More than any writer to have ever existed, Stan Lee
He likes to put himself into his work. While most fans have become familiar with his cameos in every Marvel movie in between X-Men (2000) And Avengers: EndgameHe, often alongside former colleagues Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, appears in multiple series across Marvel Comics. From quiet cameos to full-blown self-inserts, Stan Lee was a character both on the page and off.
It’s been almost six years since the controversial comic pioneer passed, and every year without Stan the man feels as dull as the colorful spandex-wearing heroes he created. Fortunately, Stan’s legacy lives on both in the hearts of his fans and in the many cameos he appeared in throughout his career. Taking a look back at some of the frequent appearances of the famous comic book author’s favorite cameos, here are 10 cameos that pay tribute to Stan Lee.
1
Stan Lee meets Spider-Man
Stan Lee meets Spider-Man #1
Stan Lee and his favorite Web Head have crossed paths quite a few times over the years. While one would think that Stan would be excited every time Spider-Man bursts through his window, he often Becomes annoyed at Parker’s repeated and sudden appearances. That said, when Peter Parker is feeling down and doubting himself as a hero, Stan is always there to give one of his greatest creations some much-needed advice.
Next to
Jack Kirby’s Silver Surfer
Stan Lee’s favorite character is by far Spider-Man. Stan has said multiple times that Spider-Man could represent anyone; So it doesn’t matter how you look to be a hero. It’s even more heartwarming when good old Spidey shows up to get some much-needed sage advice.
2
“Lee, Stan Lee”
Untold Tales of Spider-Man #1
Both a nerd for movies and comics,
Stan Lee’s brief cameo
in Untold Tales of Spider-Man is a cute nod to James Bond while introducing readers to the comic they’re about to read. Unfortunately, Stan assumes that seeing his face instead of Spider-Man’s first would have fans rioting and demanding their money back. Regardless, he says it with his classic warm smile as he teases the reader about the secret history that takes place before Peter Parker’s birth.
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Usually, Stan’s cameos are only about him and his characters, so this is one of the few times the father of Marvel inserted his other interests into his pride and joy. From the reader’s perspective, there is a sense of Honor and pride Because this One of the people who crafted your favorite stories was a nerd in his own right.
Stan Lee Meets Doctor Strange #1
In this magical cameo, Stan Lee stops by the Sanctum Santorum To visit his long-time friend, Doctor Strange. Unfortunately for Strange, he’s been going through some tough times lately. Exhausted by his many duties, he struggles to keep up with the constant threats hidden in the mystical arts, and He’s behind on more than a few bills.
As Stan Lee is known to do, he simply takes a chair and listens
The super magician
Open up his frustrations. When you’re the master of magic, there aren’t many equals who understand the pressures of the job, but Stan understands the struggles of the times more than anyone. When the comic creator insults Strange’s farewell, the Sorcerer Supreme begs his creator to leave behind a few coins to help shore up Strange’s dwindling finances. finally, Stan leaves his friend with an uneasy feeling of pity.
4
Stan and Jack celebrate Christmas with the X-Men
Uncanny X-Men (1963) #98
The X-Men rarely get to Enjoy a moment of peace When they are hunted by anti-mutant extremists and giant robotic death machines. What started as a wonderful Christmas dinner quickly turned sour Interrupted by an assault of sentinelsBut not before Stan Lee and Jack Kirby could shoot a few quips. Mingling around the restaurant, Stan and Jack notice
Jean Gray and Cyclops
On a winter day.
They both realized that during their reign over the X-Men, these characters would never have done anything As great as kissing each other on the page. Stan continues to insult, saying that young comic writers have no respect for their clever predecessors. However, just as quickly as they appear to leave their minds, the legendary duo disappear right before the mutant mayhem begins.
5
Doctor Doom demands an apology from Stan the Man
Stan Lee Meets Doctor Doom #1
Usually, when Stan appears in the Stan Lee meets… Books, the heroes come to him for advice and guidance. however,
Doctor Doom doesn’t play by the rules
of his smaller ones. completely break the fourth wall, Doom recognizes Stan as his creator. Judging the writer from atop his throne, Doom demands Stan tell him why he is depicted as a dangerously insane villain.
