Comic Relief Podcast

You doubted me, didn’t you? When I said the podcast wasn’t dead, even though it’s been a year? Don’t lie! I see the doubt in your eyes!

Well here we are with a new episode! My normal partner in crime, the Mighty Maico Moreno is on vacation this week – so I grabbed my wife to fill in the co-star position of the podcast! In this issue, we discuss the Netflix shows (Daredevil, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Punisher, and Defenders), we also talk Avengers: Endgame trailer, we talk about me sitting in on one of the San Diego Comic Fest panels as a guest, we talk Captain Marvel (and even get our beloved friend Poppy, randomly in on the conversation), we talk James Gunn being back on Guardians of the Galaxy 3, we also talk Into the Spider Verse and wrap it up with discussion about this year’s WonderCon. This one has a little bit of everything. Hold on. The wife is reminding me that we also did Amiee’s Corner in which we talk about Vanderpump Rules. Give this one a listen! And if we made you laugh, smile, or giggle, please consider sharing it on your Facebook, Twitter, or whatever other means you have of spreading the good word about our podcast!

As always – we don’t do ads on our site, and I don’t do a ton of affiliate links type stuff – but we do have a partnership with MyComicShop – so, are you looking to buy comics about Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Daredevil, Punisher, or any comics? – Consider using our Affiliate Link to help keep the site ad free: Shop Here.

You can always Download the Episode too.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Another year, another WonderCon! And once again, WonderCon did not disappoint. It’s probably my favorite “big” convention to go to. It has the right mixture of plenty of comic shops vending, mixed with every other kind of thing out there. There’s a lot of people, but there isn’t too many people.

It’s also really cool, because I always go to WonderCon with Chuck, who I have known since the 4th grade… and let me tell you, that was a long time ago… (in a galaxy not too far away), as well as his son, Matt.

Typically, when we have gone in the previous years, we typically power walked the entire WonderCon floor in a few hours and called it a day, and check back into the hotel, and go down to the pool and Jacuzzi. This year, however, we didn’t. We actually took two small breaks – once, to go sit outside for a bit, let our old knees recover. And then the second time, we walked back to the hotel (which is literally across the street) and hit up Starbucks for a quick refreshment.

And that’s where something pretty cool happened. Chuck, is is an immense Stephen King and Joe Hill fan had just discovered that Joe Hill was doing a signing at the IDW Booth. While we were sitting there in the hotel Starbucks, Chuck wondered aloud if Joe Hill was staying at the hotel. And literally, five minutes later, Joe Hill, with his wife, came strolling in and stood in line. Chuck managed to say hello from our table (the line was right next to where we were sitting). I saw Chuck fumble for his phone, as if he was going to take a picture, but then put it down. After Joe Hill left, he mumbled that he should have taken a photo. We strolled back into the Convention and went to the IDW booth where we learned all the Joe Hill tickets had already been given out. We strolled around the Con and saw Joe Hill walking around. Clearly, the gods were speaking to us. We returned to the IDW booth an hour before Joe Hill was due for his signing – and Chuck asked about overflow – and the guy said there was overflow permitted, but doubted Joe would have time to get to it, because he had a hard cut off of 5pm. There was only one person after the official ticketed end of the line, so I told Chuck to get in line. Chuck ran over and bought one of Joe Hill’s Locked & Key books from IDW that he didn’t have.

Sure enough, Joe Hill comes strolling over and talking to a few other people. I tell Chuck to go take a picture – but he refuses. So I told him to give me his phone. I walked over and politely asked if I could take a picture of Joe Hill, and he kindly agreed. (See the photo above). Then I asked if I could take a photo with him (with the idea that Chuck could do the same). He wholeheartedly agreed, and snapped a picture with me.

