So let’s discuss Stan Lee.
It was recently announced by A-Squared Entertainment (A2), that they had joined forces with Archie Comics and Stan Lee’s POW Entertainment to create a new slate of original IPs to distribute via both new and old media. This was the latest in the growing roster of companies that are creating IPs with the intent to maximize their potential across movies, television, comic books, websites, and licensing.
Normally, I wouldn’t really care. These companies usually fold up quietly after a few years, and nothing groundbreaking is added to the conversation. POW Entertainment has had a few things here and there, but there’s no comparing Stripperella to Spider-Man. But the part that got me was the concept they were going out with, Super Seven. Here’s the official description:
“It’s the story about seven aliens who find themselves stranded on planet Earth after their spaceship crashes, only to be befriended by none other than Lee himself. Taking them under his care, Lee becomes their leader and enables them to resume their lives as superheroes on earth.”
Seven aliens trapped on Earth, who then dedicate their lives to helping mankind. Like Martian Manhunter times seven. Okay, that could have some potential, depending on the writer. I like Martian Manhunter. But the second part is a real buzz kill. Really? The guy who created The X-Men is now Professor X himself? Stan Lee has made numerous appearances as himself in various comics, including Fantastic Four, but this just seems…like a gimmick.
If you’re around Stan Lee, and you love him, please advise him to stop. Not just with this comic, but period. I think all of us are indebted to Stan Lee. He is the golden ambassador for several generations of comic fans, and a man who, on his own, largely created a line-up of heroes that challenged DC’s long-standing roster. His first Skrull story in Fantastic Four is one of my favorites. That said, these last couple of years have been rough.
I’m not just talking about Stripperella either. I’m talking about the Sci-Fi…er…SyFy stuff like Lightspeed and Harpies. These horrible properties that use his name to sucker a few people into watching some really bad entertainment. Though, if you’re sitting down to watch a SyFy “Original Movie” you should kind of know what you’re getting into.
The problem is, Stan Lee is a brand. But right now the brand is being used the wrong way. It was the reason Wes Craven stopped giving Dimension Films the right to use his name on their sub-par horror efforts with the “Wes Craven Presents” line.
He should stick to his film cameos and convention appearances. And if he is going to work on new stories, make sure they’re adding something. I mean, Lightspeed was The Flash, except he wore blue. It doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but at least try.
With all the great things Stan Lee has done, it would be a shame if the end of his career was marked with a ton of these cheesy, failed projects. Besides the whole created today’s iconic characters thing, he also changed the comic code when they tried to prevent him from publishing a story about pill addiction. Whether you think he screwed Jack Kirby or not, this is some big stuff.
Do I expect much from this A2 thing? Not really, especially if Super Seven is their flagship. But the bigger issue is why Stan Lee is wasting his time with non-stories like this, and if anyone cares enough to advise him not to.
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