Happy Birthday Stan the Man

 December 28, 1922, Celia Lieber gave birth in her New York City apartment, to a baby boy.  Celia and her husband Jack Lieber named their child,” Stanley Martin Lieber”.

Today he is known as,”Stan the man” he is an American comic book writer, editor, and the former president to Pow!  Studios.

 This voracious man worked hard to be where he is today. He started at the bottom, and worked his way to the top! During his teenage years he attended DeWitt Clinton High School and worked part time writing obituaries for a news service. He also wrote press releases for the National Tuberculosis Center and was a delivery boy, delivering sandwiches for the Jack May pharmacy. Stan also worked as an office boy for a trouser manufacturer, and was an usher at the Rivoli Theater on Broadway.

Did you know Stan Lee was in the army during World War II? Well, you know now. While he was serving time in the Army Stan wrote manuals, training films, and slogans, and occasionally he would do cartooning.

After his Army days around 1941 Stan’s Uncle Robbie Solomon helped him enter the comic book industry. Stan worked as a writer for the new Timely Comics, which evolved into Marvel Comics around the 1960’s. August 1941 was Stan’s first superhero co-creation, the Destroyer, in Mystic Comics #6.  He also had part in and Father Time, debuting in Captain America Comics #6. This was the golden age of comics.  At the age of 19 Stan lee was editor-in-chief of Goodman’s publishing. Nothing could stop him, and he was eager to take on the comic industry one by one.

Around 1947 Stan lee married his Love, Joan Clayton Boocock and raised a beautiful family in Woodmere, New York, on Long Island.

This I found very interesting, in the mid-1950s Stan was writing for Atlas Comics. Atlas Comics is one of the many entities that Goodman called his company, before it involved into Marvel Comics. Moving on, Stan wrote many genres which included romance, Westerns, humor, science fiction, medieval adventure, horror and suspense. Ok, for the part I found interesting, Stan lee at this time became dissatisfied with his career that he actually considered quitting.

In 1951 Joan Lieber advised Stan to experiment with stories he preferred. Stan Openly took his wife’s advice. Stan lee created characters that broke away from the norm. His characters had Greed, Vanity, and etcetera.  Stan lee created characters that broke away from the perfect reality of past Superheroes.

Stan lee and Jack Kirby brought us a new set of characters, which led marvel to the top. The first group of heroes was, “The Fantastic Four” then the Hulk, Iron Man, Thor and the X-Men with Bill Everett, Daredevil with Steve Ditko, Doctor Strange and Marvel's most successful character, Spider-Man.

There was no way to stop this man. Stan edited, scripted, moderated the letter pages and had his very own editorial page, "Stan's Soapbox”. He spoke to his readers about social justice issues such as discrimination, intolerance, and prejudice.

Later in the 1980’s he moved to California. Stan was now Executive producer to Marvel Film and TV.  Stan was president to the entire company, yet he felt he was unable to use his creative side so, he stepped down to Publisher.

I can go on and on talking about the movies he appeared in. I can speak about all the great books he has published. The list goes on and on. I honestly can write a book about this man. There is just too much to mention about his life.  For example, did you know he met President Bush? Well, he did and that’s a story all in its self.  How about in the 1980’s Stan got a star on the walk of fame. Do you see where I am coming from? The list just goes on and on. Honestly I am writing an article for you to read, but it can easily be turned into a biography.

Here is a man that his parents were Romanian-born Jewish immigrants. His parents moved to New York City and struggled to give him and his brother a good life. Stan shared a bedroom with his brother as his mom and dad slept on a pull out couch.

Here is a man that battled his whole life and succeeded.  Stan lee became president and chairman of Marvel Comics.  He published countless books and characters we all grown to love and created movies that we still watch today.  He won numerous Awards and honors which he greatly deserved.

Stan lee turned 87 today and he’s still working hard to give us what we love.  His last book, “Election Daze” published by his partner Tom Filsinger brings us the laughter and Joy this world needs.  I heard they are both working on some new things for 2010. The man just doesn’t stop!

Stan lee, it’s your birthday. I’m speaking for all your fans out there,” For those that ever doubted your creativity and your dream, well, here is your time to tell them where to stick it”.

Happy Birthday Stan! You will always be the man!

You know who I am? I'm Spider-Man

A few days back I checked my messages on MySpace, and out of the pile of messages one stuck out to me. We all love him and know him as, our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. He invited me to take a look at his profile page on MySpace. What a trip that was, his page is filled with videos, which are all comic related.  These videos star him, and some videos have special guests. I chose the above Video to showcase because as I was watching that particular video, well, Spider-Man had me rolling with Laughter.

 Just like the original Spider-Man, no one knows what hides beneath his Spidey suit. Maybe his red head wife or relatives may have seen him exposed, but for the rest of us, it remains a mystery.

Do you remember the women that tell the news in nude? Well, if you don’t, you should Google it. Anyway, this kind of reminds me of the same concept, which is telling the news with a twist.  However instead of local news, Spider-Man hosts “The Daily Bugle”.  And ladies our Spidey has clothes on!