I walked back over to Chuck, who was amazed that I kindly asked Joe for a photo, rather than just sneaking a photo – and that I even asked to take a photo with him. I told Chuck he was extremely cool about the entire thing and that he should do it – but Chuck was too shy. That was until he saw Joe break off from the conversation he was having with those people to meander around the IDW booth. He then handed me his phone and shouted, “Let’s go take a picture!” So chasing Chuck into IDW, Chuck was able to snap a photo with Joe Hill as well. This clearly made Chuck’s day. As we stood in line for Joe Hill’s signature, it became very clear that (despite people with tickets coming to stand in line in front of us, around 4:30pm) – that we were still going to get his book signed. As we got to the end, I even picked up the first Locked & Key book to have Joe Hill sign in. I figured this was at least some way for me to say “Thank you for putting up with us!” I admired his kindness towards us; and though I’ve not read any of his books, he’s made a fan out of me, just from his behavior. So it’s cool to me, that my favorite part of WonderCon wasn’t even anything that really had to do with me; but actually my best friend meeting someone who he had always wanted to meet; and that person being incredibly gracious and kind. Freaking. Epic. If you’re interested in Locke & Key, based off what I said here – please consider using our Affiliate link through MyComicShop to get them!

So while that was, probably the highlight of the entire WonderCon experience, there was definitely other highlights. Getting to see Joie again is always a blessing. It’s funny, because I originally met Joie through Lindsay Archer, like eons ago at DragonCon, where she was dressed as Ms. Marvel (now Captain Marvel). I was blown away back then how spot on she was to Ms. Marvel in appearance; little did I know of her artistic talent, back then. Now I fully support Joie any way that I can – because, she really is one of the most down to Earth, kindest, most amazing hearted people I’ve had the good fortune of meeting. So, being able to see her once a year, have a quick conversation of how she’s doing and what she’s been up to, is always a highlight. I’d highly recommend check out her website and check out her Instagram while you’re at it.

I just want to thank the folks that keep WonderCon going and keeping that show running smoothly. As always, an excellent time was had.

Much love,
– Tawmis

If you’re familiar with Barry Blair’s work, you know Barry Blair could be, what some people might call… unusual. He wrote some eccentric comics, such as Leather & Lace, but what he’s most widely known for probably, is his work on Elflord.

Elflord was originally a six issue black and white series, that – at the time of its release – was a pretty hot commodity. The first two issues sold out fairly quickly, and reprints were made for people who were craving Elflord.

I figured I’d cover the first six issues about it. Why? Mostly because I was a fan of the original mini series, and developed a fondness for the characters, when the ongoing series launched later. I even had the good fortune of meeting Barry Blair at one of the comic conventions where he took the time to sit down and talk to me at lunch (I had drawn a picture of Toro on a comic book backing that he was – in his words, impressed by – but he was probably just being kind to a fan).

Also – If you’re looking for this comic, consider using the Affiliate link that helps us out:
https://www.mycomicshop.com/search?q=Elflord&AffID=1055159P01

The issue begins in the walled city of Greenhaven at the Black Raven Inn – favorite watering hole for the King’s Soldiers. Inside the Inn, Hawk Erickson sat with his two closest comrades – Purebreeze andFalcon. Hawk, a part of the King’s Royal Guard is upset that the Princess has left for her uncle’s castle.

Brolo, an over weight and over confident elf, stirs trouble with Hawk. However, after Brolo hits Falcon, knocking him over, Purebreeze kicks Brolo between the legs, sending him crumbling to the ground. Hawk, Falcon and Purebreeze decide to leave, where outside they meet up with their friend, Windblade Greensleeve, a white haired elf belonging to a magical race known as the Sidhe.

Brolo, who apparently hasn’t learned his lesson yet, steps outside and charges Purebreeze. This time it is Hawk who stops Brolo’s assault by disarming him – then with another slash of his blade – slicing the fabric that held Brolo’s pants up. A stunned Brolo is then kicked over by Hawk.

Elsewhere inside the castle, Doran – the King’s trusted adviser (who by the way – the last thing he looks is trustworthy! But that’s neither here nor there!) – makes plans to take over the castle and rule (see, told you he didn’t look trustworthy).

Doran tells the King that there is a Mystic Stone in the Valley of Endless Mists; the King insists that the journey would be too dangerous for Doran to take – so the King then suggests that his Royal Guard go in Doran’s place to find the Mystic Stone.

Hawk, Windblade and Purebreeze are sent to fetch the Mystic Stone on the following day. Brolo soon joins them, apologizing for his drunken behavior from the night before.

