Remembering Stan Lee: A Look Back At Early TV Appearances

Photo by Gage Skidmore

X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, Hulk, Nick Fury, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Black Widow, Cyclops, Doctor Doom, Galactus, Magneto, She-Hulk, J. Jonah Jameson, Jessica Jones, Mary Jane Watson, Wasp…

These are just a few of the gifts given to use by the late, great Stan Lee, who passed away at age 95 on Nov. 12.

The Father of a Thousand Heroes and Marvel guru left a legacy that that will continue to inspire and grow for many years to come. From comic books to television shows to box office blockbusters, Lee left a legacy that will keep his name on the lips of future fans for years to come.

Here is a look back at Stan “The Man” Lee from early TV appearances as he talked about life, love and comic books.

Stan Lee Talk Show (1968)

Early appearance of a young, bearded Stan Lee, who talks about the generation gap between the older generation and comic book fans. Lee explores comic books as a way to spread positive messages to youth culture while acting as a voice for a generation. The conversations turns to who has the power to change society society and why its is important to reach new generations in encouraging ways.

Thirty Minutes with Stan Lee (1975)

Stan chat candidly about his early years in the comic book industry, his writing career that started with penning obituaries, and how he pitched his most iconic characters, including the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and The Hulk, to name a few. Watch as a Lee describes to mainstream audiences the mentality of the Thing.

Stan Lee’s Soapbox with Roy Thomas (1976)

The publisher of Marvel Comics interviews the editor-in-chief of Marvel. Together the Marvel men talk about the importance of costumes when it comes to superheroes and the art of Conan the Barbarian.

Interview with Stan Lee (1977)

Lee give a brief history of Marvel Comics and the art of creating comics on this early interview from Virginia Tech. Lee also talks about Spider-Man and how he was hurt with the death of Gwen Stacy. Lee also talks about how Marvel changed the comic industry by introducing adult themes into comic books, which were previously thought to be for little kids.

“The theory was that we are going to write the stories we enjoy reading.”

Lee on CBC’s Beyond Reason (1980)

So, this a weird one.

A panel of “psychics” attempt to guess the identity of Lee on this weird-ass game show. Players included a astrologer, a psychic graphologist and a clairvoyant.

Despite the oddness of the concept, Lee managed to make a few great points about the importance of Spider-Man has a humanizing hero.

Stan Lee on the couch at Thicke of the Night (1984)

Alan Thicke’s talk show invited Mr. Lee to the couch, who used the time to talk about how comics are a positive influence on new generations because they encourage kids to read.

“Comic books are the last defense against creeping illiteracy.”

Additional guests include Steve Allen.

Rest in Peace, Stan.

Excelsior!