Spider-Man   gives us the inside scoop to the “New York Comic Con 2009”. And we even get a look at the Bat mobile.  Wait, wait, there’s more. Spiderman speaks about Stan Lees,”Election Daze” and President Obama’s fixation with Spider-Man comics.  He has segments going back 11 months ago. You are bound to find one that tickles your fancy. He’s entertaining and his topics appeal to all ages. What are you waiting for? Go check it out at “The Daily Bugle”

Hollywood walk of Fame

Hollywood walk of Fame

I am not one to be star struck, however when It came to my attention that our beloved characters are receiving Stars, well, What do you think?  Dayum right I became Star struck. I’m like a child in a candy store. My fingers couldn’t hit the key board fast enough, as I searched for more information. I looked like a wacky character in a Bugs Bunny movie, as my fingers were typing at ridiculous speeds.

So, I did find out the names of the characters’ that are on the” Hollywood Walk of Fame”.  Let’s start with one of my many favorites, name this trademark,” "Ha-ha-ha-HAA-ha!"”.  Woody Woodpecker. His first appearance in film was in 1940 he appeared in the film, “Knock Knock” and stole the show. Another little tid-bit about Woody is that his laugh was originally done, by Bugs Bunny. However unlike Woody I am not going to pester you, although like woody, I too would get big joy from it. But we will move on to the next Hollywood Famer!

Leave it to a man to come up with a sexy character that is beloved by every animation lover. ”Tinkerbell”, originally by J. M. Barrie who was a Scottish author and dramatist. Many know her from the film or book, Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. Today she holds a star of her accomplishments in California.

Won’t you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street.  His friends call him, “Bird”; the rest of the world knows him by “Big Bird”.  He’s a bird of many talents, misunderstands many things and he’s always with his bear “Radar”.  Bird is a big part of all our childhood memories. His star on the walk of fame will glisten always.

I don’t believe I have ever seen anyone with a hot headed temper, like “Donald Duck”. I don’t gamble, however, I just might place a wager that Donald got his Star by throwing a tantrum. When I’m done writing this article, I’m going to ask Daisy the 411 on Donald and his star. You know us woman stick together.

The rainbow connection for lovers and dreamers and Kermit! He gets around; you will find him hanging out with his friends at Sesame Street and recording in studios. His first hit, Rainbow Connection”.  I want to tell you more about him, but Miss. Piggy gets jealous when other women talk about her Frog.  When you’re in Hollywood, don’t forget to check out his star on the walk of fame.

Did you know that Brother Grimm’s came out with the story Snow White? Not only that but it was known all over Europe. In German they called it, “Schneewittchen”. Then in 1937 Disney came out with the film, “Snow White and the seven dwarfs”. Today she is still loved by older generations and the new generation of Disney fairy tales. Of course this Scarlett got her star, there’s no Diva like Snow white, and I applaud her for having seven guys whipped! You go girl!

The next character was born in 1940, a Brooklyn warrior and mascot for Warner Brothers. What’s up Doc?   His Star on “Hollywood walk of fame”, that’s what’s up. In 2002 Bugs Bunny was said to be the greatest cartoon character of all time.  Just like your typical Brooklyn character, he had no problem sharing this honor with his pal Mickey Mouse.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they both go to California together to look at their stars, and give autographs to their fans. That’s how Brooklyn folks role.

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you”, Said Poo bear. The original bear was created by Author A.A. Milne and illustrator E.H Sherpard in 1926. Then in 1960 Winnie the Poo made the New York Times best seller list. His story was told in many translations.  Give that bear a star!

Now, let’s move into the new generation of cartoons. We have Rug Rats , The Simpsons and Family Guy!

That’s all folks!!

"Civil War 2099-2100" Coming to a Galaxy near you!

Heres something exciting for all you gamers out there, "CHAMPIONS OF THE GALAXY” will be releasing an expansion on December 24, 2009. Drum roll please, ok stop! The New expansion of the game is called, "Civil War 2099-2100". Tom Filsinger, President to Filsinger Games brings to the table one of the highest-selling, comic book writers in the industry.  You ready game fans?  It’s our one and only,”Brian Michael Bendis “.  Wait there’s more, Brian drawn 24 characters to be featured in the new expansion, “Civil War 2099-2100”.

 "Brian was a fantastic partner to work with," said game creator, Tom Filsinger."The newly enhanced versions of his card art bring a new       dimension to the work he did for the game."

Listen up all you COTG players and also to you new comers, which you know you can began to play COTG at any point of the game. Get ready for some slamming characters!

"This is a side of Brian Bendis most people have never seen and harkens back to the days when Brian was writing and drawing his own independent comic books." said Filsinger.

