It should come as no surprise to all ten of my longtime readers that The Hook is a nerd of mega-proportions.
I sleep in Star Wars pajama bottoms with a Batman top and graphic novels litter my bedroom with a look that screams, “This guy’s never had sex in his life.” Which, incidentally, isn’t true. I’ve been married for twenty-three years, so if you do the math… Okay, so I just did the math in my head and I’m going to move on now…
My point is this: Even though you’ll find me tweeting and blogging about travel and the hospitality industry (when I’m not getting blocked by Captain Kirk himself) most of the time, I still find few moments to write about some of my other passions like comics and the people who make them so amazing.
To that point, here are my thoughts on the passing of Stanley Martin Lieber, known the world over as Stan Lee. I’ve chosen to share these thoughts on one of the greatest fandom websites in existence: Pulp Nation. They’re a great bunch of Nerf Herders over there and I’m honored that they chose my work to help sink their site to an even grater low. 
Even in this day and age of blockbuster film franchises, crossover merch and (mostly) mainstream acceptance, comics are still just “funny books” to some troglodytes. To those people I say this: Grab a crowbar, open your mind and prepare to have your consciousness expanded to levels you’ve never dreamt of. Comics are a doorway to a world where hope is just an irradiated spider leap away.
And no one has led the way for more souls than Stan Lee.
So if you’d be so kind, please follow this portal to Pulp Nation and give me a chance to make my case for the power of imagination and the enduring legacy of Stan Lee.
See you in the lobby, True Believers…
You've Been Hooked! 
Nerds do get laid. When I was twenty, I had a girlfriend who had Star Wars everything, including bed sheets and pillow cases. That’s when I found out that there are certain activities that aren’t enhanced by having Chewbacca staring at you while you are engaging in them.
In my case it was a Vampire Diaries poster behind my wife’s side of the bed.
Okay going there, Hook.
Thanks, John.
A great tribute to a giant of the comic book world who has probably jiggled more imaginations than anyone else.. Appreciated Hook.
Hugs
Hugs back, David.
Well done over at Pulp Nation, Hook. I left a comment but don’t know if it is there or not. About the incident. I was also assaulted when I was eleven years old. Like you I didn’t report it to my mom (my dad had died a year before) or the police but chose to live it alone. As you wisely noted, one either moves on or makes the incident a cause for failure. The incident can control your life or remain an ugly memory. I chose the ugly memory and am glad I did. .
So am I, John.
We’re both survivors and I’m proud to be able to stand beside you in solidarity.
🙂
You must definitely be a Big Bang fan!
For the most part, yes!
I used to read imported Marvel comics back in the early 60s. Spiderman/Fantastic Four made DC heroes look lame.
Very true.
Now I can’t get your pajama combination out of my head… Curse you, Hook!
I’m a rascal, Mark…
Along with Spiderman (of course), my favorite comic book heroes were Green Lantern and The Flash. Such memories …
They’re the best, aren’t they?
I think everyone liked Spiderman; my other favourite was Wolverine. I found it awesome that while other heroes reined in their anger and did minimum damage, aside from the Hulk, Logan just let ‘er rip.
He really is a fascinating character.
And he’s Canadian!
What a phenomenal tribute! My son got me into the Marvel movies, and they don’t disappoint. I loved it when Stan had his cameo, and my son always loves to point out all the references. He’ll most definitely live on through his characters.
Absolutely.
We should all be so blessed.
Stan Lee’s comics are truly Brilliant works of ART. Stan made me a believer of imagantion and made me a believer, that anything is possible.
I love all his Marvel Movies and I’am so very sad that Stan is gone, but watch out Heaven Stan will be planning some great movies up there. I will miss you do much Stan RIP ❤❤❤❤❤💚💃💚
Thank you for sharing that moving tribute, Barbara.
I don’t need to be sold on Stan Lee. I’m a huge fan of this remarkable man. I will however go over there and read your piece.
Thanks, Michelle.
Stan Lee was a lot like the characters he created, co-created, and nurtured; human, with greater than usual abilities.
That’s beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.
A very well done piece, Hook. It was insightful, and done with moxie. Bravo!
Thanks, Diana!
So sad.. .the universe truly lost one of the good guys! Nice tribute! ❤