Having helped spawn some of the world’s most popular comic book heroes, the Amazing Spider Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk among others, Stan Lee, the legendary creator has teamed up with Simon & Schuster (S&S) UK and Touchstone for his first-ever graphic memoir “Amazing Fantastic Incredible: A Marvelous Memoir”.
Iain MacGregor, Publishing Director, Non-fiction, S&S (UK) comments: “Stan Lee’s body of work is a central pillar of every young fan of super hero adventures. It doesn’t matter if you’re 10, 15, 30 or 50-years-old –– the stories and characters he creates attract a huge fan base. This is reflected in the editors at S&S, too, and so it wasn’t a tough choice to acquire this prestigious book.”
Lee, no stranger to comic lovers worldwide spanning several generations, in this illustrated book tells the story of his extraordinary life with the same inimitable energy and offbeat spirit that he infused to the comics, recounting his life’s major flashpoints from the tough upbringing at Washington Heights, New York to becoming the lead writer and editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics.
Describing the publication, MacGregor says, “It is basically the story of his (Lee’s) life, told through interpretations from him being interviewed, laying out the storyboard for another prestigious illustrator (whom Stan Lee personally selected) to then create in the same style of his many famous comics he has produced over the decades.” Colleen Doran the comic book artist illustrates the book.
“As Marvel just celebrated its 75th anniversary, I thought may be it is time for a look at my life in the one form it has never been depicted, as a comic book…or if you prefer, a graphic memoir,” Lee is quoted as saying. Echoing similar sentiments MacGregor states: “How else can one capture the true spirit of Stan Lee’s incredible life, other than laying down in illustrative style –– just like his most famous creations. I doubt he would have it any other way.”
Like any other celebrity, Lee’s life too must be entwined with controversies. Will “Amazing Fantastic Incredible…” incorporate “tell all” elements in it? “No, it is not, rather a very honest account of his tough upbringing in the Depression-hit era of the 1930s, and what inspired him to take up art and ultimately become an iconic artist,” answers MacGregor.
S&S expect the memoir to be a bestseller around the globe, including India despite the fact that Lee’s creations are limited to English knowing readers. MacGregor feels that it will provide inspiration to youngsters as Lee’s “story really is ‘rags to riches’ and reflects to an extent the American Dream. Equally, he knew he had the talent but had to work very hard to achieve his goals, which again will speak to a global audience.”
Well Lee’s fans have to wait till October when the memoir is scheduled to be published. Hoping the wait is worth it.