A day into the adventure, Windblade senses that something has been following them; leaving the horses to go, Hawk and the others take to the road on foot and soon discover a band of trolls seems to be in pursuit of them.

Veering off slight, Hawk leads the others down a road to Dragonsfield, where an old friend runs the ferry at the River of Red. With the assistance of Burnster, Hawk and the others cross the River of Red and depart at Bear’s Head Falls.

Elsewhere, Doran asks to speak to the King in private. The King sends his servants away and walks with Doran, who then plunges his dagger into the king. The only witness is Falcon – who Doran accuses as the murderer. The guards seize Falcon and drag him down to the dungeon.

Back with Hawk, they climb a steep cliff to have small boulders fall on them from above; immediately realizing that the trolls are still trailing them. They enter a small cavern that is littered with bones and occupied by a Srith – which is a giant humanoid lizard with four arms.

Hawk and Purebreeze prove effective, while Brolo nearly gets killed; only to be saved by Windblade. Hawk then, with dual blades, leaps on the creature’s back and severs the creature’s head.

At a city known as The Devil’s Doorway, a young warrior named Bran shows up to help defend against the oncoming onslaught. After running into a large humanoid, Bran becomes turned around and eventually ends up in a room where unusually shaped round creatures with large eyes seem to be pulling people through a hole in the ground. He too is nearly dragged beneath, when suddenly a large rock lands on the hole; thrown by the large humanoid that Bran had run into earlier. The old wizard pays Bran twice the amount the city would be paying him.

And that’s how the first issue ended.

The issue begins with Purebreeze, Windblade, Hawk, and Brolo at the verge of the Valley of Endless Mist. Windblade claims he can sense the Mystic Stone and that they’re close. Following Windblade’s lead, he leads them to a small cottage house that’s tucked away between enormous tree branches.

Outside the cottage, there’s a man with a great beard, who tells Windblade that he’s been expecting him and invites them all inside. Once inside, the man explains that Doran has assassinated the King and taken the castle for himself, imprisoning all those that were loyal to the King.

The man then explains that Windblade is to inherit great power and become a powerful wizard. The man gives the Stone of Power to Windblade, who senses it touching his mind. The man explains that it is showing him the knowledge that he was destined to learn from the very race he was from – The Sidhe – the White Haired Elves.

Windblade is told he must remain with the man so that he can teach him the new powers. The man then gives Hawk, Purebreeze and Brolo woodsman outfits, since Daron has ruled that the Royal Guard are outlaws, and the woodsman outfits would allow them to move more freely.

Hawk, Purebreeze and Brolo find themselves surrounded and attacked by trolls that claim that Doran will offer a pretty price for Hawk’s head. Hawk fends off one troll, while another renders Purebreeze unconscious. Hawk saves her in the nick of time by throwing a dagger at the troll’s back – which doesn’t kill it – but it turns its attention on Hawk.

Hawk is saved when suddenly arrows fill the bodies of the trolls; falling them all. Several Elves reveal themselves and explain that they were followers of the King who escaped Greenhaven when Doran took over. The elf explains that Doran had also instructed that the Princess return to Greenhaven, and he plans to use her to prevent any form of retaliation against him.

The scene shifts to the other story…

Far below the besieged city of Kusachi, Nendo the witch is clearly upset that Koeta has what she wants – the Scepter of Power. And she would be correct.

The scene shifts to a third story, where a being by the name of Wuthersnike threatens to beat Meg for resting – rather than preparing everything for the Princess’ arrival. An individual named Pike shows up and hands Meg a gleaming brooch like item claiming that they had passed it to him – to give to her. Cora tells Meg that they must get back to work and prepare for the Princess’ arrival, and funeral of the Princess’ father.

Pike returns to his stables to find a squire looking around for a missing brooch. Pike threatens the squire for poking around in his stables, just as someone comes by asking what has taken so long. The squire informs him that he can’t find it and the two depart.

Lord Vanian reports to Doran. Doran questions about the siege – and Lord Vanian explains it has just begun. Doran then asks about the Scepter of Power, and Lord Vanian answers that he knows where it is – but is aware that the witch Nendo also knows its location. Doran then explains he will send some Shades after the Scepter of Power.

