When we started talking about bringing Jonathon out to New York for ComicCon in August of 2007, we couldn’t have dreamed that the trip would be as amazing as it has been. We talked about who we wanted to see, what we’d like to do and always at the top of the list was Stan Lee. Jonathon is a huge fan. Spiderman, Xmen, the man himself. Unfortunately Stan doesn’t usually sign for the public unless he’s set up at a signing booth while at ComicCon.
After a press panel about the new Ultimo project that Stan is involved in, he was whisked away by staffers and brought to the back of the convention center. My media Editor Jenn was quick witted enough to grab one of the staffers and call attention to Jonathon as we followed behind. As Stan was lead into the back, out of the public area, we found ourselves. . . invited along!
Stan was kind and gracious enough to talk with Jonathon for a bit, sign not only his autograph page in the program but also one of his Spiderman books and essentially made this whole trip completely 100% amazing. Thanks Stan, for making Jonathon’s dream come true and giving us a crowning moment (one of several!) for this trip. Here’s the raw footage which still gives me goose bumps to watch.
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April 18th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Honestly, that was one of the most amazing meetings- ever, once in a life time. After coming across others a little later in the day, it made Stan Lee shine even more. To see New York or to meet a legend by yourself is a wonderful thing. To witness it all through the eyes of a very special child (your own child) is another experience all together.
I *should* begin write ups of the industry (which I’ll get around to- days perhaps behind others who are attending the event), but right at this moment everything pales in comparison to keeping Jonathon’s energy flowing.
Yes there were some people I had come across who have tainted the industry here. It’s all about the money. There are others who are obviously about the art and keeping up a level to meet the expectation of the fans and the readers. I tip my virtual hat to them. They are the ones who keep this magical part of the industry alive.
I sat on my knees in front of the panel of legends with one arm held up as I recorded approximately 45 minutes of once in a lifetime conversations between the greats. I felt humbled in their presence, I felt my arm ache and all I could think about was capturing this for my son who was in the back row- who will look upon it in the upcoming years to learn and appreciate from the men and woman who created this industry that has shaped and influenced our culture, sparked our imaginations and assisted in us finding our inner strengths when we were on the verge of feeling defeated. I felt I was holding up my little flip camera for him, my kid brother and all other fans who truly knows what an honor it was to be kneeling mere feet in front of, as Ben wrote: Dick Ayers, Nick Cardy, Irwin Hasen, Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert, Stan Lee, Jerry Robinson, John Romita, Sr, Joe Simon, Joe Sinnott and Mort Walker to name a few.
When the time came for them to step down, they stepped up and did the proper thing by holding off on their other obligations by taking a moment to answer that ‘one more question’ or give ‘one more autograph’ and most importantly, they took an additional moment to smile and respect a young boy who thought the world of them.
When Joe Simon, a 95 year old legend got up and stepped off the stage to shake my boys’ hand and sign his book (he could have signed it from the table as he was everyone else’s) I gasped. Tears formed in my eyes as it was a very touching gesture and once more I was humbled before the both of them.
When I return back to Oregon with my press packets on what’s to come with various manga books, video games, comics, films etc; I’ll do a few write ups and get the word out.
In the meantime, I hope everyone takes a moment to look at the work once again of these people who truly earned and deserve the title “Legend”.
April 19th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Touching moment.
Really great to see the legend make a dream come true.
April 19th, 2008 at 11:47 am
wow, just wow!
September 26th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Wow, I love hearing stories that center on making a kid wish come true. I could tell from Jonathan expression that he was so happy to meet Stan Lee and was very appreciative. It was really nice of Stan Lee to make a fan dream come true. I happy that you guys made Jonathan dreams come true and made the experience memorable.
June 29th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
A move finalized late tonight less than three days before the end of the fiscal year.