Happy Birthday, Mister Marvel!

Today is anniversary of that boy who recited Shakespeare, and who dreamed of accomplishing great things - but he never imagined that he would become a myth in his own lifetime.

He managed to rebuild the battered American Comics industry and made the small publisher Marvel become the greatest creative power of Comics when he wrote exciting and optimistic stories, and created human protagonists with existential conflicts.

He influenced in his 90 years of life, professionals in Comics, Film and Television. He was called "The Homer of modern times" and "Mister Marvel"; and is loved by fans worldwide, and also admired by celebrities like Gene Simmons, Ringo Starr, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Larry Cohen and Tom Wolfe (just not to extend too).

Not unlike me. When I was just a kid, I discovered the comic books he wrote and decided I wanted to work in the Comics industry.

Suddenly, I was being paid to write and edit some comics, or to write about them. Magazines, books, graphic novels. My name was printed on every kind of publication.

Then came invitations to participate in debates, giving interviews to newspapers, talk radio and put my face on television. All these things have made and continue to be part of my job, but you know, I enjoy a lot!

And he was one of the main responsible for this. Because of him, my life became infinitely more fun and exciting.

God bless you, Stan Lee!

© Copyright Roberto Guedes. All rights reserved.