Photo courtesy of POW! Entertainment, Inc.
For me, meeting a person who loves what he does is one of those basic pleasures that bring a smile to my face. Their stories are the ones that often push others to pursue their own passion or appreciate the fact that they’ve already found it.
When I spoke with comic book creator Stan Lee, such passion was unmistakable. Lee hasn’t tired of anything related to his work as a writer, publisher, and film producer, and after decades in the business, he still approaches all that he does with excitement.
This enthusiasm, which touches everything from plot construction to character development, is unpretentious in every way. Lee speaks of his career and the art of storytelling as a true practitioner and without affectation. As he answers questions about his work, he focuses only on the craft, not once straying into the shallows of swagger and namedropping.
When Lee says that he loves what he does, it’s hard not to believe him. That’s why I’ve put together some audio clips from our interview. I want to present some of his thoughts and recollections in his own words.
These excerpts, I believe, offer snapshots of the way Lee’s imaginative mind works, but they also underscore the foresight and integrity that have made him a legend in his field. So, to borrow a catchphrase of his, ’nuff said. I’ll let the man speak for himself.
Lee talks about the creative process and recalls how he got the idea for Spider-Man.
Lee recounts his decision to omit the Comics Code Authority’s Seal of Approval from the covers of a multi-issue antidrug Spider-Man story. This move ultimately drove the Authority to loosen its censorship regulations.
Lee on the craft of storytelling.
Lee talks about the Marvel movies and the translation of his characters from print to screen.
