Review by Booklist Review
Probably the most famous comics writer of our time is Lee. Creator of such icons as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, Lee has become a fan favorite for his groundbreaking ideas and warm personality. His comic-book-style memoir is a perfect reflection of his life, filled with corny jokes and the sensational enthusiasm that Lee poured into his years of work. Lee and coauthor David clearly have fun with the piece, in one instance swatting an original Action Comics out of little Stan Lee's hands, stating that the comic would never become valuable. It's a thorough history of not only his life but of the comic-book industry, from its struggles in the 1950s with censorship to its recent focus on movie blockbusters. Doran's artwork is reliable and adds to the lighthearted feel, and although more could have been done with the blank backgrounds that fill most of the piece, she valiantly mimics the various styles used by Jack Kirby and other Lee collaborators. A wonderful take on an amazing man. Excelsior!--Blenski, Peter Copyright 2015 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Ninety-two-year-old subject Lee, co- writer David, and artist Doran create an entertaining, if decidedly rose-colored picture of the man behind Marvel in this lively comics memoir. Lee's life has certainly been a full one, spanning multiple wars, presidents, and eras in the industry he has been such a part of. Lee maintains a jaunty tone through every slump and resurrection, which pairs wonderfully with Doran's dynamic artwork and well-developed sense of comic timing. But as any longtime comics fan can tell you, Lee is a master of self-aggrandizement. According to him, he was ahead of every curve, sensitive to every employee, and behind every innovation of the 20th-century comics industry. This isn't a fatal flaw-Lee is undeniably accomplished-but by the final page, the book's tone of uncritical celebration begins to grate. Still, this is a worthwhile memoir for the interested layman-as long as it's read with more than a few grains of salt. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Lee, the genial, outsized personality at the heart of Marvel Comics for most of its first three decades, has lived the American Dream. His immense creativity, aided by a knack for humorous self-promotion and a work ethic forged during his Depression-era youth, has brought him from poverty to a National Medal of Arts and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With much hilarity and charm, he narrates his life story here, aided by comics veteran David and lovely, accomplished artwork by Doran. From his 60-plus-year marriage to the Marvel glory years when he cocreated Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk to his ambassadorial work for Marvel on college campuses and in Hollywood, the book includes many of the same anecdotes as the 2010 Lee documentary film With Great Power and adds others, such as the time he met Paul McCartney and the time George W. Bush didn't kiss him. VERDICT One could wish for more detail-how, for instance, could he have left out the Silver Surfer? But this is a lovable account of a lovable character.-S.R. © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Comic book legend Lee offers fans a graphic autobiography in his inimitably jaunty style. There's no denying Lee's place in the pop-culture pantheon. As the writer and co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, and numerous other spandex-clad superheroes, he not only influenced subsequent generations of writers and artists, but also laid the foundation for the multibillion-dollar movie franchises those characters have since spawned. Along with co-writer David (Artful: A Novel, 2014, etc.) and artist Doran (The Vampire Diaries, 2014, etc.)whose detailed linework is superbLee recounts his hardscrabble youth in Manhattan; his entry into a nascent comic-book industry still dominated by horror, Westerns, and romances; military service in World War II, during which he was responsible for the creation of a particularly memorable poster reminding soldiers to do their duty to get treated for venereal disease; and rise from intern to icon as superheroes came to dominate the comics landscape (in large part due to Lee's efforts). After years of being accused of perhaps claiming too much credit for his creations, Lee casts ample spotlight on artists like Jack "King" Kirby (X-Men, Fantastic Four) and Steve Ditko (Spider-Man), who played equally important roles in developing the heroes that are so ubiquitous today, but he makes sure the light shines brightest on himself. The author's influence on the comics industry cannot be overstated; even if he sometimes gets too much credit for creating characters and stories, he doesn't get enough recognition for being the driving force behind connecting those characters to an audience hungry for flawed human heroes. One might argue, however, that among his myriad creations, one of his most impressiveand persuasivemay very well be the legendary Stan Lee himself. A worthwhile primer for adoring acolytes, but too much P.T. Barnum and not enough behind-the-scenes insights for a broader audience. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
