First published 2021
Abraham Riesman chronicles the complete life of Stanley Martin Lieber, born in 1922, who became Stan Lee and transformed global entertainment. As Marvel Comics editor in chief for thirty years, Lee created more recognizable characters than anyone except Walt Disney. Spider-Man, the Avengers, the X-Men, Black Panther, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor all emerged under his leadership. His marketing skills rescued the comic book industry and superhero fiction from obscurity. Yet Lee's career included major failures and bitter controversies. Collaborators Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko accused him of stealing credit for Marvel's most famous characters. His business venture Stan Lee Media collapsed amid stock manipulation and criminal charges. After his wife Joan died, Lee appeared trapped in his own home while others fought over his wealth and reputation. Riesman conducted new interviews and research to uncover previously unknown details about Lee's triumphs and mistakes. The book examines whether Lee honored his famous principle that great power requires great responsibility.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, business, american, 21st-century, comics
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: biography, business-venture, controversy
Period: 1922, 20th-century, 21st-century
416 pages · Hardcover · Crown