When I was young, I found myself drawn to creative stories, I found myself loving the imagination of those who created Marvel Comics. I was in love with Robin, wanted to marry Superman, but most importantly wanted to be Spider(wo)man. I longed for a weird accident, or bite from an insect, that might just change me into a superhero saving the world from itself. Throughout all the Marvel Comic characters, I found myself relating to Spider-man. I would put myself in dark, creepy places hoping the magical spider would bite me and I would learn to hide my true identity from the public in order to protect it.
I’ve always desired to be a writer of stories. I never knew I had the talent to invoke such a destination, but I wanted it. I learned about the arc of storytelling by Stan Lee, the creator of many Marvel characters especially my beloved Peter Parker. I never knew, as a woman, I would have the honor to tell real stories. Stan Lee died this week. I found myself crying. He lived a long, creative life, but death does not discriminate. And at the age of 95, he took his last swing on a spiderweb that launched him into his next great adventure. What I love about Stan Lee’s personal story is that he created his famous characters under the Marvel Comic brand never benefiting from the huge finanical win-fall of his creative success. Once he was asked if he thought about all the money that Marvel Comic was making on his creative genius, he simple said, “I try not to think about it. I guess I’m too busy creating my art .” Now that is an authentic story-teller.
Sitting in an RV, in the mountains of North Carolina, I honor such stories tellers like Stan Lee from my past as I celebrate the talented Women paving a new path of storytelling. These talented women, Shonda Rhimes, Viola Davis and Tia Fey are making the world a better place through their writings of relatable stories.
I wish Stan Lee knew the six-year-old girl he inspired so many years ago through a comic book. It is my desire to work with strong woman who are loyal to the story as well as those they hire to tell it. So, when you see me working with Shonda Rhimes, Brene Brown or Viola Davis in the near future. just know it all started with a comic strip, a man who had a story and opened the door to the world of creativity and imagination.
And now the stories continue as strong women show up and redefine the viewpoint as well as honor those who inspired our paths
Thank you, Stan Lee.
PS – Peter Parker will always be scored on my heart.