For more information go to http://www.filsingergames.com

The Simpsons House Give Away

This is some old news, however I found it very fascinating. A replica of the Simpsons house was built in 1997 by Kaufman and Broad home builders in Henderson Nevada. It took them 49 days to construct this home. The house was worth 120,000 and was used as a grand prize for a contest sponsored by Pepsi, Fox and the home builder. The winner that will occupy the house was obligated to repaint the home according with the local home owners association.  The house was opened to the public; more than 30,000 people visited the Simpsons home. 15 million people submitted into this contest ,but there could only be one winner. The winner had a choice either take the house or cash of 75,000. Barbara Howard from Richmond, Kentucky was the lucky winner. I was surprised that she chose the cash and not the house. I bet she can kick herself in the ass now or maybe not.

The house was then remodeled and sold to a new owner in 2001 by the builder.

“Excelsior!”

“Excelsior!”

Tonight Tom Filsinger and I had a lengthy conversation.  We spoke about Stan lees book “Election Daze” , and other great things on the horizon. Our conversation came to a close. I decided to watch a video that Tom had recorded with his partner ,Stan Lee.  In the video they spoke about the new book Election Daze, had a contest and took questions.

Tom mentions that the photos in Election Daze are by award-winning, Capitol Hill photographer, Lauren Victoria Burke.  Filsinger’s Publishing then gave them to Stan Lee. They gave Stan hundreds of photos and Stan had,” some very witty remarks” for every photo. Tom explained how difficult it was to choose which gags go into the book.  Stan replied to this statement in a witty, nonchalant manner.  It was hysterical to hear the two of them interact. Tom holds himself in a professional manner. You clearly see he’s the business Guru of this operation. Stan Lee was just being Stan Lee as we know him.

 

The contest was fun, Tom and Stan had a picture of Barack Obama and they had everyone in the room come up with a gag. The winner received a signed copy of the book and an Election Daze pin.

When it came to the questions, Tom had everything covered. Stan lee was ready to take questions, as he looked out into the room for raising hands; Tom then stated he already has the questions.Throughout the whole video Tom was alert, and covered everything. He was sharper than an eagle’s eye. He’s on top of his game.  It’s no wonder Stan lee has partnered up with Tom, it’s obvious he’s an Ace of the trade.

Well, why are you still here reading? Go watch the video and see for yourself.

"Stan lee and Tom Filsinger are two pees in a pod"

TV Land

I am thrilled to announce that I have been working all day on interviews, as well as catching up on emails. It was defiantly a productive day.

I have a great resource that I was working with all night. I must tell you, I have very juicy information and fun facts to share; within the coming months, years, and I hope for a very long time.
I hope you like “The Simpsons” and “The Cleveland Show”. Those are just two out of many other television shows I will be writing about.

I am also happy to announce that I am working with actors/ actresses that do the voice-overs for many of the TV shows that come into your home.

I’m working night and day to bring you the entertainment you want to read about.

imaginedaily.com 

Partnership with Stan Lee

“Partnership with Stan Lee”

Let me start off by saying, “Wow!” It was truly a blessing when I met Tom Filsinger. Who knew?  The man I was speaking too in 2008 would have made a big impact in my life.  I met Tom online on a community network that many call, “My Space dating service”. However, for Tom and me it was all about networking and business as usual. The funny thing is when we began talking it was just me being interested in Tom’s game business and Publishing Company, No; Stan lee wasn’t even a glimpse in my eye. I was all about Toms drive and motivation to succeed .His drive fascinated me to continue our relationship. And at this time I was into poetry and writing books so, Tom being a President to a Publishing company really caught my interest.

On occasions I get a journalist that’s interested in interviewing me for their magazine, or as a guest host on their radio show. I am always asked the same question and that is,” Who inspires you?”  Well, up until now it was always a tricky question. I never had anyone I looked up too or anyone that inspired me.
Finally now I am ready to answer that question. Tom Filsinger has been and will always be an inspiration to me and in my eyes he’s a super hero. Here is a man that has dreams and goals and succeeds with every blow he strikes. Tom shows the American dream is possible.

I always knew about the Stan Lee book,” Election Daze”.  Tom spoke about it to me numerous times before it was even publicized. However, I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was until I did an exclusive interview with Tom for, “Imagine”.  I know, I know, you must be saying to yourself, “how did the name Stan Lee not set off bells in her head.” Well, it didn’t and the fact is like I stated earlier, I was all about Tom Filsinger and his drive that I over looked his Empire. I consider myself blessed and faith may have something to do with it. Humbly speaking, I am forever grateful to have grown a partnership with Tom Filsinger.

I don’t like to repeat conversations I have with my clients/friends but I can say that Tom and Stan Lee has not only formed a business relationship, they are friends as well.  They are both working on new projects for 2010. Stay tuned for my March Issue to find out about all the goodies they have for us. Great News! Tom and I had a conversation on the telephone last week speaking about Imagines March issue. Not only will I have the exclusive interview with the man himself but I will also have the privilege to write an article on Stan Lee. This isn’t your normal article. I would love to tell you more about it but, it’s a secret. You will have to wait till my March issue of Imagine.