The cover of issue #3, is what originally made me pick up ElfLord. I had missed the first two issues originally – but managed to get the originals.

The issue opens up with Doran questioning Falcon and two others from the King’s Royal Guard. Falcon refuses to answer Doran’s questions, so Doran has two guards haul off the other two – leaving Falcon inthe chamber alone.

Outside, Hawk, Brolo and Purebreeze make plans to free Falcon and rescue the princess. Purebreeze tells Hawk to go after the Princess and leave Hawk to her and Brolo.

The scene shifts to Windblade and the wizard. Windblade tries making a mixture which causes a small explosion.

The scene shifts again, and this time Hawk climbs into the Princess’ window. She is startled by his appearance, because he is wearing a woodsman outfit, but he lets her know there are plans to rescue her.

The scene shifts yet again, this time we see one of Doran’s guards getting their throat slit by Purebreeze. Purebreeze makes quick work of several guards – she is bested by one – but then saved by Brolo. Inside they find Falcon, but are confronted by another guard – this one well armed. Hawk arrives and combats the guard on his own – easily besting him by severing his head.

This issue features the first reprint of a story done by Roger Camm and Barry Blair; originally titled “Windblade” but renamed to be Windblade’s father in the interest of continuity.

While Hawk and Windblade had fairly unique looks, Barry’s art for the standard characters, all bared a striking resemblance to one another (unless he was drawing a character to specifically look very unusual).

The issue begins with Hawk, Falcon and several of the others who had come to their aid in the previous issues making their way through the castle. Just outside the castle, Purebreeze, Brolo and the others wait for Hawk and the others to make their way through the castle to lower the draw bridge.

Falcon tells Hawk to go after the princess while he takes a squad to go and lower the bridge to let the others in, knowing that once Doran realizes that he’s under attack – his first move would be to use the princess as leverage.

Inside the tower, Doran senses that something is wrong.

Elsewhere, Falcon and the others continue to move through the castle, encountering no guards as they reach the Gatehouse.

However, at that moment, an arrow slays one of the elves that is with Falcon. Realizing that the archers had been in waiting, Falcon and the others make a quick run for the Gatehouse. However, other guards, positioned ahead of them drop foot spikes, stopping Falcon and the others from pressing forward.

Two of Doran’s servants encounter Hawk and the one elf who has followed Hawk, named Sparrow. Hawk makes quick work of one of the guards with Doran’s servant. The other guard takes Sparrow out by kneeing him in the groin. The surviving guard tries to use Doran’s servant to throw at Hawk. Hawk dodges, and the servant’s back cracks against the wall. Hawk then uses his sword to cut the guard’s top half of his head off. Hawk helps Sparrow to his feet.

Back near the Gatehouse, several of the guards move in on Falcon and his remaining men, who are struggling to even stand, due to the foot spikes in their feet. Not to be victimized, Falcon lunges and stabs the first guard. The others rise up to their knees, and quickly over take the other guard. Falcon crawls to the Gatehouse and opens the gate, allowing Purebreeze to lead the remaining forces into the castle.

The scene shifts to Hawk who enters the Princess’ chamber – only to find Doran and a Srith waiting for him and Sparrow.

The other half of this issue is the reprinted story once entitled “Windblade” mentioned in the previous issue.

The scene opens with Purebreeze and Brolo fighting Doran’s army. Brolo points out that Doran has clearly hired and assortment (and a rather vast one at that!) of rogues and scoundrels into his army. Purebreeze tells Brolo to take a few of the elves and break off from the attack and go find Hawk and make sure he’s doing all right.

Outside, in the village surrounding the castle, Windblade shows up at the tavern. The tavern owner informs him that Hawk and the others have attacked the castle to try and free everyone from Doran’s evil control. Windblade leaves insisting the Hawk needs his help.

Inside the castle, Hawk confronts the Srith. As Hawk fights the Srith, Doran taunts Hawk by informing him that he plans on escaping – but first, he will be throwing the Princess off from the top tower before making his escape.

