in the documentary Stan Lee, a century-old legend, available on disney+, the renowned creator narrates his success step by step, in the first person and from humor. The one who was an important pillar in the success of the publishing house sees himself as one of his superheroes. imperfect and clumsy, but with the amazing ability to create imaginary worlds. Some so extraordinary as to mark a milestone in the world of comics and also beyond it.
In fact, much of Stan Lee, a century-old legend is dedicated to exploring the work of the protagonist from his transcendence. From his contribution to popular culture, to his firm connection with a specific way of telling stories in film and television. The artist emerges from his biography as a humble, funny and hopeful figure. Especially when he recounts his journey from a New York boy with an unemployed father, to a key figure in the world of entertainment.
But in David Gelb’s feature film, what’s valuable about Stan Lee isn’t just his enduring contribution. It is having built an ever-expanding universe that stretches out in a network of goodwill. The artist is described by his relatives, his employees and, above all, by his partner and accomplice Jack Kirby as a man aware of individual power. Which is to say that each of his works is an expression of his faith in humanity, the goodness of the common citizen, and the everyday world. A point at which Stan Lee, a century-old legend will insist again and again.
Stan Lee, a century-old legend
This documentary is an affectionate and well-narrated journey through the life of one of the great creators of popular culture of the 20th century. With intimate narration, use of previously unpublished material, and the voice of Stan Lee himself, it explores the success of Marvel, but also how the publisher changed the world of comics. A story that cannot be told independently of its creator. The plot goes from Stan Lee’s success to his lowest moments and takes the time to review some of his controversies. In the end, the film is a complete and symbolic farewell to a central figure in the world of popular culture.
The boy from New York who loved to read
Stan Lee was born on December 28, 1922 in Manhattan. Stan Lee, a century-old legend analyzes the apparently ordinary moment with a humorous note. Which includes using a sequence of stop motion to delve into the family life of the creator. The production is especially interested in pointing out that it delves into the achievements of a man who based his life on invention and joy. Therefore, the sequences that explore the artist’s early youth and adolescence have a festive and tender air.
The son of a couple who suffered the rigors of the US economic crisis of the decade, he was forced to start working at just 17 years old. A teenager who loved to read and, in fact, confesses with a certain innocent tone, he did nothing but write stories that he thought no one would read. The argument of Stan Lee, a century-old legend He has the ability to show that Stan Lee built his path to success thanks to his effort, but also to his talent. The boy, who assumed that narrating the adventures of imaginary beings would not lead him to any productive place, soon found that the world had a place for him.
His meteoric rise in Marvel
Something he discovered as soon as he started working as the delivery boy at Timely Comicsthe future Marvel. The experience of understanding everything that the publication of the comics implied was decisive in his vocation. Much more it was that he had come to the right place so that someone as young as he could be heard and respected.
Two years later, the gofer was already a publisher, later – an art director, and finally, the company’s chief writer. Along the way, the young man who recounted worlds of sympathetic monsters and rent-paying heroes understood the power within his grasp. Build an inheritance that would turn the comic into an event that could aspire to change the world of entertainment.
Stan Lee, a century-old legend: draw, work and dream
The documentary progresses through Stan Lee’s triumphs, but also through his failures. From his first heroes —Spider-Man occupies a special place—, to those who were not so recognized or accepted. The script has a particular interest in demonstrating that the cartoonist’s almost one hundred years of life were continuous learning.
The message becomes much clearer when his close collaboration with Jack Kirby becomes the focus. So, Stan Lee, a century-old legend it changes tone by transforming the sequences into vignettes and narrating a friendship that spawned extraordinary characters. The duo, who came to create more than fifty different comics, ended up being so close that the lines of authorship became blurred. What became a real problem.
The production does not ignore the situation and addresses it in a radio conversation that serves as a bridge to the dilemma. What belongs to whom, if the ideas arose in the midst of discussions, laughter, jokes and the characters had the voice of one creator but the appearance devised by another?
It is moving how Stan Lee, a century-old legend progress through the countless obstacles of carrying out an artistic project. Marvel, as we know it today, was born from the daring and tremendous energy of Stan Lee, determined to stop comics from telling gods. His insistence on showing human beings with pain, sorrow, and joy—as well as superpowers—changed the world of comics. So much so that the artist’s work was the center of gravity for a whole new level of fantasy storytelling.
Goodbye dear friend
In his last half hour, Stan Lee, a century-old legend shows the end of the life of an inexhaustible spirit. Also his more domestic side. In particular, his marriage to his wife Joan, which is narrated as an optimistic fairy tale. However, without a doubt, the director’s greatest interest is to sustain the myth of Stan Lee, a hopeless dreamer who ended up building an empire. At the same time, an adult who never stopped remembering his great childhood illusions.
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Between both things, the script reaches its emotional closure in a symbolic farewell. Perhaps, just from the man who was Stan Lee. But making it clear that his legacy is part of something more important that will survive him, like his characters, settings, and worlds. The greatest contribution from a boy who once dreamed that monsters could be kind.