Text size:

Lee lands award

By Scott A. Rosenberg | scott.rosenberg@am-ny.com

6:54 PM EDT, April 15, 2008

Stan Lee, one of the most renowned names in the comic book field, jokes around when asked about the award -- The first New York Comics Legend Award -- he's receiving tomorrow.

"Well, I wonder what took so long," the Manhattan native says with a hearty laugh.

The 85-year-old Lee is kidding around, utilizing the same razor-sharp wit that wrote all of the wisecracks Spider-Man hurled in battle, but he does have a point.

He's had a hand in the creation of some of the most popular superheroes ever: Spider-Man, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four. He's been instrumental in comics since the early days, starting as an editor at Timely Comics, now Marvel, from 1941 until 1972, when he took over as publisher.

Lee discussed his award and why he still likes to go to comic conventions after all these years.

How does it feel to be getting this award? It feels great; I'm very honored. New York is my city. I've lived there all my life so it's really a thrill for me. It's always wonderful when I go back to New York.

Is it still fun for you to go to comic conventions? You can't not enjoy it. You go to a place where everybody asks for your autograph and people tell you they've been fans for so many years and it's the most gratifying feeling in the world. I almost wish I could live at a con. At home, my wife says, "Take the garbage out," and when you're at a con, you're a hero.

Do you have any favorite con memories? I think probably the first comic convention I went to. I went there and thought to myself, 'Gee, this is really cool.' No, that's wrong, I don't think we used the word cool. I probably said, 'This is really groovy.' You know what I mean.