Inside the tower, Windblade comes across Falcon and several others who are still wounded with foot spikes. Windblade draws from magical energies and manages to heal Falcon and the others.

At the top of the tower, just as Doran prepares to push the princess from the top of the tower, Brolo and one other elf show up – Doran commands his servants to attack Brolo, which sends Brolo toppling on top of the elf who had come for him.

Inside the castle, Hawk continues to fight the Srith, managing to stab it. However, the Srith bats Hawk away. The Srith slams Hawk against the wall, and seems to have the advantage, until Hawk grabs the sword protruding from the Srith and severs the Srith’s arm. The Srith slams Hawk onto the floor and seems about ready to finish the fight when Falcon shows up with the others.

The Srith manages to kill one of the elves, but Falcon cuts the creature deep, then severs its head.

At the top of the castle, Doran hears the cheers down below and knows that his army of rogues and scoundrels has been defeated. He’s about to toss the Princess from the top of the castle when Hawk and Windblade arrive. Doran tries to cast a spell on Hawk, but quickly discovers that Windblade’s magic is protecting Hawk.

Doran picks up a sword and he and Hawk engage in one on one combat. Doran manages to disarm Hawk, sending his two handed sword flying. Hawk sits there as Doran charges, and at the last moment, draws his katana and cuts Doran open. The Princess embraces Hawk as Doran falls over, pleading that he make the Windblade go away – because he too is a wizard, like Doran. Hawk watches as Windblade leaves, and turns to the princess and explains, “But he is my friend…”

The remainder of this issue has a story from Dave Cooper called “A Very Special Delivery.”

And this is what I mean – when I previously mentioned if Barry wanted to to drawn an unusual looking character to stick out… he had that ability, for sure, as seen on this cover, of the final issue of the limited series.

The issue begins with Hawk and Windblade leaving, realizing that all of Greenhaven is uncomfortable with Windblade’s presence because he was a wizard, which was a painful reminder of Doran.

Hawk and Windblade come across an elf, whose feet have become roots, and fingers are branches. Windblade recognizes the elf as Bran, someone whom he had a dream about and once protected the Scepter of Power. Hawk looks to Windblade and notes that it looks as if he lost.

Hawk and Windblade arrive at Efrian’s hut, the wizard who had taught Windblade his magic. They however discover that he has been decapitated – his head, however speaks and warns them that there’s no one to stop “her.”

Before he can explain who “she” is – Nendo, and her massive collection of flesh, warts, and unusual servants bursts through the door. Windblade notes that she has the Moonstone as well as the Scepter. He tries to stop her from uniting the two, but she kicks him to the side then slams the Moonstone onto the Scepter. She tumbles backwards and falls on one of her servants, crushing him beneath her mass.

Hawk tries to lunge forward but she points the newly powered scepter and says, “Freeze!” so that Hawk and Windblade can not move. With the help of her remaining servants, she is able to stand again and uses the Scepter to resurrect her dead servant into a bloated, floating form.

She ties the floating servant to her waist. She then grabs Windblade and informs him that she will devour him so that his magic enters her body; then tells Hawk that she will sacrifice him to the demons for more magic.

In Nendo’s cave, she prepares a cauldron and commands her minions to throw Windblade into the cauldron, which they do. Realizing he must act fast, Hawk points to one of her demons and informs her that it has candy. Lunging for the demon, seeking the candy, she hits the cage that encases Hawk, which shatters on the floor. Hawk quickly grabs his sword which had been laying on the floor and severs the head.

She prepares to use the Scepter to end the fight – Windblade yells to stop her. Hawk throws his sword which cuts through her wrist so that she drops the Scepter. The Moonstone shatters, so that she loses control of the demons she once commanded. The demons, free of her control, turn on her and devour her. Hawk and Windblade make their escape during the chaos and confusion.

So ends Volume One.

The remainder of the issue has a story entitled “Death Caller” by Gordon Derry and Dave Cooper.