Stan shuffles back in fear, a rare instance in his many cameos. If Stan Lee is not a sneaky side character, he is usually portrayed as a god. But, while Doom knows Stan’s power over the Marvel UniverseDum is not afraid to look him in the eyes and demand answers. really, No man is safe from Doctor Doom’s judgmentNot even his creator.
6
Stan Lee officiates a complicated wedding
New Avengers Annual (2005) #1
One of his more modern cameos, Stan Lee played a crucial role in
Luke Cage
and Jessica Jones’ wedding. As the wedding officiant, Stan waited in the background as Jessica said her vows. He doesn’t say as much or interact with his characters as much in this appearance, but he still shows up Help his comic characters In whatever way they need.
After a chaotic series of events that nearly ruined Jones and Cage’s marriage, Stan simply waited in the background while the heroes did their work. Although, maybe Wear sunglasses like a wedding officiant Wasn’t the best idea Stan. You do you though.
7
Mr. Stuntastic
What if? (1977) #11
In the dozens of What if Stories that have been written over the years, it makes sense to eventually change Stan’s role as the cameo king and merge him with some of his very first creations. In this particular What if? comic, the original Marvel bullpen, The pet nickname given to Marvel’s staff writersis fused with the fantastic four to deliver classic comic book justice. Don’t let anyone tell you Stan isn’t a hero.
Stan Lee takes on the mantle of Mr. Fantastic, Jack Kirby becomes the Thing, Sol Brodsky is transformed into the Human Torch, and Flo Steinberg is the new Invisible Woman. Unlike his other cameos, This book contains a complete story In which Stan and the crew act as central characters. For all intents and purposes, this is just another classic Fantastic Four story, but with a couple of Stronger jaws, an iconic mustache, and Jack Kirby’s familiar cigar.
8
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko admit making comics is exhausting
The Amazing Spider-Man Annual (1963) #1
one of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s earliest cameos, “How Stan Lee and Steve Ditko Created Spider-Man” Shows a behind-the-scenes look at the exhaustive efforts it takes to create everyone’s favorite comic stories. Stan is all consumed by his work, struggling to type his script while being swarmed by his many creations. Meanwhile, Ditko takes a chance to take a well-earned nap, letting a pair of spiders take over
Spider-Man’s comics
.
However, while it was most likely Ditko who drew the cameo, it feels like a Unbalanced representation of the creators’ duties. The bigger wedge that drove Stan and Steve apart was ultimately caused by Stan taking almost full credit for Marvel’s work. However, the three-page journey promises readers that Both of the prolific comic creators enjoyed their sneak peek In the process of creating Marvel Comics.
9
It was a sad day when Karen Page died
Daredevil (1998) #8
Karen Page
Was once one of Daredevil’s closest allies and a long-time love interest for the vigilant watchdog of Hell’s Kitchen. Originally a secretary for Matt and Foggy Nelson’s law firm, she became a consistent character in Daredevil stories for over thirty years. sad, Karen sacrificed herself To save Daredevil from Mysterio, never return to the comics since.
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During her eulogy, many Marvel heroes, such as Peter Parker, Steven Strange and T’Challa, and some of Marvel’s most important creators, such as Frank Miller, Kevin Smith, and of course, Stan LeeEveryone gathered to pay their respects to a beloved character and former ally to Daredevil. While Stan often appears in celebration or to help guide Marvel characters, he is also willing to show up to mourn alongside some of his creations for A dear beloved character. In a time when death means next to nothing in comics, this is incredibly sweet Karen Page’s farewell was attended by both the heroes and the Marvel staff.
10
Stan takes on the impossible man
Fantastic Four (1961) #176
Probably Marvel Bullpen’s funniest appearanceStan Lee, Jack Kirby, George Perez, and Roy Thomas gather to brainstorm their next comic book hit. However, this large-scale cameo actually falls within the established Marvel canon regarding Marvel Comics itself. in the comics, Marvel is an actual company that catalogs and records every major event And history about Earth-616’s heroes.
The historical documents are then translated into comics, which are sold to the masses. Jack Kirby suggests that They should just make a storyHowever, while they argue, their office is invaded by the incredibly strange-looking Impossible Man. Stan makes a very tongue-in-cheek tag that he remembers Impossible Man from an old story he wrote and also mentions how much readers hate him. A battle between the comic writers and the sick
Green Goblin-esque
creature, ultimately leading to a decisive victory for the comic book creators.