Taking an evenhanded stance on the ugly squabbles that developed between Lee and artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko over who played just what roles in developing the foundational Marvel characters, he nonetheless perceptively argues that Lee's distinctive voice was his greatest contribution because it created and, over decades, established a uniquely human, flawed superhero archetype.

No public figure engaged with young fans more than Stan Lee. Bob Batchelor captures his amazin' tale, ensuring that Stan 'The Man' will continue to inspire, guide, and entertain for generations to come."

When writing a definitive account of a figure that looms as large as any fictional superhero, such as Stan Lee, the chosen writer must know the subject beyond genial superlatives. ... As a celebrated historian and author, Bob Batchelor expertly delves into the canvas of Stan Lee's creations as well as the creator himself in a discourse that is matchless, an exemplary biography with heart that shares how Stan Lee helped to shape the comic book medium's landscape as well as our contemporary understanding of the power of the individual."

Batchelor's young adult edition of Stan Lee: The Man Behind Marvel vividly depicts the verve of Stan 'The Man' as well as the popular culture of the eras in which he flourished. A great next-step bio for kids who grew up with the Meltzer and Eliopoulos 'Ordinary People Change the World' serie.s