Matt Dunford was kind enough to ask me to be a part of the Toys & Animation panels, because I had appeared on the He-Man episode of The Toys That Made Us, and he knew I ran the Comic Relief Podcast. (He may or may not have known I also did Neverending Nights, which is an “animated” web-series, though using Machinima). Sure, I have a snazzy IMDB like all the “cool kids”… but…

When I got there, I was familiar with TJ Shevlin (I had seen him at the Super7 booth before – and my addiction of He-Man figures assured that Super7 was getting my money every so often!) Now what was crazy is – with me on this panel was John Semper, Jr. – who you may or may not realize was responsible for the 90’s Spider-Man cartoon (among other things).

And next to him? Buzz Dixon – who you may or may not know – had his hand in a mess of things including one of my all time favorite Saturday Morning cartoons – Thundarr the Barbarian. (I had pulled out my Thundarr the Barbarian DVD set in hopes of getting it signed; and in my infinite wisdom, had left it at home).

So to recap – there’s TJ at the opposite end of me; he’s our moderator. Next to him is Buzz, who had his hand in all of the Thundarr episodes; then next to him is John Semper, Jr., who had his hand in all of the 90’s Spider-Man cartoons – and next to him? Is me. The guy who briefly appeared in the He-Man episode of The Toys That Made Us, and ran a barely known podcast.

TJ was an awesome moderator though; despite me feeling very outclassed, TJ used me as the guy who was influenced by both of these (which I made very clear when we did our round of intros).

Chris McFly was there and took some photos – which I got his permission to repost. While you’re here – check out his website, his photography Facebook business page, and his Instagram account.

Or… Is this podcast dead?

Good news – well, depending on how you view it – the podcast is not dead. It’s officially been one year since we released an episode, when we last talked about Avengers: Infinity Wars. (Edit: It was actually March 18th, when we talked about Black Panther).

Is it because there’s been nothing else to talk about since Infinity War? Certainly not the case. Plenty of great movies have come out, some comics, Netflix and Hulu shows. So why no Podcast then?

Our excuse is that we were victims of The Snappening.

Our real excuse is that life simply gets in the way sometimes. While the whole point of the website is indeed the podcast; I’ve continued to use the site to post a number of things that are comic book related. Also the Facebook Page, Twitter and Instagram, I am still pretty actively using. I’ve also continued to do various Comic Con related posts on the page, if not podcasting about it.

I may, from time to time, drag my wife (Amiee) to do the podcast with me, because it’s easier to schedule time with her (since she sits five feet away from me at home! #ThereIsNoEscape). She’ll probably just want to talk about Dazzler or something, but I’ll see if I can get her to talk about something else, just to possibly knock out a few episodes here and there, in between episodes with Maico.

There’s definitely a few things I’d like to talk about (that will probably be old news by the time we knock out a podcast) – I’ve been powering through the Netflix shows (Daredevil Season 3, currently; but finished Jessica Jones Season 2, and Iron Fist Season 2, and Defenders; still need to watch Luke Cage Season 2 after Daredevil), and I watched Into the Spider-Verse because Maico was chomping at the bit to talk about it, so I am sure he’d probably be eager to do a podcast about that.

All that to say, yes, we may be “celebrating” that it’s been a year since we released a podcast, but no, the podcast isn’t dead.

Much love,
– Tawmis

When the majority of the team is in blue, the other ones are single solid colors also (red, orange) – coloring this was pretty easy.

 

To:

I’ve always been a THOR fan since the mid to late 70’s. I was first introduced to him through the pages of Avengers (#159) and began picking up his solo series shortly after that, off and on (back then I wasn’t an avid comic book collector yet), but was soon drawn to Thor always. He represented two things for me; a magnificent hero with fantastic origins to Asgard; which right into the second thing, I was getting pretty involved in Dungeons & Dragons (2nd Edition) which had the Deities & Demigods book, which had an entire section dedicated to Norse Mythology, which soon became my obsession.

When it came to THOR comics, there were a ton of fantastic stories that were told in his pages; but none could compare to what Walter Simonson brought to the table. Walter really mixed the THOR mythos into the Marvel Comics – and introduced a brand new character named Beta Ray Bill which I was immediately drawn to.

Decided to color the B&W image of what would be his first appearance, him on the cover smashing the THOR logo.

