Though it’s been five years since he passed, Stan Lee’s indelible mark on pop culture and entertainment still remains. He’s the visionary credited with creating or co-creating iconic figures such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, The X-Men, Black Panther, Daredevil, Doctor Strange and The Fantastic Four.

A documentary delving into his life and work just dropped on Disney+, shedding light on the man who created legends. Here are just eight of the many captivating revelations from the documentary, eponymously titled Stan Lee.

1. He became editor-in-chief at just 19

Stan Lee’s love for storytelling burned bright from a tender young age. A voracious reader, he devoured any book he could get his hands on. It was at the age of 16 that he was hired as an office assistant at Timely Publications (which later became Marvel Comics). He quickly rose through the ranks to become editor-in-chief at just 19. Lee’s passion for storytelling was so immense that by the time Marvel Comics went public, he had created over 60 superheroes.

2. The collaboration that birthed legends

Lee wrote for all genres, from horror to westerns to romance, but his most famous creations were the Captain America stories he worked on with Jack Kirby. This partnership would lay the groundwork for numerous future collaborations and superhero creations, including The Incredible Hulk and many others.

3. “Stan Lee” is a pen name

Lee’s real name is, in fact, Stanley Martin Lieber. He started using “Stan Lee” as a pen name writing his first Captain America comic. At the time, comic books were looked down on, and Lee (who dreamt of writing the Great American Novel one day) was initially embarrassed by his line of work.

3. He answered the call of duty

During World War II, Lee responded to the call of duty and volunteered for military service. He served in the US Army, and his job was to write training manuals, slogans, and stories for various publications published by the military. Due to his background in comic books, Lee found himself assigned as a playwright while in the military. This unanticipated shift allowed him to continue honing his storytelling skills and developing his creative voice.

(Fun Fact: Captain America made his debut on December 20, 1940 — right before WWII.)

4. His career wasn’t free from drama

The relationship between Lee and artist Steve Ditko, the co-creator of Spider-Man, was a contentious one. While both men are credited with the creation of the beloved web-slinger, Ditko believed he should have been recognized as Spidey’s sole creator because he drew the superhero. This eventually led to a feud between the two men which lasted decades. Ditko left Marvel Comics in 1966.

(This wasn’t mentioned in the documentary, but Ditko was not credited at all as Spider-Man’s co-creator until 1999, when Lee revealed through an open letter that Ditko did play a significant role in Spidey’s creation.)

5. He had a revolutionary vision

In an era when comic books predominantly catered to young children, Stan Lee sought to introduce more impactful and engaging narratives. He wanted to create stories that he himself would want to read.

This desire led him to co-create The Fantastic Four, a series that revolutionized the industry. Lee made everyday down-to-earth storylines that people of all ages could relate to, and The Fantastic Four attracted an entirely new and older audience and paved the way for Marvel’s future success.

7. He drew inspiration from his own life

Drawing from his own life experiences, Lee infused personal touches into his creations. One notable example is the character of Mary Jane Watson, Spider-Man’s love interest, who was inspired by Lee’s own wife, Joan. Such connections brought a genuine and relatable essence to the Marvel Universe.

8. He wasn’t afraid to challenge boundaries

Lee firmly believed in the power of entertainment as a force for good. He saw comic books as a means to entertain and uplift readers, countering the darkness and challenges of the world with stories of hope, heroism, and inspiration.

He fearlessly pushed the boundaries of Marvel Comics, using the medium to address social issues and advocate for positive change. From creating the X-Men as a metaphor for societal bigotry to an anti-drug Spider-Man series, he used his platform to engage readers in thought-provoking narratives that extended beyond traditional comic book fare.

The Stan Lee documentary unveils the layers of a creative genius who forever transformed the world of comic books and superheroes. These fascinating insights provide a deeper understanding of Lee’s vision, his profound impact on popular culture, and the enduring legacy he left behind.

From his early influences to his revolutionary superhero creations, the documentary is a must-watch for all comic book fans. It makes it clear that Lee was more than just the man behind Marvel Comics — he was an inspiration and visionary.

Cheers to you, Stan! Excelsior!

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