asked me within a day to do one about him. I’m glad they asked, too, because it’s been exciting to discover his own unique tale. While Lee created countless larger-than-life heroes and thrilling stories over the course of his career, perhaps his greatest creation was himself.
EXCELSIOR! THE LIFE AND TIMES OF STAN LEE
Entering publishing as an office assistant when he was only 16, Stan Lee went on to change the comic book industry forever as he created amazing superheroes (and villains!) that fans could relate to, turning Marvel Comics into a media empire. Many of his creations—including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Doctor Strange, X-Men, Black Panther, Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, Daredevil and countless others—are known the world over, but how much do you know about the former Long Islander himself? This program traces Lee’s incredible creative journey across a nearly 70-year career that ended with his passing at the age of 95 in November, 2018.