Stan Lee and the Rise and Fall of the American Comic Book

by Jordan Raphael, Tom Spurgeon

Based on interviews with Stan Lee and dozens of his colleagues and contemporaries, as well as extensive archival research, this book provides a professional history, an appreciation, and a critical exploration of the face of Marvel Comics. Recognized as a dazzling writer, a skilled editor, a relentless self-promoter, a credit hog, and a huckster, Stan Lee rose from his humble beginnings to ride the wave of the 1940s comic books boom and witness the current motion picture madness and comic industry woes. Included is a complete examination of the rise of Marvel Comics, Lee’s work in the years of postwar prosperity, and his efforts in the 1960s to revitalize the medium after it had grown stale.

Genres: Biography, Comics, Nonfiction, History

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography of Stan Lee, and through him, the history of, primarily, superhero comics; evenhanded and readable, despite a (possibly unavoidable) fannish, tempest-in-a-teapot, feel.

In 1940, 18-year-old Stanley Lieber, smart, ambitious and raised in poverty, went to work at cousin Martin Goodman's Timely Publishing (later, Marvel). Goodman had moderate success imitating the pulps and comics of market leaders, and Lieber, now Stan Lee, was soon running the comics division. An accomplished and well-liked hack, his hucksterish self-promotion was smiled at until characters like Spiderman and the Fantastic Four became hugely popular in the early sixties. Lee revived the anemic superhero genre using the "Marvel Method." Working with now legendary artists Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Lee supplied outlines instead of detailed scripts, and the artists freely changed plots and characters, leaving Lee to write in dialogue afterward. Everything appeared under the rubric "Stan Lee Presents," and Lee often took credit, no matter who thought of what; in the small world of comics, years of controversy ensued. As "the Marvel Universe" became a money-making machine, Lee wrote less and promoted more, company policy making him their sole public representative (he was management and the artists were freelancers; it was in Marvel's copyright interest to have all characters credited to Lee). Spurgeon and Raphael fondly but firmly supply all the details, correcting some of Lee's own accounts, assigning credit to others where due. On Lee's watch, the comics gained a self-aware sense of humor, and superheroes revealed feet of clay--genuine innovations--but seen here in context, he was more manager than talent, more huckster than genius.

While alternative comics are shortchanged, and European and Japanese comics don't even exist in this Marvel-centric account, this will probably stand as the definitive history of this particular slice of American popular culture.

[I.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly well balanced look at Stan Lee that, despite loads of evidence to the contrary, still tries to insist that his artistic contribution was great. It does make a very well substantiated argument that he is most certainly an important and key figure due to his editorial and promotional contributions, but the fact that most people think he invented the marvel universe is disheartening and sad.
I'd recommend the Untold Story of Marvel Comics over this one because it is willing to call Stan out on his transgressions, but this book is more focused on giving an honest biography of him and his place rather than the industry as a whole.
I did find a few of the editorialized comments about comics to be a tad misplaced, like when the authors say off hand that comics since the 90's have been redundant and essentially garbage. They seem to have little knowledge of/or interest in non-mainstream/superhero books.
This book can't be considered definitive if only for the reason in was released in 2003 and the industry changed massively since, but it's a great start for those interested in the real history of Marvel. Just don't stop here.

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesante repaso por la vida pública de Stan Lee, omnipresente figura en las películas de superhéroes, colosos cinematográficos que, para tomar una idea del libro, comparten con su autor y los personajes que presentan los pies de arcilla.
Después de leer el libro queda claro que no hay mucha claridad (lo siento) respecto de los aportes específicos que Stan Lee creador incorporó a las obras que actualmente se le atribuyen. Si algo se puede sacar en limpio, entonces, es la multidimensionalidad con la que se puede apreciar al personaje público Stan Lee. Porque fue un gran editor de cómics y un increíble promotor y autopromotor.

Es un libro recomendable para quien se siente intrigado por ese abuelito de bigote y gafas que suele aparecer en las películas Marvel y decida sacarlo de ese casillero de los cameos y transformarlo en una persona de carne y hueso y también para quien decida conocer más acerca de ese subgénero de la cultura popular que actualmente ha invadido al cine más comercial de Hollywood.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stan the nab

Starts out with a detailed and reasonably fair portrayal of Stan as well as a detailed account of the early days of Marvel. In the end it seems to condemn him an comic books both. I believe Stan certainly gave Marvel it's voice and personality. You can look at the Kirby scripted later work and see that.

[Juan Sanmiguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history if the American comic book and Stan Lee's role in it. It is all of Stan's strength and weaknesses. Something magical happened in comics in 1961 and Stan was a key player in it. Another must read for comic fans.

[Pablo Monlezun · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a little lack of soul, is still interesting to get a look at Lee's role on the history of Marvel Comics and pop culture as well.

[teohjitkhiam · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Heroes" with feet of clay, indeed.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining look at Stan Lee's life in and out of the comic business.

[Sarah Bauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of comics history but a bit dry and pessimistic.

[Jim]

A look at the rise and fall of comic book world and also the life of Stan Lee.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving up on this book.

Maybe it's because I've just recently read two rather excellent biographies ("Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson and "Walt Disney" by Neal Gabler), but this bio of Stan Lee doesn't stand in the same league. It's not as well organized, it's not as well written, it's not as well researched, and worst of all it doesn't give me any insight into what has made Stan Lee so great.

I'm dropping out just getting into Lee's stint doing Marvel comics in the 60's, the work that made him the legendary figure he is today. I'm just not motivated to continue reading the lackluster prose. You get a description of events in Lee's life, but nothing about what makes the man tick. It's just not interesting reading.

Finally, for a book about comic books, there are no illustrations to be found. When the author waxes over some type of comic book cover art style, or the dynamic art style of Jack Kirby, wouldn't it be nice to actually show an example so the reader can appreciate? After all, "Stan Lee" is also trying to be a history of comic books. I guess we're assumed to already have a massive comic book collection if we're reading this book.

I got "Stan Lee" as a $2 ebook from Barnes & Noble. Now I know why it was so inexpensive.

[Monica Copeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not typically one for non-fiction, but I really enjoyed the balance of this biography. It would have been easy to fall on the side of Stan-love or Stan-hate, so it is impressive the authors chose to examine the issues and triumphs surrounding Lee's role as Marvel ringmaster. I guess it was refreshing to read a journalistic piece that wasn't giving a thinly veiled presentation of opinion...

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the definitive (so far) story of one of the most important, influential and fascinating men in the history of American comics, a man who, for better or worse, pretty shaped the industry and, to some degree, the medium. Authors Raphael and Spurgeon treat their subject quite fairly, particularly considering how polarizing he has been and can be.

[Steve Peifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

My grandmother worked in a newsstand, and I received a box of comics every month, which led to a still embarrassing love of comics. This is SO much better than his autobiography, but it confirms that except for a few years in the 60's, what he was best at is promoting himself. He is more than the right guy in the right place lucky, but not much more.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok - some interesting stuff here, but I was way more interested in the general comic book history than Stan Lee himself. I guess I should maybe try a different, less specific book then!

[Dee]

$2 at B&N

[Roland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent history of Marvel comics.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly repetitive, but interesting look at Lee's career and the history of Marvel and DC Comics.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is surprising to learn about Stan the Man's problems and lack of credibility in the comic arena. To me he will always be the creator of Marvels best.

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty interesting but a little dry