 

And my coloring of it… With this, I did something new – using an additional layer to lighten the cape and leg where the hammer is striking in front of it, which I think added a great effect…

In a Twitter exchange, Fabian brought up how the new Winter Soldier series is pretty much a knock off of the Nomad series (the very same character Winter Soldier killed when Bucky came back from the dead, a brain washed Soviet Soldier) – Because apparently Bucky is going to be riding around on a motorcycle, totting a shotgun, and having a kid side kick… Okay, Nomad had a baby that he was taking care of… but all the other stuff? Pretty much right from the Nomad book. But, you think – that’s not such an uncommon theme! No, it’s not – if you exclude that both were also side kicks of Captain America.

Anyway, somewhere along that Twitter exchange, someone posted this, from Nomad #1 (the cover)…

I went ahead and saved it (if you have listed to our podcast, you know I am a huge Nomad fan)… and colored it this morning…

 

Very few people in this world don’t know who Stan Lee is.

Today, TMZ is reporting that Stan Lee has passed away, and confirmed by Kirk Schneck, an attorney for Stan Lee’s daughter.

Stan Lee, though he got his start in Timely Comics, would go on to become much bigger. He often voiced the openings of shows such as Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends in the early 80’s. But what truly made Stan Lee a house hold name, beyond those who collected comics, was his appearances in movies. He appeared in the Kevin Smith movie, Mallrats. But when Disney purchased Marvel Comics and started the Marvel Cinematic Universe (simply called the MCU to most), Stan Lee had a cameo appearance in every single one of them – and even made a cameo in the Deadpool movies, which at the time were owned by FOX Studios, as well as the Spider-Man movies, which are currently owned by Sony.

To speak of the legacy that Stan Lee was a part of, along with folks like Jack “The King” Kirby and Steve Ditko would be too long to list – but to give folks an idea – he had a hand in The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, The Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, X-Men, and the list goes on and on.

These characters that Marvel created did something different than DC. While Superman and Batman lived in cities like Metropolis and Gotham; the characters at Marvel lived in real life cities, primarily New York City (where, at the time, Marvel was based).

This helped launch the popularity of these Marvel comic book characters; and Spider-Man would even go on to appear in newspaper strips and had a cartoon in the late 1960s. There have been countless Spider-Man cartoons since. There’s been several X-Men cartoons. Several Avengers cartoons. There is, of course, the movies. And even several characters, such as Daredevil appearing on Netflix specific shows.

To say that Stan Lee’s hand in the creation of these characters, along with those of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, had a massive impact – would somehow still be under stating the obvious.

Stan Lee got his start at Timely comics in 1939, with the help of his uncle (Robbie Solomon). Back then, Stan Lee did not have a heavy hand in much, in regards to creation. He was sent to ensure everyone had ink for their artistic duties and what not. But in 1941, he got a bit of a break by being a text filler in Captain America Comics #3, where he used the name Stan Lee (which he would go on to make his legal name, from Stanley Martin Lieber). He would become an editor at the age of 19, until 1972 where he took over as publisher.

In 1942, he served with the United States Army where his military classification was officially entitled as “playwright” – a title shared with only eight others.

In the 1950s, Timely Comics became Atlas Comics. Late into the 1950s, DC had managed to bring back the superhero genre; and Lee was appointed to do the same, by which time, Atlas Comics had now become Marvel Comics, and Lee did just that, created flawed heroes that drew the appear of many. The Fantastic Four was the first, created along side with Jack “The King” Kirby; and that’s when all the others came along after that. With the Avengers, Captain America, who initially appeared in Timely Comics was brought back, and explained to have been in suspended animation.

I will never be able to explain the impact these characters had on me. Avengers and Uncanny X-Men are what got me into comics a very long time ago. My collection is now into the thousands upon thousands of comics. They’ve helped me in my youth, they’ve given me endless memories.

Stan Lee’s wife, Joan, passed away in July 2017. Stan Lee leaves us at the age of 95. He leaves behind a massive legacy, where his name became a household name, and we have characters that he helped create, that will be remembered by everyone, for a very, very, long time.

I’d like to think, that when he left us, he knew that. And he was at peace with that.

– Tawmis